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9 Tips for Selecting Anti-Bias Children's Books Posted: 08 Mar 2013 05:00 AM PST
Stories are a powerful tool. 1. Check the illustrations (for things like stereotypes, tokenism, and the invisibility of certain groups or kinds of people). 2. Check the storyline and the relationships between people. 3. Look at messages about different lifestyles (e.g., are there negative value judgments about lifestyles outside "the norm"?). 4. Consider the effects on children's self and social identities. 5. Look for books bout children and adults engaging in actions for change. 6. Consider the author's or illustrator's background & perspective. (Are they writing about something they know? Is their bias in their worldview?) 7. Watch for loaded words. (Are words demeaning? Do they make certain people invisible?) 8. Look at the copyright date. 9. Assess the quality and appeal of the book to young children.
For complete article:https://socialjusticebooks.org/guide-for-selecting-anti-bias-childrens-books/ While investigating children's books for bias and stereotypes regarding humans, consider how nonhuman animals and the earth are viewed and treated. Are they and their own needs and interests invisible? Are they framed so that they seem to welcome (or at least accept) being exploited and/or abused by humans? Is there active compassion, respect, and consideration for animals and the planet? What values are being promoted? |