Gender Issues in Children's Literature

As a future Elementary School Teacher, I think it is important for children to read books that are not so stereo-typical when it comes to gender. Children tend to want to be like the characters in their books or think they must act like them. The literature impacts how they see life and the society in which they live in. When young girls are reading books where a female is helpless, naive and needs to be rescued then sometimes they get the idea they must act this way. Instead of the children reading one version of the fairytales where the girls are weak and dependant; they should read other versions where the female character can save herself and be strong as well. This way they can see both genders portrayed in different ways and have a positive attitude about both genders.

Outside Reading: Number the Stars

The book "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry is in my opinion one of the best children's books out there. I have read the book three times and loved it every time I read it. The first time I read "Number the Stars" I was in 3rd grade and I loved every aspect of the book. As a 3rd grader, it taught me so much about World War II and the dangers the Jewish people faced by the Nazi soldiers. It amazed me how the Johansen family, especially Ann Marie, risked their own lives by taking in Ellen and making sure other Jewish families made it to Sweden safely. The suspense of hiding the Jews at the home in Gilleleje and what was going to happen to them kept me reading until I finished the book. It was so clever that they hid the food and clothes in the casket, and told the soldiers that their Great Aunt died of Typhus so they can not open the casket. I loved that the hankerchief contained a chemical (rabbit's blood and cocaine) that masked the Jew's smell from the German dogs! I thought it was brilliant! After reading the book the first time, my mom informed me that the title of the book was taken from Psalm 147. Pslam 147 says that God has numbered all the stars in the universe and this ties into the Star of David, which is the Jewish symbol that Ellen wears around her neck. As a child I did not understand WWII and the Jewish discrimination and hate that took place by the Nazi soldiers. Ever since I read this book as well as many others, WWII has been my favorite part of history. I strongly encourage that every 3rd or 4th grader read this book; it taught me so much about WWII and the past.

Creative Writing: Letters To Home

Sarah Walker rushed home from school Friday afternoon pedaling as fast as she could on her pink, mountain bike. She counted down the time all day so she could get home and check the mail. Tommy Walker, Sarah's father, was over seas fighting for his country in Iraq. Sarah was expecting a letter from her dad, like she did every month, telling her and her mother how he was and if he was coming home soon. Sarah slammed on her breaks and through her bike in the grass. She anxiously ripped open the envelope and read as fast as she could. There were two letters, one for her mom, Jennifer, and the other for her.
My Precious Angel,
I miss you more every day. I hope you are being a good little girl and staying out of trouble. I will not be coming home as soon as I had hoped, but I can't wait to see you. Your mom tells me you are the star in your 4th grade play, The Wizard of Oz. I wish I could be there to see you, but I know you will be an amazing Dorthy. Take care Sarah and remember I am always thinking of you and your mom.
Love,
Daddy
Sarah cried as she finished reading the letter; she missed her dad and missed the warmth of his fatherly arms when he hugged her. She missed his deep voice when he tucked her in at night and would say "good night sugar." She hated that he had to be so far away from home.
After a few weeks, Sarah went through the same routine of rushing home to check the mail, but there was not a letter this time. She walked inside feeling disappointed and upset and went to find her mom.
"Mom, why didn't dad write a letter this month?" Sarah asked with worry in her voice.
"I am not sure honey, but I am sure he is okay." Her mother replied, also wondering why her husband had not written. Sarah hoped her dad was okay, he never forgot to write them.

It was the night of her play and all she could think about was her dad. She nervously went through her lines and tried to get the thoughts of her dad out of her head. The red, cue light came on above her and she knew it was her turn to go on stage. As she said her lines, she looked into the audience and what she saw made her heart skip a beat. Her dad was sitting in the seat next to her mom wearing his bright, warm smile. She excitedly acted the part of Dorthy and could not wait until the play finished. After the play, she ran into the arms of her father, feeling so relieved and overjoyed. He handed her beautiful daisies which were her favorite flowers and picked her up into his arms.
"Hello sugar." He said as a tear fell down his face. "I'm home."

Class Discussion on Red Riding Hood

When I started to read the other tales of Red Riding Hood, I was shocked by Perrault's naughty version of the story! I always assumed that the fairytales were written for children, but it was interesting to learn in class of how Perrault altered the story to entertain the rich women and other aristocratic adults. I think the moral of Perrault's story is essential for young girls to read, because of the symbolism between the wolf and the girl, to adult males and young girls. I feel strongly that too many charming, deceiving men take advantage of young girls, so i was inspired to learn of the moral of this story. I have been sheltered to the original tale of Red Riding Hood beating the Wolf, so reading the other stories definately opened my mind to other tales, morals and lessons of Children's literature.

**Outside Reading List
Book 1: Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry
Picture Book? No
Posting Date:Monday January 28th

Book 2:Nancy Drew--The Email Mystery
Author: Carolyn Keene
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: Sunday March 2nd

Book 3: The Boxcar Children--The Blue Bay Mystery
Author:Gertrude Chandler Warner
Picture Book? No
Posting Date:Sunday March 23rd

Book 4: The Borrowers
Author: Mary Norton
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: Thursday April 1st

Book 5: Amelia Bedelia and the Baby
Author: Peggy Parish
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: Wednesday April 16th

Book 6: Madeline
Author: Ludwig Bemelmans
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: Friday April 25th

Book 7: The Nutcracker
Author: Susan Jeffers
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: Sunday April 27th

Book 8: Franklin is Bossy
Author: Paulette Bourgeois
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: Sunday April 27th

Book 9: Eloise at the Plaza
Author: Kay Thompson
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: Sunday April 27th

Book 10:A Picture book of Sacagawea
Author:David Adler
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: Sunday April 27th