Children’s Literature Criteria A Very Special Critter Written and Illustrated by Gina and Mercer Mayer Copyright Date: 1992 Publisher: Golden Books ISBN: 030712763X/ISBN: 0307627632 Description: In this picture book, a new student named Alex joins Little Critter's class at school. Alex uses a wheelchair, and Little Critter is worried about his classmate’s disability. Will Alex will be different? Will the class know how to act around Alex? This book provides an honest, realistic look at the ways children deal with the unknown. In the end, Little Critter discovers that Alex is really not so different from the other critters despite his disability, and successfully creates a special new friendship! Numbe r Question Ye s N o N/ A Note s 1 Is the book free of gender stereotypes? ● Male o Men are lazy/messy o Men are supposed to have “dirty jobs” such as mechanics and construction. o Husbands tell their wives what to do. o Men do not do housework and are not responsible of taking care of their children. o Men enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking. ● Female o Women are responsible for raising children. o They are stay at home moms. o Not as strong as men. o They cook and do housework. o They are supposed to have “clean jobs” such as secretaries, teachers, or librarians. X X X 2 Is the book free of stereotypes? ● Asian American ● Black/African American ● Hispanic/Latin@ ● White ● Native American/American Indian ● Women X
Transcript
Children’s Literature Criteria
A Very Special Critter Written and Illustrated by Gina and Mercer Mayer
Copyright Date: 1992
Publisher: Golden Books
ISBN: 030712763X/ISBN: 0307627632
Description: In this picture book, a new student named Alex joins Little Critter's class at school. Alex uses a wheelchair, and Little Critter is worried about his classmate’s disability. Will Alex will be different? Will the class know how to act around Alex? This book provides an honest, realistic look at the ways children deal with the unknown. In the end, Little Critter discovers that Alex is really not so different from the other critters despite his disability, and successfully creates a special new friendship!
Number
Question Yes
No
N/A
Notes
1 Is the book free of gender stereotypes? Male
o Men are lazy/messy o Men are supposed to have “dirty jobs” such
as mechanics and construction. o Husbands tell their wives what to do. o Men do not do housework and are not
responsible of taking care of their children. o Men enjoy outdoor activities such as
camping, fishing, and hiking. Female
o Women are responsible for raising children. o They are stay at home moms. o Not as strong as men. o They cook and do housework. o They are supposed to have “clean jobs” such
as secretaries, teachers, or librarians.
X X
X
2 Is the book free of stereotypes? Asian American Black/African American Hispanic/Latin@ White Native American/American Indian Women
X
Characters with visible disabilities The Elderly
3 Is there derogatory or offensive wording/terminology sending inaccurate messages?
Oriental AfroAmerican
X
4 Does the book represent various cultures accurately and in a positive image?
X
5 Does the book use inclusive language (correct pronoun usage)?
Are gender neutral terms used? Example: firefighters instead of firemen, police
officers instead of policemen Are females described with softer tones?
X
6 Is the author qualified to write the book? Is there background information/research the author
used to present perspectives accurately? Is the author’s attitude toward the characters
respectful?
X
X
7 How are the characters portrayed in the illustrations? Is there diversity? Are the images accurate and respectful to the people
in the story? Are females depicted in a positive manner? Are males depicted in a positive manner? Are the living situations stereotypical? Are the characters dressed in stereotypical clothing?
X X X X
X X
8 Does the setting of the book accurately reflect the particular time period?
X
9 Does the book show tokenism (all look alike except for one person who may be a different race; no uniqueness among characters)
X
10 If the actual language of a specific culture is used in the book, is the language accurate?
Is translated language correct and word for word?
X
11 Is the copyright date after the 1970’s? X
12 Does the storyline encourage positive light on diversity? Are historically underrepresented groups depicted?
o Positively?
X X
o Negatively? X
13 Is there a glossary for unfamiliar information or terms used in the book?
X
14 Can students see themselves/relate to this book? X
Additional Notes:
Would you use this book in your classroom? Why or why not? What changes, if any, would you make? Why?
I would use this book in my classroom as it teaches the importance of accepting others no matter who they are, what they look like, or what disability they may have in a child friendly light. It teaches students to acknowledge a disability, but not define someone by it. Rather, we need to look past the flaws to discover each person’s talents and uniqueness, and what we all have to offer to the classroom, community, and the world. This book emphasizes, that although Alex does need additional help at times because of his disability, his classmates often need a friend to help them as well. The author does not present Alex in a negative image because he is in a wheelchair, but portrays him as very capable young critter that can do things on his own, and even help his friends when they are in need.
Knots on a Counting Rope
By Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
Illustrated by Ted Rand
ISBN: 0440843057
Publisher: The Trumpet Club
Copyright date: 1987
Description: In this book, the counting rope is a metaphor for a passage of time and a boy's emerging confidence as he faces his greatest challenge, blindness. An Indian grandfather and his blind grandson, BoyStrengthofBlueHorses, reminisce about the young boy's birth, his first horse, and the exciting accomplishments and talents that develop out of his visual impairment. The young boy’s touching story portrays deep love, hope, and courage which can be expressed and understood by all people around the world.
Number
Question Yes
No
N/A
Notes
1 Is the book free of gender stereotypes? Male
o Men are lazy/messy o Men are supposed to have “dirty jobs” such
as mechanics and construction. o Husbands tell their wives what to do. o Men do not do housework and are not
responsible of taking care of their children. o Men enjoy outdoor activities such as
camping, fishing, and hiking. Female
o Women are responsible for raising children. o They are stay at home moms. o Not as strong as men. o They cook and do housework. o They are supposed to have “clean jobs” such
as secretaries, teachers, or librarians.
X X
X
2 Is the book free of stereotypes? Asian American Black/African American Hispanic/Latin@ White Native American/American Indian Women
X
Characters with visible disabilities The Elderly
3 Is there derogatory or offensive wording/terminology sending inaccurate messages?
Oriental AfroAmerican
X
4 Does the book represent various cultures accurately and in a positive image?
X
5 Does the book use inclusive language (correct pronoun usage)?
Are gender neutral terms used? Example: firefighters instead of firemen, police
officers instead of policemen Are females described with softer tones?
X
6 Is the author qualified to write the book? Is there background information/research the author
used to present perspectives accurately? Is the author’s attitude toward the characters
respectful?
X X X
7 How are the characters portrayed in the illustrations? Is there diversity? Are the images accurate and respectful to the people
in the story? Are females depicted in a positive manner? Are males depicted in a positive manner? Are the living situations stereotypical? Are the characters dressed in stereotypical clothing?
X X X X
X X
8 Does the setting of the book accurately reflect the particular time period?
X
9 Does the book show tokenism (all look alike except for one person who may be a different race; no uniqueness among characters)
X
10 If the actual language of a specific culture is used in the book, is the language accurate?
Is translated language correct and word for word?
X
11 Is the copyright date after the 1970’s? X
12 Does the storyline encourage positive light on diversity? Are historically underrepresented groups depicted?
o Positively?
X X
o Negatively? X
13 Is there a glossary for unfamiliar information or terms used in the book?
X
14 Can students see themselves/relate to this book? X
Additional Notes:
Would you use this book in your classroom? Why or why not? What changes, if any, would you make? Why?
I would definitely use this book in my classroom as it describes a very curious young boy who is simply trying to figure out who he is, the world around him, and what he can accomplish despite his blindness. Although he faces great difficulty completing tasks and does not always know what things are or look like, he imagines the possibilities, thankful for what he does have, namely the love of family, the most important possession. Students do not need to have a visual impairment to recognize the moral of the story and relate to it!
Children’s Literature Criteria
Grandma’s Wheelchair
By Lorraine Henroid
Illustrated by Christa Chevalier
ISBN: 0807530352
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Copyright Date: 1982
Description: A kind, cooperative four year old boy named Thomas visits his grandmother each day, spending time with her and helping her with the daily chores around the house. Thomas even saves the day when the tire on his grandma’s wheelchair goes flat. He pushes her back to the house, finds her spare wheelchair in the garage, and helps her transfer into the new chair. Thomas feels lucky he can help grandma out and spend time with her on her lap, unlike his brother Nate who goes to school. To Thomas, grandma’s lap is a very special place to be whenever he needs her love and care the most!
Number
Question Yes
No
N/A
Notes
1 Is the book free of gender stereotypes? Male
o Men are lazy/messy o Men are supposed to have “dirty jobs” such
as mechanics and construction. o Husbands tell their wives what to do. o Men do not do housework and are not
responsible of taking care of their children. o Men enjoy outdoor activities such as
camping, fishing, and hiking. Female
o Women are responsible for raising children. o They are stay at home moms. o Not as strong as men. o They cook and do housework. o They are supposed to have “clean jobs” such
as secretaries, teachers, or librarians.
X X
X
2 Is the book free of stereotypes? Asian American Black/African American Hispanic/Latin@ White
Native American/American Indian Women Characters with visible disabilities The Elderly
X
3 Is there derogatory or offensive wording/terminology sending inaccurate messages?
Oriental AfroAmerican
X
4 Does the book represent various cultures accurately and in a positive image?
X
5 Does the book use inclusive language (correct pronoun usage)?
Are gender neutral terms used? Example: firefighters instead of firemen, police
officers instead of policemen Are females described with softer tones?
X
6 Is the author qualified to write the book? Is there background information/research the author
used to present perspectives accurately? Is the author’s attitude toward the characters
respectful?
X
X
7 How are the characters portrayed in the illustrations? Is there diversity? Are the images accurate and respectful to the people
in the story? Are females depicted in a positive manner? Are males depicted in a positive manner? Are the living situations stereotypical? Are the characters dressed in stereotypical clothing?
X X X X
X X
8 Does the setting of the book accurately reflect the particular time period?
X
9 Does the book show tokenism (all look alike except for one person who may be a different race; no uniqueness among characters)
X
10 If the actual language of a specific culture is used in the book, is the language accurate?
Is translated language correct and word for word?
X
11 Is the copyright date after the 1970’s? X
12 Does the storyline encourage positive light on diversity? Are historically underrepresented groups depicted?
o Positively? o Negatively?
X X X
13 Is there a glossary for unfamiliar information or terms used in the book?
X
14 Can students see themselves/relate to this book? X
Additional Notes:
Would you use this book in your classroom? Why or why not? What changes, if any, would you make? Why?
I would read this book in my classroom as it is a charming story of a disabled grandparent who won’t allow her challenges to keep her from a normal life or from spending time loving her grandchild. However, some parts are quite stereotypical and I would change that with some explanations to my students. I would point out that people of all ages could be confined to a wheelchair, not just the elderly. Also, the way the grandma is illustrated in the pictures is slightly stereotypical, so I would mention some grandmas may look like this, but some do not, stressing we are all different, but equally important, no matter what we look like. This book will allow children to put themselves in Thomas’s shoes and relate to his experiences of having a family member with a disability.
Children’s Literature Criteria
Thank You, Mr. Falker
Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco
ISBN: 043909836X
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Copyright Date: 1998
Description: When Trisha starts school, she can't wait to learn how to read, but when she tries, the letters just get all jumbled up. She hates being different, and begins to believe her classmates when they bully her and call her a dummy because her reading skills are so low. Then, in fifth grade, Mr. Falker, a new teacher comes to the school and changes everything for Trisha. He sees through her sadness and brings out her artistic talents. When he discovers she can't read and how it affects her selfesteem, he works with her diligently to prove she can read!
Number
Question Yes
No
N/A
Notes
1 Is the book free of gender stereotypes? Male
o Men are lazy/messy o Men are supposed to have “dirty jobs” such
as mechanics and construction. o Husbands tell their wives what to do. o Men do not do housework and are not
responsible of taking care of their children. o Men enjoy outdoor activities such as
camping, fishing, and hiking. Female
o Women are responsible for raising children. o They are stay at home moms. o Not as strong as men. o They cook and do housework. o They are supposed to have “clean jobs” such
as secretaries, teachers, or librarians.
X X
X
2 Is the book free of stereotypes? Asian American Black/African American Hispanic/Latin@ White Native American/American Indian Women Characters with visible disabilities
X
The Elderly
3 Is there derogatory or offensive wording/terminology sending inaccurate messages?
Oriental AfroAmerican
X
4 Does the book represent various cultures accurately and in a positive image?
X
5 Does the book use inclusive language (correct pronoun usage)?
Are gender neutral terms used? Example: firefighters instead of firemen, police
officers instead of policemen Are females described with softer tones?
X
6 Is the author qualified to write the book? Is there background information/research the author
used to present perspectives accurately? Is the author’s attitude toward the characters
respectful?
X X X
7 How are the characters portrayed in the illustrations? Is there diversity? Are the images accurate and respectful to the people
in the story? Are females depicted in a positive manner? Are males depicted in a positive manner? Are the living situations stereotypical? Are the characters dressed in stereotypical clothing?
X X X X
X X
8 Does the setting of the book accurately reflect the particular time period?
X
9 Does the book show tokenism (all look alike except for one person who may be a different race; no uniqueness among characters)
X
10 If the actual language of a specific culture is used in the book, is the language accurate?
Is translated language correct and word for word?
X
11 Is the copyright date after the 1970’s? X
12 Does the storyline encourage positive light on diversity? Are historically underrepresented groups depicted?
o Positively?
X X
o Negatively? X
13 Is there a glossary for unfamiliar information or terms used in the book?
X
14 Can students see themselves/relate to this book? X
Additional Notes:
Would you use this book in your classroom? Why or why not? What changes, if any, would you make? Why?
This is an excellent book and will definitely be used in my classroom, as it exemplifies a student with both a disability as well as an exceptional artistic talent. It covers the topics of bullying and its effects on self worth, has a nonstereotypical male teacher who becomes an active and compassionate role model for Tricia, demonstrates the importance of trying and never giving up on your goals, and offers a true story example of students with learning disabilities in the classroom who have so much to share with others and need to be accepted and respected for their uniqueness and exceptional talents or abilities beyond their disability. As Tricia’s grandma states in the story, “To be different is the miracle of life”, something teachers can help students recognize and embrace!
Children’s Literature Criteria
Howie Helps Himself
By Joan Fassler
Illustrated by Joe Lasker
ISBN: 0807534226
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Copyright Date: 1975
Description: Howie enjoys spending time with his family – mom, dad, grandma, and especially his sister Linda. Most days, he enjoys going to school, singing songs, playing games, learning the alphabet letters and their sounds, and counting with beads. Each day, Howie also does exercises to strengthen his arms and legs. However, having cerebral palsy often means he is in a confined to a wheelchair, or needs to hold onto an object to stand upright. He wants more than anything to be able to move his wheelchair all by himself, just like his classmates, Susan and Jeffrey. Howie tries for days, practicing at night with his dad. He never gives up, though he comes close in the struggle. Finally, one day when his dad picked him up from school, Howie musters all his might and strength, and wheels himself over to his dad, giving him a big hug. At that moment, Howie realizes it doesn’t matter how strong your limbs are when you give hugs what matters most is how happy you feel deep down inside!.
Number
Question Yes
No
N/A
Notes
1 Is the book free of gender stereotypes? Male
o Men are lazy/messy o Men are supposed to have “dirty jobs” such
as mechanics and construction. o Husbands tell their wives what to do. o Men do not do housework and are not
responsible of taking care of their children. o Men enjoy outdoor activities such as
camping, fishing, and hiking. Female
o Women are responsible for raising children. o They are stay at home moms. o Not as strong as men. o They cook and do housework. o They are supposed to have “clean jobs” such
as secretaries, teachers, or librarians.
X X
X
2 Is the book free of stereotypes? Asian American Black/African American Hispanic/Latin@ White Native American/American Indian Women Characters with visible disabilities The Elderly
X
3 Is there derogatory or offensive wording/terminology sending inaccurate messages?
Oriental AfroAmerican
X
4 Does the book represent various cultures accurately and in a positive image?
X
5 Does the book use inclusive language (correct pronoun usage)?
Are gender neutral terms used? Example: firefighters instead of firemen, police
officers instead of policemen Are females described with softer tones?
X
6 Is the author qualified to write the book? Is there background information/research the author
used to present perspectives accurately? Is the author’s attitude toward the characters
respectful?
X X
X
7 How are the characters portrayed in the illustrations? Is there diversity? Are the images accurate and respectful to the people
in the story? Are females depicted in a positive manner? Are males depicted in a positive manner? Are the living situations stereotypical? Are the characters dressed in stereotypical clothing?
X X X X
X X
8 Does the setting of the book accurately reflect the particular time period?
X
9 Does the book show tokenism (all look alike except for one person who may be a different race; no uniqueness among characters)
X
10 If the actual language of a specific culture is used in the book, is the language accurate?
Is translated language correct and word for word?
X
11 Is the copyright date after the 1970’s? X 1975
12 Does the storyline encourage positive light on diversity? Are historically underrepresented groups depicted?
o Positively? o Negatively?
X X X
13 Is there a glossary for unfamiliar information or terms used in the book?
X
14 Can students see themselves/relate to this book? X
Additional Notes:
Would you use this book in your classroom? Why or why not? What changes, if any, would you make? Why?
I would use this book in my classroom because it teaches the valuable lesson of never giving up on your dreams and goals no matter the situation or struggles you are facing, a theme all students can relate to. It also teaches acceptance, as Howie’s classmates, teachers, and family never judge him for his disability and for not being able to push his own wheelchair. In fact, when Howie is able to move his wheelchair on his own, his classmates and teachers are proudly depicted in the pictures and excited Howie achieved his goal after great difficulty. This book also does not display any negative stereotypes or feelings toward the character or his disability, but instead, sheds light on a disability many people have today.
Children’s Literature Criteria
Leo the Late Bloomer
By Robert Kraus
Illustrated by Jose Aruego
ISBN: 0878070435
Publisher: Windmill Books
Copyright Date: 1971
Description: Leo can’t seem to do anything right. He isn't reading, writing, drawing, or even speaking. His father is concerned, but Leo's mother is not. She knows her son will do all these things, and more, when he's ready. All winter and spring, Leo’s father watches and waits for some learning success. Finally, during the summer months, and in his own time, Leo blooms! He can read, write, draw, speak, and eat nicely, and proudly tells his parents “I made it!”
Number
Question Yes
No
N/A
Notes
1 Is the book free of gender stereotypes? Male
o Men are lazy/messy o Men are supposed to have “dirty
jobs” such as mechanics and construction.
o Husbands tell their wives what to do.
o Men do not do housework and are not responsible of taking care of their children.
o Men enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking.
Female o Women are responsible for
raising children. o They are stay at home moms. o Not as strong as men. o They cook and do housework. o They are supposed to have “clean
jobs” such as secretaries, teachers, or librarians.
X X
X
2 Is the book free of stereotypes? Asian American
X
Black/African American Hispanic/Latin@ White Native American/American Indian Women Characters with visible disabilities The Elderly
3 Is there derogatory or offensive wording/terminology sending inaccurate messages?
Oriental AfroAmerican
X
4 Does the book represent various cultures accurately and in a positive image?
X
5 Does the book use inclusive language (correct pronoun usage)?
Are gender neutral terms used? Example: firefighters instead of firemen,
police officers instead of policemen Are females described with softer tones?
X
6 Is the author qualified to write the book? Is there background information/research
the author used to present perspectives accurately?
Is the author’s attitude toward the characters respectful?
X
X
7 How are the characters portrayed in the illustrations?
Is there diversity? Are the images accurate and respectful to
the people in the story? Are females depicted in a positive
manner? Are males depicted in a positive manner? Are the living situations stereotypical? Are the characters dressed in
stereotypical clothing?
X X X
X
X X
This story uses animals as the main characters.
8 Does the setting of the book accurately reflect the particular time period?
X
9 Does the book show tokenism (all look alike except for one person who may be a different race; no uniqueness among characters)
X
10 If the actual language of a specific culture is used in the book, is the language accurate?
Is translated language correct and word for word?
X
11 Is the copyright date after the 1970’s? X It was copyrighted in 1971, but was republished in the 1990’s
12 Does the storyline encourage positive light on diversity?
Are historically underrepresented groups depicted?
o Positively? o Negatively?
X X
X
13 Is there a glossary for unfamiliar information or terms used in the book?
X
14 Can students see themselves/relate to this book? X
Additional Notes:
Would you use this book in your classroom? Why or why not? What changes, if any, would you make? Why?
While this book uses animals instead of people to portray a learning disability, it still demonstrates how students develop personal traits or abilities at a pace which may differ from their peers. This book is especially good for Preschool, Kindergarten, and even first grade levels, as it presents the idea that everyone may struggle at times with learning new things, but achievement is possible. Leo’s story teaches children to be patient and confident in their growing abilities, and proudly enjoy their journey to learning success!
