How can literature help children become aware of their cultural heritage?

Answer 1

by choosing reading material catered to what you would like your children to be edified about.

Answer 2

When they read literature that actually represents their cultural heritage, they have an opportunity to explore and to become more aware of their culture. That is, old British white guys are not the cultural heritage of most people in the US today--yet they dominate the reading lists for most literature courses in high school and college. Reading curricula need to be shaken up a bit in this country!