Abstract Summary: Children's literature can be useful in aiding children in this aspect of their growth. In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the representation of death, and the fear of death, plays a prominent role in terms of character, plot and setting. The character of Harry Potter is defined, from the outset of the book, by the death of his parents.
A look how multiculturalism is portrayed in children's literature and how in countries like Canada, the authors of such books for children, seemingly miss the mark.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 5 sources, 2005, $ 106.95
Abstract Critical paper conveying how multiculturalism in children's literature often reflects an American and British theoretical foundation that does not suit the Canadian case. Introduction to a movement in education that deconstructs previous children's literature but that in its ideology may miss the point of what children's literature should endeavor to create in a positive curiosity concerning different cultures. Several theoretical pieces and examples from children's books on African-American, Chinese and Aboriginal themes to show several weaknesses in a much politicized campaign.
From the Paper "In the last three decades, much has been made of the need to promote multiculturalism and also, the goals of anti-racism, by way of children's literature that should encourage the child's positive awareness of different cultures. This seems particularly important in the wildly multicultural environments offered by cities such as Toronto where children should be encouraged to acquire an interest in other cultures according to an ability to understand and appreciate what is different. "
An analysis of images of Family in African-American children's literature with a focus on John Steptoe's "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters" and Javaka Steptoe's "In Daddy Arms I Am Tall".
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, 2005, $ 44.95
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine one specific ideological construct formed in the heart of children's literature produced from one specific cultural group. Specifically, it argues that African-American children's literature portrays a focus on familial relationships and bonds, evident even amongst two artists in children's literature, John and Javaka Steptoe.
From the Paper "Despite the juvenile nature of the audience for children's literature, the genre itself can be an incredibly rich mine of cultural imagery and ideologies. Children's literature cannot be dismissed as only for children - rather, it can teach us all by examining what we use to teach our children. The purpose of this study is to examine one specific ideological construct formed in the heart of children's literature produced from one specific cultural group. Specifically, I would argue that African American children's literature portrays a focus on familial relationships and bonds, evident even amongst two artists in children's literature, John and Javaka Steptoe. "
Abstract This paper makes the contention that the facts on cultural diversity in American children's literature belie a terrible misrepresentation of minorities in the small number of books written about them. The larger Caucasian society of authors, as well as minority authors, must be responsible to bring forth a true democratic social responsibility in not ignoring other cultures in this type of literature. Although there should be a greater emphasis on publishing more African-American or Hispanic children's literature, the issue of cross-cultural mixing should be the priority of both sides of this argument.
From the Paper "By identifying aspects of minority culture in American society, one can realize how these books can help create racial diversity in a white hegemonic society. In essence, by understanding the problem with diversity in current children's literature, there should be a greater effort for authors and teachers to include other races and creeds in their creative writing projects and literature choices. The problem with racial diversity in children's literature is one that needs to be looked at with a rational point of view."
An examination of the different ways prejudice can be approached in children's literature, focusing on Terry Pratchett's "The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents" and Karen Levine's "Hana's Suitcase."
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 2 sources, 2005, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper examines the incident and approach to the matter of prejudice in children's literature. The paper discuss how this has been accomplished in Terry Pratchett's "The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents" and Karen Levine's "Hana's Suitcase." The paper discusses the different ways in which these two authors approach prejudice and how difficult a topic it is to address in children's literature.
From the Paper "Dealing with Prejudice in Children's Literature This paper examines the incident and approach to the matter of prejudice in children's literature. Because this can be a difficult subject at any age level, dealing with it in children's literature can be especially difficult. Below, I will discuss how this has been accomplished in Terry Pratchett's The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents and Karen Levine's Hana's Suitcase. Sometimes, addressing prejudice is done in a very straightforward fashion. Readers are never question the fact that prejudice is one of the primary themes of the work. This is the case in Hana's Suitcase. However, other writers approach the subject more subtly and less directly, preferring to dance around the matter with allusion and metaphor. This is Pratchett's approach in The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rats."
Abstract This paper explores the patterns of maturation found in children's literature with reference to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. It finds that in modern children's literature the typical gender roles are reversed, with Harry acting on behalf of society (typically a female pattern) and Charlotte maturing as an individual (typically male pattern). Anne of Green Gables and Treasure Island are used to display the typical patterns.
From the Paper "In children's literature gender roles have been laid quite clearly. These patterns exist from the early fairy tales to present day novels. Recently some authors have attempted to reverse the typical gender roles of characters; giving male protagonists more passive and nurturing characteristics, and females greater abilities to become active individuals. This is particularly apparent in stories about maturation."
Abstract The four texts to be discussed here - "Ben's Trumpet", "The Slave Dancer", "Sounder", and "Huckleberry Finn" - are all well-known works of children's literature, and all have been challenged on the grounds of racial bias against African-Americans. All focus to a great degree on the lives and experiences of African-Americans in the United States from the slavery era of the 18th and 19th centuries, into the segregationist era of the 20th century. Given the nature of this focus, it is clear that questions of gender must be secondary in this analysis, much as they are secondary in the texts themselves.
Abstract This paper examines sexism, racism and children's literature. Like all literature, children's literature reflects the dominant culture of its origin. This means that many 'classics' of children's literature contain unacceptable bias. This paper examines three examples of this situation.
Abstract This is a sociology paper on children's literature and gender roles. It includes comparing and contrasting two children's books about gender differences or observing girl and boys.
Abstract This paper will argue that censorship of children's literature is wrong because far more would be lost than gained. The argument will include an introductory (and brief) discussion of the nature of children's literature, then the balance of losses and gains in censorship. Three examples from children's literature will be used: Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn", Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island", and Perrault's Mother Goose tales.
Abstract This paper begins with a discussion on the significance that children's literature has to the development of a child's personal confidence and communication skills. It then goes on to examine the unique writing and artistic skills of Ezra Jack Keats and his contribution to the world of children's literature. In particular, the paper looks at Keats's positive portrayal of minority children and the resulting positive influence his books had on minority children. A brief biography of Keats's life is included, as well as discussions on early influences on Keats's work and the significance of his illustrations.
Influences On Keats's Work
Keats's Beliefs on the Role of the Picture Book
Relationship of Illustrations to the Written Text
Keats's Audience
Trends in Keats's Work
From the Paper "Picture books enhance children's ability to develop creative thinking. By observing how characters solve problems or achieve goals, children can learn to apply similar skills to their own individual situations or circumstances. This is reinforced through parental and teacher guidance along with creating a dialog for effective communication. The process also enhances personal confidence. The four components of divergent thinking: fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration are important thinking tools for success in reading and language arts. Even before they can read and write independently, children can participate in activities that promote divergent thinking."
Abstract This paper looks at the significant role that children's literature plays in transmitting society's cultural aspects to children. The paper explains that gender roles are a particularly important part of this cultural development, thereby making the portrayal of genders within children's literature a strong influence on the image children develop of their own role and that of their gender in society.
From the Paper "In the field of Children's Literature there are many, many issues that impact upon this literature such as censorship, the uses of series books, the role of technologies and many others. However, there can be no more important issue, particularly in the early elementary learning period of children than the issues presented by the roles of gender."
Abstract A general history of North American children's literature is provided and a critical analysis of race, class and gender representation is discussed in the contexts of the need and availability of multicultural children's literature.
Abstract This paper explains that the history of multi-cultural children's literature is inextricably tied to the social history of America. This history is examined and the writer points out that the incorporation of multicultural children's literature into the popular American library has been a story of civil rights, historical trends, and individual agency. Some books examined for their contribution to this trend are Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book", the French "Tin Tin" series by Herge Moulinsart among others.
From the Paper "The history of Hispanic-Americans, though not as brutal as that of the African-Americans, is equally grueling in its disregard for native culture. Enslaved in South and Latin America, this demographic faced the same cultural history that the African-Americans did, but without the same causal cry for acknowledgement and involvement into the common knowledge base as witnessed by African-Americans. Many of these groups also have roots in the Native Americans (First Nations' Peoples) of the United States, and as such, have received a historically inaccurate and unflattering history though children's literature in America as the demographic with whom the brave American settler's battled and, later, the heartless killers who ravaged the west of the idolized American Cowboy."
