Discussion: Critiquing Books for Bias and Stereotypes

EDUC 6357: CHILDREN'S BOOK BIAS ASSESSMENT

Title of Book:

Copyright Date:

Illustrations - Stereotypes: Look at the illustrations throughout the book and in pay close attention to any stereotypes you notice. Are there any exaggerated characteristics and styles of dress? (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010). Write your observations in the white space below.

Illustrations - Tokenism: Look to see if there are more representatives from one group v. another. For example, is there "one African-American child among many White children?" (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p.1) Write your observations in the white space below.

Story Line Analysis: Does the story "depict people of color, girls, children from low-income families, and children with disabilities as dependent or passive, while depicting White people, boys, members of the middle-class, and 'able-bodied' children in leadership action roles?" (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards) Analyze the overall story line for who is presented as the "doer." Write your observations in the white space below.

Relationships Between People: "In the book, is there a balance of power among the characters? Who are the central figure, and who serve as the supporting characters?" (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p.2) Write your observations in the white space below.

Values of Heroes\Heroines: "Does this book include [heroes\heroines] of color, from low-income families, or with disabilities...Whose interests is the [hero\heroine] really serving?" (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p.2) Write your observations in the white space below.

Couples: Does your book depict couples? If so, does their depiction seem to indicate a heterosexist view? Are there any reference or depictions of same-sex couples? Write your observations in the white space below.

Families: If this book includes families, what types of families are included? If ranges of families are included in the story - are there any obvious stereotypes, which might shape one's views of family types? (e.g., single parent families are shown to be poor whereas dual parent households are shown to be healthier, happier, and more financially secure). Write your observations in the white space below.

Loaded Words: Are there words used throughout the book that contain prejudicial overtones? For example, words containing prejudicial overtones used to describe people of color that carry racist overtones might include: savage, primitive, backward (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010). Write your observations in the white space below.

What Else Did You Notice: Using your own life experience and the Learning Resources from this course, notate other examples of bias that you noticed while review this children's book. Write your observations in the white space below.