Books That Celebrate Diversity #1: And Tango Makes Three

Teaching an appreciation for the diverse world in which we live can be a daunting task, especially when the diversity involves controversial issues. No one would argue that racial, ethnic, and religious diversity should be addressed in schools, however, the issue of what constitutes a family can be a minefield to transverse. The publication of And Tango Makes Three in 2005 was both applauded and criticized for its content. The American Library Association reports that And Tango Makes Three, written by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson and illustrated by Henry Cole, was the most challenged book in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

The story, based on actual events, takes place at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. Two male chinstrap penguins form a family unit that lasts six years. The book chronicles the events that occur during this time frame. The zoo keepers notice that the two penguins try unsuccessfully to hatch an egg- an egg that turns out to be a rock. The zoo keepers provide an egg from another couple that had two eggs and had been unable to hatch two eggs in the past.

The nurturing couple successfully care for, hatch, and raise a baby penguin named Tango. The family unit described in this book is loving, nurturing, and headed by a same-sex couple.

This book provides an excellent opportunity to introduce the idea that families are as diverse as the world in which we live. The younger student will appreciate the story of loving parents and the older student will be introduced to the diversity that exists in today's world. The illustrations will also engage the young and older reader-after all, who doesn't love a penguin!

I would be remiss if I did not warn of the possible controversy that the inclusion of this book could cause for the media center brave enough to add this wonderful book to their collection. The ALA offers, on it's website, steps to address attempts to ban and censor books(http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/index.cfm).