Multicultural Literature as Critical Literature: Redefine the Trajectory for Black Students

Abstract

In traditional classroom literature, students of color are often left out prompting division, isolation, and discrimination among racial and ethnic groups. The purpose of this literature analysis is to argue the need for multicultural literature to develop identity and social capital for students of color. The literature analysis allows for research from multiple scholars to be used to argue for a particular action in education. The results suggest that an inclusion of multicultural literature demonstrates an increase in engagement, academic achievement, community engagement, and purpose. The need for multicultural literature has been discussed in academia for several decades; however, the implementation and incorporation has yet to manifest fully across educational programs, with stakeholders, or across districts. This review serves to illuminate both the necessity and strategies for multicultural literature.