Post #2 on America Street: A Multicultural Anthology of Stories Edited by Anne Mazer

          I really enjoyed reading, "America Street: A Multicultural Anthology of Stories".  This book would be extremely beneficial for the students who identify with any one of the diverse cultures represented within this anthology. This book would be extremely helpful for those students who may wish to learn more about their own heritage or even their neighbors culture but have yet to find a way to do so that was on a level that they could relate with on a personally level. They various cultures represented within the confines of this anthology are: Native, Asian, Latino, European, African, Arab and Jewish. There is a diversity in where they live as well as some tell stories of the country and others of the city. Many came to America from other countries but some where born in the States. The voices of the children in each short story is distinct to their culture and experience. It is the authentic voice within each of these that allow the reader to connect with the story.
          My two personal favorite short stories are: "The Circuit" by Francisco Jimenez and "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes.  "The Circuit" tells the story of a Mexican migrant family and a little boy who longs to stay put instead of from traveling place to place in search of work. It describes the family's poor living conditions and their ability to make the best of what they had. The fine line of having to work to help support the family and yearning for an education weighs heavily on the young protagonist, and breaks your heart. This is opposite of the short story, "Thank You, M'am".  This is a story of forgiveness, understanding, and educating. We are introduced to the young boy in this story as he is ripping an older woman's purse of her shoulder.  In his youth he is naive and not at all prepared for the consequences of his actions. The older woman quickly takes control of the situation and begins her lesson. This story represents the best in us: forgiveness,  understanding, and guidance.
          As I stated in my previous post, this book would work well with many of the new literacies  we have gone over in class as well as the ones that are being born every day. I would utilize the multicultural diversity within this book to near the beginning of the school year. I would create a lesson that would encourage the students to express themselves by identifying with one of the stories within the anthology. I would then have them utilize technology to create a project to be shared with the class.