In previous generations of secondary curriculum, the texts read in class reflected a more homogenous society. Today, characters with names like Trino Olivares and Consuelo Harburton join traditional characters, such as Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. In an increasingly multicultural global community, teachers are striving to bring more culturally responsive materials to their classrooms. In this trailblazing text, Joan Parker Webster provides instructors with the basic tools to teach young adults Hispanic literature through texts selected and methods tailored for diverse students. She has chosen exemplary narrative works from some of the most respected authors of Hispanic literature. Teaching through Culture introduces teachers to key texts while providing supporting information and methods to make teaching and reading experiences effective. A culturally responsive teacher builds on students' prior knowledge and employs appropriate styles of communication and interaction to engage students in learning. Parker Webster affirms that the use of texts that provide cultural connections is the most successful way to actively engage diverse learners and improve their comprehension. When students can see themselves in the stories they read, they encounter familiar ideas and situations, which lessen an often overwhelming and intimidating school environment. In each chapter, Parker Webster provides the historical and cultural context for each text and applies strategies for understanding and