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.

Tags:mature, children's literature

Abstract
This paper describes how influential children's literature can be in forming ideas and stereotypes with relation to gender issues. It explains how crucial the early stages in life are in forming opinions of the society we live and grow up in.

From the paper:

Books are not only an important resource for helping to develop the language skills of a child, adding to his imagination by presenting to him new ideas and thoughts as well as to the child?s vocabulary by presenting to him or her new words and phrases. The books that a child reads also play a significant and important role in transmitting the culture of the society to the child of which the child is a member. An important part of the culture of the society where the child is born and grows up are the various gender roles. The way that genders are portrayed in the children?s books in this way contributes to the image children develop of their own role and that of their gender in society.

Tags:male, female, social, cultural, image

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. "

Tags:steptoe, family, children

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. "

Tags:children'slit, multiculturalism, ideology

Abstract
The paper discusses how children's literature not only provides entertainment for its readers, it can also help them understand complex personal relationships and how to successfully deal with the challenges that come from having those relationships. The paper asserts that sibling rivalry is a topic well-suited for children's literature because it is so commonly faced. This study analyzes three works of children's literature on sibling rivalry to determine for each the intended audience, the balance of humor and drama, and the reconciliation process the siblings ultimately experience.

From the Paper
"Children's literature often gives its audiences more than entertainment. It can also be a way for children to explore issues and feelings that are common parts of growing up. When they read about characters that experience the same goals, challenges, victories, and frustrations as them, it shows them their problems are not unique, and sometimes offers ways to deal with those problems. An excellent example of a common problem for readers of children's literature is sibling rivalry. First-born children suddenly have to share the attention and affection of parents and..."

Tags:sibling, rivalry, literature

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."

Tags:minority, children, book

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.

Tags:childrens, literature, gender

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."

Tags:children, literature, prejudice

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."

Tags:anne, avi, charlotte, children, doyle, english, gables, gender, green, harry, potter

Abstract
This is a critique of a short list of bibliographies of children's literature about racial, ethnic and/or linguistic minorities.

Tags:children, multicultural, annotated