"I Love This Book Because That's Like Me!" A Multilingual Refugee/Adolescent Girl Responds From Her Homeplace. Issue 4 (2nd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stewart, Mary Amanda
• Is Part Of: International multilingual research journal. Volume 11:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2017-10-02
• Subjects: Adolescent literacy -- English language learners -- literature -- reader response -- refugees; Multilingualism -- Periodicals; 404.205
• DOI: 10.1080/19313152.2016.1246900
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1931-3152

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Research acknowledges the value of youths reading books that represent their lives and cultures, yet there is a growing need to better understand how youths of understudied groups respond to multicultural stories. This single-case study of a multilingual refugee adolescent from Burma (Myanmar) investigates how she draws from her lived experiences in responding to literature. Using the culturally situated reader response model (Brooks & Browne, 2012) to understand the participant's response to literature allows us to see how her transaction with the texts was mediated by various aspects of her lived experiences as a refugee and adolescent girl. The participant's powerful response is indicative of not just the need for relevant literature but also authentic ways to respond with a caring adult. Findings suggest that far more important than new programs or strategies, multilingual youths need access to relevant literature and authentic meaning-making for educators to most effectively nurture their literacy, language, and identity development.