Future educators boost representation in library books

Just months prior to her May graduation from the University of North Georgia (UNG), Ashley Shepard enthusiastically participated in project with two local elementary schools to increase the representation of individuals with disabilities in books within their respective libraries.

Dr. Kellie Whelan-Kim, education professor, and Dr. Amy Williams, education professor, worked with media specialist and UNG alumna Jessica Conner from Cottrell Elementary in Lumpkin County and media specialist Amy Baringer from Riverview Elementary in Dawson County, along with four elementary and special education interns, to inventory and increase the representation of individuals with disabilities in the books available in their media centers and classrooms. 

"This research project provided the four elementary/special education interns with an authentic opportunity to design and deliver a read-aloud and discussion centered on children's literature featuring characters with disabilities," Williams said. "The guidance of the elementary school teachers and media specialists engaged in the project provided the pre-service teachers with assurance and confidence to navigate conversations that can sometimes be difficult and sensitive. Providing intentional opportunities like this takes away some of their hesitancy in using this literature in their future classrooms."

The project funded by a Presidential Innovation Award "involves work we are very excited about related to children's literature and special education," Whelan-Kim said.

Williams is the principal investigator on the award.

Once the inventories were completed, the next step was to determine high-quality books featuring characters with disabilities that could be added to their libraries. Interns Evyn Collins and Ashley Shepard then taught mini-lessons utilizing several of the books in the classrooms of Dara Gastley and Amanda McDonald, teachers at Cottrell Elementary School. Natalie Garcia and Nathan McElroy taught their mini-lessons in the classrooms of Riverview Elementary School teachers Maria Anderson and Deborah Disheroon.

"The book I selected is 'Jayden's Impossible Garden' by Mélina Mangal. The story follows a young boy who creates a garden in an urban environment with the help of his neighbor, Mr. Curtis, who uses a wheelchair," Shepard said. "I chose this book because it highlights both representation and meaningful life lessons in a way that is accessible for elementary students. I appreciated how the book naturally includes a character with a disability without making it the sole focus of the story."

The lesson behind the book centers on perseverance, community and seeing possibilities where others may not. It also emphasizes intergenerational relationships and how people can learn from one another, Shepard said.

"I think it's especially powerful because it shows students that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of ability or circumstance," she said. "Students really enjoyed the book and were highly engaged during the read-aloud. It sparked great conversations about helping others, working together and thinking creatively. Many students were able to connect the story to their own lives. It was clear they not only enjoyed the story but also took away meaningful lessons about inclusion and collaboration."

Shepard is from Suwanee, Georgia.

"Over 60% of school-age students identified with a disability spend the majority of their school day (80% or more) in the general education classroom," Williams said. "The project further emphasizes the importance of building an understanding of how we are all unique and different, as well as the need to build empathy and compassion."