The Rhythm of Difference and Community in Urban Life, as Portrayed in Children’s Literature

Nearly 60 million children (81.2% of all children) in the U.S. live in diverse urban areas. As children grow and develop their identities in these diverse cities, the people they meet, the way their lives are organized, the way their families live and survive, and virtually all aspects of their lives will be shaped by the city. Children’s books that represent city life should be a good vehicle for children to both understand and explore their own and others’ lives in the city. This study examines how children’s literature represents city life, through an iterative content analysis of the 70 children’s books recommended by Cooperative Children’s Book Center on the topic of city life. The study is framed by theories of the city that focus on difference and community. Five themes were found in the content analysis: (a) City life is diverse; (b) City life centers on encounters with others; (c) City life supports community; (d) City life contains patterns and rhythms that create constancy; and (e) City life has challenges but few inequalities. A critical discussion is included, addressing the idealized vision of a middle class life presented in the books, as well as missing voices. The books also confirm the significance of community cultural wealth, in which children and their families develop a supportive system with their community.