| This dissertation focuses on decision-making processes involved in the publication and distribution of multicultural children's books. It is a detailed description of the specific processes of two publishing houses, Arte Publico Press and its Pinata Books imprint and The Pleasant Company. I look at how these processes reflect the purposes and intentions of the founders and how their mission statements emerge from these purposes. How do the houses decide whose work to publish? Who are their target audiences? How do they decide which language (Spanish or English) is used in the text? How do their books reach their readers? How do these processes connect to their mission statements? How do their books reflect the values of the houses? What do these issues mean for us as educators?;I chose Arte Publico Press/Pinata Books and The Pleasant Company because both houses have their own particular missions purposes and related guidelines as their products reach their audiences, filling the needs for specific kinds of children's books, as perceived by their founders.;These two publishing houses function and are influenced by the society in which they exist. The description and comparative analysis found herein resides within the broader context of the cultural/social/political/economic milieu in which these issues intersect and interact with the publication and perusal of multicultural children's books with and for children. This intersection and interaction are significant particularly as the books are used---or not used---in literacy learning in the classroom.;The study includes careful readings of information gleaned from both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include publishers' websites, catalogues, and interviews with representatives from each company. Secondary sources included articles regarding each company, found in both the popular press and academic literature.;I also conducted careful readings of the work of specific authors whose work has been published by the two houses. Included in this reading were four bilingual picture books and a poetry anthology, written by Pat Mora and published by Arte Publico Press' Pinata Books imprint, Pinata Books. The twelve books in the Josefina historical collection, written by Valerie Tripp represent the products of The Pleasant Company.;Both companies demonstrate strong, consistent connections across their mission statements and processes. There are significant differences, though, in these missions and processes as they produce their work and what their products mean for readers, both children and adults. As we work together with our students in reading and comprehending stories, our dialogue must include interrogations of these differences in messages and values that appear as we read. We must also determine which kinds of literacies we elect to promote with our students in our classrooms and in the community. |
