Supporting Children and Families Impacted by Incarceration Through Multicultural Children's Literature

Our chapter focuses on children with a family member who is incarcerated or in the criminal justice system. United States’ prisons maintain mass incarceration rates, where people of color are incarcerated at higher rates. It is important to note that children with a parent who is incarcerated are more likely to be incarcerated. We begin the chapter with a rationale on why it is important for teachers to develop an understanding and awareness of this population, discussing the effect and importance of teaching children with parents who are incarcerated. Then, we offer a historical perspective centered around race/ethnicity and gender. In the chapter, we provide reflection questions and suggestions for children’s literature to utilize in the classroom related to this issue. Finally, we offer other resources for pre-service and in-service teachers to learn more about families and children who are affected by incarceration.