Judy Akid is a Children's Associate at the North Providence Union Free Library. She can share her findings with us at a future library meeting or event. For her research report, please visit: https://engaged-learning.providence.edu/judy-akid-27/

From Providence College Political Science Department:

This summer, Judy Akid, a junior in Political Science, conducted research on how themes of social representation, identity, and politics are portrayed in Arab-American children's books. Working with Dr. Gizem Zencirci, chair of the Middle East Studies Program at Providence College, Judy built on her work experience at the North Providence Children's Library to design an original project. Rather than simply completing an assignment, she was "excited by the possibility of researching Arab-American children's books and their more in-depth political and social implications, and how they affect children's ability to help form their identities."

Judy’s research was supported by the Center for Engaged Learning. With the funding and guidance, she was able to gather books, identify key themes, and create a public-facing outlet for her findings through Instagram and an upcoming website. She also received valuable support fromLauri Hornik, President of Dial Books for Young Readers at Penguin Young Readers Group.

The result is a truly unique political science project that reflects on core issues in an area that many people might overlook. Judy found the greatest challenge was that each book opened new directions for future political research. Reflecting on her experience, she offered this advice to current and future students: "I would encourage every student who is curious or has a deep interest in anything to pursue research in it and try to learn as much as they can about it. Doing this research has truly been such an enriching opportunity to be a part of, and I would do it again if I could, and I would encourage students to apply to the Engaged Learning Summer Research Program."

https://engaged-learning.providence.edu/judy-akid-27/