Children's Literature with Negative Portrayals and Stereotypes for Curriculum | Whatcom County Library System

by Seuss

Book - 1950

The Seuss we've all grown to love, leaves more to be desired in the stereotypical illustrations of different cultures. Depictions of Chinese, Middle Easte...Show more The Seuss we've all grown to love, leaves more to be desired in the stereotypical illustrations of different cultures. Depictions of Chinese, Middle Eastern, African, and Russian cultures are negatively stereotyped. The people are exaggerated like the imaginary Seussian animals in the story. While the Caucasian characters bear no stereotypes. Show less

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Dahl, Roald

Book - 1973

Modern printings of this comical classic depict Oompa Loompa's as we remember from the film. Funny little men who are loyal to Mr. Wonka (illustrated by Q...Show more Modern printings of this comical classic depict Oompa Loompa's as we remember from the film. Funny little men who are loyal to Mr. Wonka (illustrated by Quentin Blake.) But original printings were illustrated by Joseph Schindelman, and show the Oompa Loompa's as African Savages that become Mr. Wonka's slaves at the factory after he "saves" them. Show less

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Goggles

by Keats, Ezra Jack

Book - 1969

Ezra Jack Keats, a non-African-American writer and illustrator is widely known for his stories featuring African-American children and other minorities. B...Show more Ezra Jack Keats, a non-African-American writer and illustrator is widely known for his stories featuring African-American children and other minorities. But Goggles is frequently criticized for showing Archie and Peter playing in what appears to be a dump, and their neighborhood as very dilapidated. Keats has been quoted as someone who wrote stories about what he observed - but as an outsider, his illustrations through observations can act as glorification of the ghetto. Are they a true representation of the African American experience? Show less

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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

by Twain, Mark

Book - 1948

Social satire novel Huckleberry Finn has traversed time to be a classic that is frequently studied in schools - a tale of a boy who runs away, and his fri...Show more Social satire novel Huckleberry Finn has traversed time to be a classic that is frequently studied in schools - a tale of a boy who runs away, and his friendship with an escaped slave. The beginning of the book includes a notice from the author, warning people to not find motive in the narrative. There is also an Explanatory note, explaining the colloquial language used in the time the book is set in. The reader will quickly notice the N-word dotted frequently throughout the book. The writing describes slavery in what could be considered demoralizing language for our modern times - especially in knowing that educators continue to assign students to read it. Show less

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A Fine Dessert

Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat

by Jenkins, Emily

Book - 2015

This picture story is about a family recipe passed across generations - but fails to understand how a modern book like this can negatively impact young le...Show more This picture story is about a family recipe passed across generations - but fails to understand how a modern book like this can negatively impact young learners. The Plantation scene clearly draws the line between Masters and Servants/Slaves - with the servants only allowed to enjoy leftovers in their hidden solitude. Show less

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The Indian in the Cupboard

by Banks, Lynne Reid

Book - 2003

The Indian in the Cupboard is a novel with ethnocentrism undertones. A toy "Indian" that comes to life, only to be owned by a Caucasian boy has ...Show more The Indian in the Cupboard is a novel with ethnocentrism undertones. A toy "Indian" that comes to life, only to be owned by a Caucasian boy has many implications. Indigenous Native Americans have been constantly attacked through inaccurate, insensitive, and offensive portrayals through literature - something that still occurs in modern literature. Show less

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Alvin Ho

Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-made Catastrophes

by Look, Lenore

Book - 2010

Alvin Ho, a series about a young Asian-American boy is applauded for its diversity – especially when juvenile books typically feature Caucasian protagonis...Show more Alvin Ho, a series about a young Asian-American boy is applauded for its diversity – especially when juvenile books typically feature Caucasian protagonists. But the book is overshadowed by inaccurate and stereotypical descriptions of indigenous Native American cultures, which should not be acceptable in a book written in modern times. Traditional native dress evolves into a costume for parties, and other traditions are mocked. Author Lenore Look, has been heavily criticized for perpetuating stereotypes of other cultures. Show less

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Tintin in America

by Hergé

Book - 1979

TinTin is considered a classic comic series by Herge - translated from French to English. This comic shows Tintin in America, specifically Chicago 1931 - ...Show more TinTin is considered a classic comic series by Herge - translated from French to English. This comic shows Tintin in America, specifically Chicago 1931 - but still illustrates Native Americans in headdresses, living in teepees, smoking peace pipes, and addresses them as "redskins.” The comic also shows the natives speaking defensively towards the "paleface." Show less

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The Five Chinese Brothers

by Bishop, Claire Huchet

Book - 1938

Considered a controversial classic - Five Chinese brothers is criticized for many elements. The book illustrates all of the characters with the exact same...Show more Considered a controversial classic - Five Chinese brothers is criticized for many elements. The book illustrates all of the characters with the exact same faces, implying that all Chinese people look alike. The faces of the characters are illustrated with a uniform bright yellow to mock their skin color. The Seven Chinese Brothers is an often suggested alternative. Show less

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The Story About Ping

by Flack, Marjorie

Book - 1933

Similar to Five Chinese Brothers, the Story of Ping contains antiquated views of Chinese culture & people, in both the text and illustrations. Similar to Five Chinese Brothers, the Story of Ping contains antiquated views of Chinese culture & people, in both the text and illustrations. Show less

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Tikki Tikki Tembo

by Mosel, Arlene

Book - 1968

More inaccurate caricatures of Chinese culture - the story presents a false folktale about Chinese names and families. The actual story may come from an o...Show more More inaccurate caricatures of Chinese culture - the story presents a false folktale about Chinese names and families. The actual story may come from an old Japanese folktale, and was misconstrued to be Chinese – implying that they are interchangeable cultures. None of the words in Tikki Tikki Tembo's full name are Chinese. Nor does Chang mean the words “little” or “nothing”, as the author implies in the story. Show less

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Eight Cousins; Or, the Aunt-Hill

by Alcott, Louisa May

Book - 1927

Eight Cousins is frequently disparaged because of its descriptions of Chinese people, but also because of its sexist representations of women. Eight Cousins is frequently disparaged because of its descriptions of Chinese people, but also because of its sexist representations of women. Show less

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Skippyjon Jones

by Schachner, Judith Byron

Book - 2003

A charming little cat becomes not so charming after pretending to become a "bandido." Skippy Jon is written as if adding an "O" to the...Show more A charming little cat becomes not so charming after pretending to become a "bandido." Skippy Jon is written as if adding an "O" to the end of all his words is speaking Spanish. This short picture book is filled with other miscellaneous generalizations about Latino/Hispanic culture. Show less

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TEN QUICK WAYS TO ANALYZE CHILDRENS BOOKS FOR SEXISM AND RACISM From ANTI-BIAS CURRICULUM:

http://www.teachingforchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ec_tenquickways_english.pdf

Web Resource

TOOLS FOR EMPOWERING YOUNG CHILDREN Louise Derman-Sparks and the A.B.C. Task Force - a good link for educators and students learning about stereotypes and literature. TOOLS FOR EMPOWERING YOUNG CHILDREN Louise Derman-Sparks and the A.B.C. Task Force - a good link for educators and students learning about stereotypes and literature. Show less

American Indians in Children's Literature by Debbie Reese

http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/

Web Resource

Debbie Reese is an educator, academic, and advocate for indigenous Native American representations in literature and media. Her website discusses at lengt...Show more Debbie Reese is an educator, academic, and advocate for indigenous Native American representations in literature and media. Her website discusses at length, the damages created by stereotypes of cultures and minorities. She frequently includes recommendations on how to find better resources and materials. Show less