encyclopedia

Great works of literature have roots in various cultures and traditions around the world. As the school curriculum incorporates more multiethnic works into the classic canon, students will be exposed to views of the world that differ from their own. To help them decipher these works comes a new set from Chelsea House.

Each title in the Multicultural Voices set opens with an introductory overview discussing the key figures, developments, and literary works that collectively have formed a multicultural literary tradition studied in middle and high schools today. Eight to 10 chapters then profile individual authors and one or two of their now-canonical works, providing biographical background, a plot overview, and analysis of each work's central themes and preoccupations. Additional features include a chronology, bibliography, and a suggested list for further reading. Perfect for middle school and high school readers, these volumes elucidate the works of great writers from various backgrounds and influences including new and emerging voices.