Book Selection Criteria

Selection criteria for the 2003-2004 edition of Read Up On It

• Books published in Canada or abroad of which the author or illustrator is Canadian.
• Books available from bookstores, publishers or from a public library.
• Books in English and/or French, with due respect given to geographic distribution and multi-cultural diversity.
• Books appropriate for age categories covering 2 to 16 years.
• Books from the following categories: fiction, non-fiction and picture books.
• Books in which the quality of text and illustration is evident, as well as the quality of the text in relation to the illustrations.

What is multiculturalism?

Multiculturalism is a recognition of the diversity of cultural differences which exist in a pluralistic society and an endorsement of a society in which individuals of all cultures are accepted and respected. It encourages harmony and cross-cultural understanding, and discourages hatred, discrimination and violence.

How have we defined a multicultural book?

• Books written or illustrated by Canadians from culturally diverse origins about various topics.
• Books written about multicultural topics: books that talk about diversity or someone who is from a different cultural background or speaks a different language, etc.
• Books that promote understanding of cultures, such as a book in which a child experiences adventures in another country and learns about its culture.
• The settings may be contemporary as well as historical.

This year’s selection includes literary works that reflect the perspectives, experiences and values of many different cultural groups to learn more about and appreciate them.