Introduction
The phenomenon of inclusivity and active promotion of multiculturalism in education are often taken for granted nowadays. However, books like “Sylvia and Aki” remind general audiences that the current situation is the direct outcome of years of continuous struggle and fight for the rights of ethnic and racial minorities. Though the book is aimed at young children, it tackles quite complex subjects of prejudice and xenophobia, making the subject matter palatable to young audiences, which makes the book particularly important.
Summary
“Sylvia and Aki” tells a story of two girls, Sylvia Mendez and Aki Munemitsu. Their story is closely linked to the process of school desegregation that took place after WWII. Aki Munemitsu’s family struggles financially as they are forcibly relocated from their farm and forced to relocate due to the discriminatory policies of the U.S. at the time. Sylvia Mendez, who lives nearby, forges a friendship with Saki, and both expect to be enrolled into a local school to start their third grade. However, both are refused the education opportunity due to their ethnic background. As the Mendez family writes letters to the school, the Munemitsu family is sent to an internment camp. The girls continue playing together as historical events unroll and the fight for integration continues. The book ends with Sylvia and Aki graduating from a now integrated local school.
Critique
Thought the topic and the main theme of the book are hardly original, “Sylvia and Aki” manages to represent them in a refreshing and inspiring way. Specifically, the book uses a direct language that refrains from being simplistic yet conveys the exact meaning that the author intends. Furthermore, the author’s ability to introduce core historic changes while placing the captivating personal story of the two girls at the forefront creates a powerful teaching moment. The incorporation of two distinctive perspectives on the events transpiring in the book, namely, those of the Mendez and Munemitsus families, also contributes to reinforcing the powerful message that the book conveys: “Every child deserves a chance” (Conkling 95). Finally, the curious plot development, specifically, the introduction of the perspectives of Sylvia and Aki as adult women, enhances the powerful message Specifically, it demonstrates that the author views her target audience as capable of embracing complex ideas.
Ideas
In turn, the ideas presented in the book offer a crucial teaching moment for the reader. Namely, the book promotes the notions of inclusivity and diversity, condemning segregation practiced at the end of WWII. Thus, the book illustrates the harsh outcomes of practicing exclusion and segregation in schools: “We’re being treated like second-best people, she thought bitterly” (Conkling 11). Outlining the plight and struggle of the Mendezes and the Munemitsus. While the core theme has been reiterated a countless number of times, Conkling manages to introduce novelty into the discussion by providing the perspective of a child on the subject matter.
Lessons
The lessons that the book teaches are rather obvious yet undeniably essential. Most importantly, the lessons in question are critical not only for children, but also for educators, reminding of the significance of inclusive practices and inclusivity-based teaching strategies. Additionally, the book has introduced essential lessons about racism in education, pointing to the detrimental effects that it produces on the lives of children: “Sylvia, there cannot be justice for one unless there is justice for all” (Conkling 95). Overall, the book has been essential in shaping the teaching approach toward inclusive practices and the cross-cultural dialogue with students and their parents.
Conclusion
The unique approach that “Sylvia and Aki” adopts in order to relay the complexities of fight for equal rights of ethnic and racial minorities to young children makes the book a particularly fascinating piece of literature. Furthermore, the book is instrumental for educators as a guide to promoting inclusivity and cross-cultural dialogue to young children. Therefore, the book must be regarded as a critical part of early childhood education.
Work Cited
Conkling, Winifred. Sylvia & Aki. Tricycle Press, 2014.