Addressing Diversity Through Children's Literature

Mrs. Katz and Tush by Patricia Polacco

(Picture Book)

Mrs. Katz and Tush tells the heartwarming story of a Jewish widow, Mrs. Katz, and young African-American boy, Larnel, who forge a lifelong friendship. Larnel does not know much about his neighbor, Mrs. Katz, but sees that she is sad and lonely after the passing of her husband. He brings Mrs. Katz an abandoned kitten and convinces her to adopt it, thinking it will help her feel less alone. She agrees to take the kitten, who she names Tush, on the condition that Larnel helps her take care of it. The two bond while caring for Tush, soon visiting everyday. Mrs. Katz teaches young Larnel about her Jewish faith and her life as an immigrant from Poland. Larnel learns about their cultural differences but also about the themes of suffering and triumph black history shares with the Jewish heritage.   

Mrs. Katz and Tush promotes diversity in several ways. The two main characters are not only of different faith backgrounds, they are of different nationalities and races as well. The story also prompts discussion about intergenerational relationships and the importance of respecting elders.

While Mrs. Katz and Tush features colorful dialogue and terms that present an important message about living in a diverse society, my favorite aspect of the book, by far, is the manner in which the story is illustrated. Polacco's expressive illustrations convey characters' emotions in a way that tugs at the hearts of readers. The final image of Mrs. Katz and Tush with a grown Larnel and his new baby made tears well up in my eyes. The two characters care for one another as if they were family and never seem to be phased by their differences. What an amazing world we would live in if everyone could look at others with such openness!   

The Diary of Anne Frank

(Chapter Book)

Shortly after turning thirteen, Anne Frank and her family were forced into hiding in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam in an effort to escape the atrocious acts taken against Jewish families and those who helped them. Anne kept a detailed account of her life in hiding using a personal diary she received for her birthday. After her family's capture and her death in 1945, Anne's diary was made into a book, which highlights the changing emotions of an adolescent while educating readers about the effects of the Holocaust on family life. The Diary of Anne Frank chronicles 25 months of strained family relationships, living in close quarters with neighbors, bad food, and limited supplies, all written from Anne's perspective. 

Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank has become a classic and a requisite title in libraries worldwide for good reason. As a first-hand account of what many consider to be the world's greatest tragedy, the book educates young readers about the Holocaust in a way that an adult author could not. Anne's candid writings about her fear, frustration toward family members, and growing feelings toward a young boy named Otto allow young readers to relate to her on a somewhat personal level. Readers cannot help but sympathize with Anne Frank and wonder how her life could have been different if there were no prejudice in the world. 




The Diary of Anne Frank is a wonderful book for adolescent readers and serves as a powerful supplement to class history lessons. The book calls attention to the problem of religious persecution and the impact it has had on the world. Discussion of The Diary of Anne Frank and the troubled past of Jews offers the opportunity to segue into other topics pertaining to discrimination and draw connections between Jews and other groups that have faced similar hardships. In addition, the book might influence young readers in a positive way, prompting them to examine there own lives and the manner in which they treat others.