Abstract

The United States is becoming more and more multiracial, but little research attends to multiracial characters in children’s picture books. This research employed a critical content analysis using the lens of critical race theory to examine eight children’s picture books published after 2000. This study sought to answer two questions. First, using a critical race theory lens, what patterns and tensions emerge in the depictions of multiracial characters in children’s picture books? Secondly, how do the depictions of multiracial characters in children’s picture books perpetuate deconstructed conceptualizations of multiracial identity? Common themes that presented themselves in this study were (a) how food is used to represent a multiracial character’s skin color, (b) the similarities and differences of the multiracial characters’ cultures, (c) the multiracial characters’ appearance, specifically their hair and eyes, (d) the affirmations given to and received by the main characters, (e) and love and unity. The analysis is followed by a conclusion for implications for parents, teachers, authors, and publishers.

Degree

MA

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Teacher Education

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2022-06-14

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd12368

Keywords

biracial, multiracial, children's books, Critical Race Theory

Language

english

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