Greetings class, I pray all is well and that you are enjoying the wonderful weather we’ve had lately!
In Monday’s class, we discussed an array of topics, but for our discussion I want us to reflect more on books as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors.
Refresher From Class Slides:
Books as Mirrors – “Books that reflect images of readers’ multiple identities and the world we truly live in. These books empower and uplift readers by allowing them to make strong personal connections to stories.”
Books as Windows – “Books that allow readers to see into the lives and experiences of others. They expose readers to history and authentic perspectives and help them develop understandings about the wider world.”
Books as Sliding Glass Doors – “Books that further expand on the concept of windows. Instead of just viewing another person’s culture or experience, sliding glass doors allow readers to walk into a story and become part of the world. Reading these stories encourages reflection and action and can result in a reader’s change of perspective.” (Stohr-Hunt, 2025) https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dTeUaSxGJ8Q-gSMnRLzIL5gJRIZ0rESLxpgen7hYorA/edit#slide=id.g341467e079f_1_1474
We’ve discussed in-depth the importance of readers being able to see themselves represented in the books they’re reading. Along with the fact that a variety of lessons, experiences, backgrounds, and cultures can be depicted in the books we read to our students and provide in our classroom. It is important to provide them with books that mirror them, and books that act as windows and sliding glass doors into a variety of worldviews and perspectives.
What are three books that you would like to have/have in your classroom library that act as a mirror, window, and sliding glass door for your students? Remember the Steps to Evaluating Books Worksheet we were given in class can be used to aid in evaluating the children’s books you choose to share with students. Please also share a book from your childhood that you enjoyed reading that acted as a mirror, window, or sliding glass door.
A book that acted as a sliding glass door in my childhood was Prisoner B-3087, written by Alan Gratz. I picked up this book in the second grade and it tells the story of Yanek Gruener who had just turned thirteen years old at the start of World War II. Prisoner B-3087 immerses you in his experience from moving into the ghettos of Poland to being taken from his family and going from concentration camp to concentration camp throughout the war. The book closes with Yanek Gruener surviving the atrocities he faced and figuring out how to live life after surviving the unimaginable. The book opened my eyes to the horrors of the Holocaust and the stories of so many like Yanek Gruener. Books like these, share a truth, a reality of so many, these stories are invaluable. If we erase our history and choose to not mention the hard stuff, we will fall into the trap of repeating it.
I can’t wait to read your responses, have a blessed week!
Angelina Dickens
Hi Angelina! Thank you so much for this great post and your great questions!
I really liked the way you highlighted the importance of books serving as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors in the classroom. I found your example of Prisoner B-3087 as a sliding glass door to be very powerful, as it teaches readers about a historical reality that is crucial to remember and learn from. I definitely agree that books play an essential role in broadening perspectives and fostering empathy.
In my own classroom library, I would include the following books:
For a mirror, I would use Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña. This book reflects the everyday experiences of children in urban communities and highlights themes of gratitude, diversity, and the beauty in everyday life. For students who see themselves in the journey of the book, it provides validation and representation.
For a window, and for students a bit older, I would use the chapter book Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lại. I read this book in elementary school and I still remember the impact it had on me, as it follows a young Vietnamese refugee’s journey to America, offering a window into the challenges of displacement and cultural adjustment. It helps readers develop empathy and understanding for immigrant experiences.
For a sliding glass door, and for older students, I would use the chapter book The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. I read this book last year, and I feel that it really immerses readers in the world of a Black teen who witnesses a police shooting, prompting critical discussions on social justice.
A book from my childhood that acted as a window for me was Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. While I didn’t share Esperanza’s background, her story of resilience, change, and adapting to new circumstances helped me understand and appreciate the experiences of migrant families.
I believe that the books we choose to share with students are incredibly important. I think they shape not only how students see themselves but also how they understand others. I think stories can foster discussion, empathy, and critical thinking. By making a diverse classroom library, we can ensure that all students feel valued while also encouraging them to engage with perspectives beyond their own.
Thank you again for your post! I hope you have a great weekend!!
Mackenzie
Hi Angelina!
Thanks for the great post! I enjoyed you mentioning Prisoner B-3087, I also read that book and I still remember the power and difficult story it spoke to.
In my classroom I hope to use Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt as a mirror for my students. I found this book earlier this year and it tells an important story of food insecurity, poverty, and helping others, or yourself. It offers young students insight into an all too common struggle and for students struggling with a similar situation, a way to see themselves and know they’re not alone.
As a window I hope to use What Happened to You by James Catchpole. This book tells the story of a young boy with a physical disability and the way people (especially young children who may not have developed an understanding of social dues) often speak to those with physical disabilities. The book sheds light on the experience of people with physical disabilities and how to speak to them kindly and respectfully. It helps young readers put themselves in the shoes of someone who has a physical disability and how discouraging words can be when blunt.
As a sliding glass door I would use is When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka. This book follows a family as they live in the United States during WWII, and eventually are forced into a Japanese Incarceration Camp. I read this book in school and it opened my eyes and understanding to something I had never heard about before and allowed readers to follow the family throughout the entire story and the horrors they endured. I would use this with older students so they could also grasp the deep culture, oppression, and experience of the family. Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors are all equally important in creating a classroom with diverse literature.
Thanks again for such a great post and questions and have a great rest of your week!
-Cecilia
Thank you for focusing on this part of the lesson! I really enjoyed reading books and thinking about the characters and messages through the eyes of children as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. I’d like to teach 2nd or 3rd grade, and some of the ones I was thinking about using were already mentioned by previous posters, which just meant I had to do some research (never a bad thing!).
Books as Mirrors
After seeing the statistics in class that historically less than 30% of books published for children are about non-white characters (though lots about animals!) I think it’s important to find mirror books. A few options I’d like to include – I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, which celebrates the beauty of Black hair. Another book is Teach Us Your Name by Huda Essa to encourage kids to teach others how to pronounce their names correctly. In a recent job I had, I realized someone I worked with for years never felt comfortable correcting others on the pronunciation of her name. Ideally no child in my classroom will ever feel that way.
Books as Windows
Recently on a walk to the park, I watched a large group of families gather on a soccer field and scatter brightly colored powder on each other and into the air. Pictures were taken, food consumed, and lots of giggling commenced. Everyone in the group wore white or tan, which made the intense colors pop on clothing and hair. Curious about the celebration, I asked a boy who ran over to the playground what they were celebrating. He told me about Holi, and I decided to do some research. I found the book Festival of Colors by mother-son team Surishtha & Kabir Sehgal. We see the springtime Hindu festival of colors through the eyes of Indian siblings Chintoo and Mintoo. In addition to the bright and joyous depictions of colorful clothes and dancing people, the book reminds us that “Holi is a festival of fresh starts. And friendship. And forgiveness.” That is a beautiful message to share in the classroom.
Books as Sliding Glass Doors
I did some research for this one, as I’d ideally like to teach a 3rd grade classroom, and I wanted to find a book accessible to all reading levels in the class. I’d like to include “Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln” by Margarita Engle. This book covers the topic of leaving Venezuela to immigrate to the U.S., as well as the enduring love for music through the eyes of young Teresa. It’s also an example of historical fiction that is very relatable to children. The illustrations are beautiful and I liked the enduring message that passion, work, and expressions of joy can give you comfort in times of uncertainty and fear.
I think I’ll start to aggregate a lot of these ideas and the ones I found online to make sure I had a robust book list for my future classroom. We can tie the books to larger themes about appreciating and celebrating our differences, and how we can learn from one another.
Thank you again for the interesting prompt, and I look forward to getting more book ideas from other classmates!
Hi Angelina! Thank you for your post.
One book I want to use in my classroom as a mirror is “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry. This book explores a girl and her dad’s relationship while he learns how to help her style her hair. This book is an excellent mirror because, hopefully, some students will relate to the father-daughter relationship. Also, learning how to take care of your hair when you are a young girl is something that many little girls can relate to while growing up.
One book I want to use as a window is “Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper. This book is a chapter, so it must be used in older elementary classrooms. It follows a young girl who has cerebral palsy. This book is an excellent window for children to learn about people with disabilities while showing them that even though people with disabilities seem different, they want the same things all people do.
The book I want to use as a sliding glass door is “Night” by Ellie Wiesel. This book is the story of Ellie Wiesel’s life and experiences during the Holocaust. While older students should read this book, it is a book all students should read during their education. This book is a great sliding door because it gives students a look into the Holocaust and gives real experiences of the event. Reading this book allows students to think about what truly happened during the Holocaust and reflect on the horrific history.
Thank you again for your post!
Mackenzie Woody
Hey Angelina!
Thank you for the blog post! In my future classroom, I would use S.K. Ali’s “The Kindest Red” in an Elementary class as a mirror because it tells the story of a young student on picture day and her journey with self-exploration, kindness, friendship, faith, and cultural acceptance. This children’s book exemplifies what young elementary students witness and experience on a day to day basis, thus making it a mirror. Furthermore, for my window, I would use “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio because it is about a young boy with a rare medical facial deformity, mandibulofacial dysostosis. This book is a good example of a window because it allows young readers to learn about people with disabilities and about inclusion. Lastly, for my sliding door, I would use “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah in a High School library because it tells the story of two sisters on their separate journeys to survive in Germany during WW2. This book is a good example of a sliding glass door because it allows students to emerge themselves into the past so that they may better understand and reflect on an experience unlike their own.
One book from my childhood that acted as a window was “Sugar” by Jewell Parker Rhodes. This book focuses on a young African American girl named Sugar who struggles to feel free while forced to work on the River Road sugar plantation. Although slavery is technically over, she still feels trapped and thus cultivates a desire to explore more of what the world had to offer. Throughout her journey, she encounters Chinese workers and spends the rest of the novel trying to bridge the cultural gap between them by trading traditions and culture. This book was one of my favorites in fifth grade because it gave me a glimpse into a time that I had not experienced and taught me important lessons about cultural acceptance and bridging communities together.
Once again, thank you for the interesting blog post!
Hi Angelina,
Thank you for the summary of what we learned last class and sharing some books that you think will help students get an idea of what it is like living through another individual’s experiences. Some books that I think would be useful to include in a classroom to provide students, mirrors, windows, and sliding doors, include “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” by John Boyne, and “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini.
In “The Hate You Give” students might see themselves reflected through the main character, who faces the challenge of living in two worlds – her working class neighborhood and her white prep school where the students are privileged and might not understand her story. The “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” provides numerous perspectives of what it was like to be living in Europe during World War II. While students will not necessarily see themselves in this story, they will be able to understand a different historical perspective that they would not otherwise have access to. Lastly, “The Kite Runner” tells the story of an immigrant to the United States from Afghanistan. Readers are drawn into a world very different from their own while still seeing connections to their own.
One book that I read in school that stuck with me as a window was “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. This story shed light on events and perspectives that existed in this country in a way that made me truly invested and moved by. It went beyond merely telling events and allowed me to develop a newfound understanding of how real and intense racial issues were in this country at that time and still persist today.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts Angelina!
Hi Angelina!
Thank you for your insightful post. As a kindergarten teacher I like to have books that are windows, mirrors and doors. Having 21 students books that are mirrors for some students can be windows for some and doors for others. I love celebrating different cultures and holidays. Reading The Proudest Blue had so many students asking for it and other stories with similar themes. During black history month I did a week of African American athletes and the kids were so excited. Simone Biles and Kobe Bryant books were requested. I love that they take what we do in the classroom and want to learn more.
In my other class we read a book called El Deafo. The girl is deaf and it talks about her life at school with hearing aids. I like the book because it is funny but still gives a great message.
Hi Angelina! Thank you for this wonderful blog post. I also walked away from Monday’s class with a deeper understanding of the importance of providing students with books that act as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. One book I would use as a mirror is Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho. This picture book is narrated by a young Asian girl and explores themes of self-acceptance as she learns to embrace her unique facial features, which is different from some of the other children in her class. For a window, I would choose A Shelter in Our Car by Monica Gunning, which tells the story of a young girl named Zettie and her mother, who face homelessness. The book vividly portrays the challenges they encounter, such as being kicked out of their parking spot by the police, difficulty affording nutritious meals, and getting ready for the day in public restrooms. This story offers a window into the harsh realities of homelessness, providing students with a chance to learn more about this difficult issue. For a sliding glass door, I would recommend We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of an Indigenous-led movement to protect water sources from oil pipelines. This book immerses readers in Indigenous culture and experiences and provides an opportunity to experience perspectives that may be unfamiliar to them. One book from my childhood that I really enjoyed was Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary. As someone with an older sister (who I fought with a lot growing up!), I found the depiction of sisterhood in this book relatable and eye-opening, making it a mirror and a window for me. While these are just a few examples, I agree that it’s so important to have a diverse selection of books that serve as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors so that students can gain a wide range of perspectives.
Hi Angelina,
Thank you so much for sharing and recapping what we talked about in class last week. I think this post will be very helpful when I create my own classroom library one day to see all the book recommendations. I think having a library full of books that are windows, mirrors, and doors is so important to allow each student in your class to feel heard and form a connection and a sense of belonging in our class.
One book I would recommend would be “Daisy Doo: All the sounds she knew” By Daisy Kent. This book is about a girl who was diagnosed with Lyme disease at a young age and was not able to hear. She was given cochlear implants to help with her hearing. This book could be a mirror to students with cochlear implants. It talks about feelings and emotions and how she felt through the process of adjusting. This could help other students feel like they have a place in the world.
Another book I would recommend would be “The Mermaid with No Tail” By Jessica Long. This book is about the life of Jessica Long, the paralympic gold medal swimmer whose legs were amputated when she was a baby. This book shows how important it is to dream big and never give up and how it is ok to be different.
The last book I would recommend would be, “What Happened to You” By James Catchpole. This book explores how people can view other people with disabilities. It shows how you do not need to respond in every situation. This can go for people with freckles, disabilities, or anything that sets them apart from someone else that they have questions about.
I remember when I was younger reading Al Capone does my shirts and within that book, there was a character with autism. This was a mirror to those students with autism in my class and created a space where they felt welcomed.
Thank you,
Ryleigh Hawkins
Hi Angelina!
Thank you so much for your post. I hope you’ve had a great week. I liked your insight on Prisoner B-3087 and how it serves as a sliding glass door into the experiences of those who lived through the Holocaust. Stories like these are invaluable because they offer readers a chance to not only learn about history and different cultures but also develop empathy and a deeper understanding of other perspectives. No matter what grade I teach, having books that act as mirrors, windows, and sliding doors is important so that students can have literature that expands their perspective and to see themselves in literature.
A book that I would choose to have in my classroom that acts as a mirror would be “Hair Love” written by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison. This book is about a young Black girl named Zuri who loves her curly, kinky hair. When her dad tries to style it for a big day, he struggles to tame her curls into a hairstyle Zuri likes. After learning all the tips and tricks from Zuri, he styles her hair into the perfect style. I really like this book because it celebrates Zuri’s hair instead of her wanting to change it into something different. This book would be a great mirror for any Black student in my classroom.
A book that I would choose to have in my classroom that acts as a window would be “Out of My Mind” written by Sharon M. Draper. This book is a chapter book, so it could be a read-aloud or a book for upper elementary students. “Out of My Mind” is about a student named Melody who has cerebral palsy. Because of this, she cannot walk, talk, or write. Melody also has a photographic memory making her one of the smartest students in the school. This book is about how Melody refuses to be defined by her disability gives students without a disability a window into what it might be like to have one. This book was also recently adapted into a movie that could be shown after reading.
A book that I would choose to have in my classroom that acts as a door would be “The Story of Ruby Bridges” written by Robert Coles and illustrated by George Ford. This book shows the true story of Ruby Bridges and her struggles with attending an all-white school. Bridges story shows young students what segregation was like and gives a good window into her struggles and feelings.
In conclusion, incorporating books that serve as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors in the classroom is essential in helping students connect with literature, expand their perspectives, and develop empathy for others. By offering a diverse selection of books, we can create an inclusive learning environment where all students feel seen, valued, and encouraged to embrace both their own identities and the experiences of others. I appreciate this discussion and look forward to hearing more book recommendations!
Thank you!
Angelina, I really appreciate the way you highlighted the power of books in shaping our understanding of the world and the importance of keeping diverse stories alive in classrooms. Your reflection on Prisoner B-3087 is so powerful. Though I haven’t read this book yet, I would love to have a look in the future. The idea that erasing history risks repeating it is such an important reminder of why we need authentic stories in our libraries. Regarding your questions about my choice if it ever comes to books that celebrate diversity, equity and freedom, while I was browsing through the anti-bias children book site that Dr.Stohr introduced us to, I found some educational, engaging, age-appropriate titles as below:
Eyes That Weave the World’s Wonders – Written by Joanna Ho and Liz Kleinrock, with illustrations by Dung Ho, this beautiful book celebrates cultural heritage, identity, and the power of storytelling. Joanna Ho, known for Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, and Liz Kleinrock, an anti-bias educator, craft a narrative that honors diversity in a way young readers can embrace with pride. Placing this book in school libraries allows children to see their own unique identities reflected and learn about others’ experiences with warmth and appreciation.
Every Body: A First Conversation About Bodies – Authored by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, with illustrations by Tequitia Andrews, this book is part of the First Conversations series, which provides young children with age-appropriate discussions on identity, inclusion, and respect. Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli specialize in anti-bias education, ensuring that their work fosters a respectful and affirming space for all students. By placing these books on the shelf, schools empower children to appreciate body diversity and build a foundation for self-love and respect for others.
The Last Marshmallow – Written and illustrated by Grace Lin, this story introduces young readers to mathematical thinking and social-emotional learning through a charming and relatable scenario. Grace Lin, an award-winning author and advocate for diverse representation in children’s literature, creates books that help Asian American children see themselves while inviting all readers to explore cultural nuances and fairness in everyday life. A simple yet powerful book like this encourages kids to consider sharing, fairness, and problem-solving—essential lessons in any classroom.
Upon reflection on the lesson we discussed in class and in times when inclusivity is being challenged, these books remind us why representation matters. They help children see themselves (mirror), understand others’ experiences (window), and step into different perspectives (sliding glass door). I know that sometimes it’s challenging for teachers to dedicate extra time beyond their already hectic schedules to curate more appropriate books for their students. But even just having the mindset of embracing empathy, diversity, and equity can make a powerful impact—not only on students but also on a teacher’s own perspective and motivation to create a more inclusive learning experience. It’s also important to acknowledge that many books traditionally considered “classics” carry messages that can be questionable or outdated. Being critical about book choices is the first step toward ensuring that classroom libraries truly reflect and affirm all students’ identities while introducing them to a diverse range of perspectives.
Thank you once again for your post!
Tam Vo
Hi Angelina,
Thanks for your post! I appreciated the reminder about how powerful books can be when they reflect who students are and also when they open up new perspectives.
For a mirror book, I like All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold. The book celebrates diversity in race, culture, and family structure, and emphasizes belonging which is something that’s so important for young learners to see reflected in their classroom environment.
For a window book, I’d choose A Morning with Grandpa by Sylvia Liu. It follows a girl learning tai chi from her grandfather, and he in turn learns yoga from her. It highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships and cultural traditions and allows students to observe another family’s daily life and values from a place of warmth and curiosity.
I really like My Footprints by Bao Phi. It follows a young Vietnamese American girl who feels “double different” as both a Vietnamese American and as a child with two mothers. The book invites children into her emotional world and encourages reflection and empathy, while also exploring multicultural identity and imagination. The illustrations are also clean and inviting.
A book from my own childhood that really stood out to me was Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. It definitely acted as a sliding glass door—it pulled me into a time and place very different from my own and helped me understand the risks people took to stand up for others. It made a lasting impression and shaped the way I thought about courage and justice.
Thanks again for the great prompt. I’ve really enjoyed seeing everyone’s book choices and have added quite a few new titles to my list!
– Emily