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Anja Zoric Professor Dunlap HMD 302 Homework Assignment 2 Childrens literature is often used as a primary source for socialization. Children read books at home and at school, often about make-believe scenarios. These scenarios that may be entertaining for the child often contain underlying themes that serve to teach children about greater societal and cultural beliefs. Derman-Sparks (1989) and many others also believe that issues such as racism and sexism are transmitted through literature for children, whether it be intentional or unintentional. By examining different aspects of the book such as illustrations or plot for example, one can determine whether racism and/or sexism are engrained within the story. I have analyzed four different childrens books that have both strengths and weaknesses on a childs social and personality development. A Family in France is a non-fiction childrens book that depicts a family of four living in France, and describes what everyday life for them is like. It is clear that this particular family was chosen for its stereotypical family appeal. The role of men and women as well as family relationships is very evident as is described by Derman-Sparks (1989). The father goes to work early in the morning, while the mother prepares their children for school. The father does repair and maintenance work around the house, while the mother goes grocery shopping and does the cooking. The book shows how the sons bond with their father when he teaches them how to repair damaged bike parts. Whereas this book is beneficial for a child in terms of teaching about the French culture, it also reinforces typical gender norms people learn through the social constructions theory (Class notes, 2012).

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I Wish Daddy Didnt Drink So Much is a book intended for children that have parents with substance abuse problems. The book is emotional and is a good way for a child to know that he or she is not alone. However, the storyline reiterates gender norms such as fathers being aggressive while the mothers are usually passive. The plot revolves around broken promises of an alcoholic father, leaving the child to rely on her mother, who is depicted as a nurturing homemaker. Instead of offering information about possible support groups, the book does not come to any helpful conclusion, making the storyline relatable to the learned helplessness concept (Class notes, 2012). On a different note, Mothers Can Do Anything has a very powerful message, as it depicts mothers not as homemakers but as prominent members of the corporate world. This is a clear example of the attempt to combat sexism. The book is teaching children that women that are mothers do not have to be bound to the home; they indeed have the capability to pursue meaningful careers as well. What I liked about this book was that the women were not constricted to female jobs. Instead they were shown in typically masculine jobs as well such as construction and electrics. The storyline is effective, as well as the illustrations, which depict many different races and ages of women as well. I think this book helps children to have a positive self-fulfilling prophecy, especially for female children (Class notes, 2012). Why Am I Different? is the final childrens book I analyzed, which shows the many differences amongst people. Whereas I do believe the overall goal of this book is genuinely to help children realize that differences are a positive thing, the illustrations and text are stereotypical according to Derman-Sparks (1989). What I found to be unusual about the book was that race was not mentioned at all throughout the book, even though racial differences were clearly being used in the illustrations. Furthermore, even though the book was promoting

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differences, there were stark similarities being depicted among races, such as all white people had blonde hair and all African Americans had afro hairstyles. I believe that the title of the book carries with it a slightly negative connotation. Perhaps titling it something like How Am I Unique? would have been more appropriate.

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References
Derman-Sparks, L. (1989). "10 Quick Ways to Analyze Childrens Books for Racism and Sexism", in Anti-Bias Curriculum: Tools for Empowering Young Children. New York, NY: National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Dunlap, M. (2012). Class Notes. Connecticut College. Lasker, J. (1972). Mothers Can Do Anything. Toronto, Canada: George J. McLeod, Limited. Regan, M. (1982). A Family in France. London, UK: A&C Black (Publishers), Limited. Simon, N. (1976). Why Am I Different?. Illinois, USA: Albert Whitman & Company. Vigna, J. (1998). I Wish Daddy Didnt Drink So Much. Illinois, USA: Albert Whitman & Company.