Do Boys Only Get to Read Half the Books?

Posted on June 30, 2018September 11, 2024 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Just read this post from one of my favorite authors, Shannon Hale. She talks about how many boys tend to feel, or are trained to feel, that they can’t read books with female leads.

“We talk about how girls get to read any book they want, but some people try to tell boys that they can only read half the books. I say that this isn’t fair,” Hale tells her school assemblies.

Ms. Hale’s article discusses the way parents and teachers talk to children about “girl” books and even the way she, as a female author, is presented. Shannon Hale’s books include The Princess Academy trilogy and The Books of Bayern (amongst many others), all with strong female leads. A book festival committee member told her, “Last week we met to choose a keynote speaker for next year. I suggested you, but another member said, ‘What about the boys?’ so we chose a male author instead.” When Ms. Hale went to speak with to a middle school recently, the teachers only invited the girls. Yet, with the last visiting author, a male, everyone was invited. What is this teaching these kids?

This post discusses many of these stereotypes we hold about boys and girls and what kinds of stories or characters they will enjoy. I like that Shannon, herself, admits to having been guilty of these assumptions. I know I’ve done it plenty of times. While I love Ms. Hale’s books, I’ve probably shied away from recommending them to boys or have added the caveat, “I think you’ll enjoy this book, EVEN THOUGH it’s about a girl.” That isn’t fair. To anyone. Some say, “It’s just a book and this is nothing to get so worked up about,” but I’m with Shannon. This kind of approach and thinking can plant the seed for toxic beliefs and assumptions. As Hale says, we’ve gotten to the point where, “A boy feels embarrassed to read a book about a girl. To care about a girl. To empathize with a girl.” This way of thinking need to change.

For a reading of this essay and a conversation about this essay, visit KidLitWomen.

“For many years now, girls have been encouraged to stake a claim to everything that is coded as masculine and to claim their right to the entire pie, not just half. Boys have that same right.”
p. 200 of The Swedish Way to Parent and Play

You might also enjoy:
Shannon Hale book list
The Swedish Way to Parent and Play
KidLitWomen

Pollyanna

Posted on June 29, 2018July 8, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Pollyanna (1913) by Eleanor H. Porter

Talk about “Keeping in the sunlight!” I grew up watching the Haley Mills film version of “Pollyanna,” but it wasn’t until well into adulthood that I actually read the book. Since then, I’ve been reading it at least once a year; it is a true gem! This year is the 150th birthday of author, Eleanor H. Porter.

I know the term “Pollyanna” is sometimes used with a pejorative context meaning someone who refuses to see the realities of a situation, but I find Pollyanna’s sunny outlook absolutely endearing and inspiring. This story reminds me how changing my outlook on a situation can immediately shift my whole world.

During my most recent reread of this, my 5-year old caught sight of it and we ended up reading the whole book together. This book definitely ranks in my top five. Not to be missed.

(The only thing that may require some maturity in our current day, is the author’s heavy use of a certain word that means “to blurt out.”)

You might also enjoy:
Pollyanna Grows Up

Suggestions for Activities/Further Research (SPOILERS included):

–Pollyanna plays the “Glad Game” and teaches it to the people of Beldingsville. Try making a list of some things that seemed like negative situations at first, and see if you can find a way to be glad about them.

–Pollyanna and Mr. Pendleton experiment with prisms. Research Isaac Newton’s discovery about colors and prisms. See if you can find some fun projects that involve prisms.

–There is some talk in the book over the controversy of automobiles. Research the automobile’s history and the public’s reaction.

–Pollyanna often delivers homemade goods to Mrs. Snow. Is there anyone in your neighborhood who could benefit from a homemade meal or treat? Perhaps someone is sick or has recently given birth. Talk to your parent and see if you can arrange making and delivering a special meal.

–The doctors in this book make house calls. Although this is rare in the U.S. these days, there are still places where doctors do this. Why would a house call make sense? When did these stop becoming a normal practice?

–Pollyanna’s name is made from a combination of her two aunts’ names. What would your name be if you combined the names of two of your relatives? (aunts, uncles, grandparents, or parents)

–There used to be a board game called the “Glad Game,” inspired by this book. Although it is discontinued now, consider creating your own “Glad” board game to play.

–There also used to be “Glad Clubs” based on this book. What do you think a Glad Club would be like? Try creating your own, even if it’s only for one meeting. (There was – or is?- still one club in existence until recently; research to see if you can find out where it is.)

–Every June, Littleton, New Hampshire celebrates “Glad Day.” If you’re in the area, go see the Pollyanna statue and celebrate!

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The Gnome Project

Posted on May 23, 2018July 8, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Gnome Project (2015) by Jessica Peill-Meininghaus

I can’t tell you how very rare it is for me to buy a book at full price these days, and especially one I’ve never read. My usual pattern is checking out books from the library, then seeking out the ones I especially love at a used book store or on a used book site.

But, I also like to support independent bookshops when I can. So, when The Gnome Project randomly caught my eye on a recent visit to a darling bookshop, I took a chance. And I’m so glad I did. Not only am I in love with these darling little gnomes and itching to make my own, but I’m inspired by the author’s story of searching for and finding a daily practice…well, inspired and a bit jealous. Like Jessica, I’ve always struggled to commit to daily or weekly routines. I’m hoping that after reading her story (a quick and very enjoyable read), I can find my own daily practice to pursue.

Flora and the Flamingo

Posted on May 9, 2018July 8, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Flora and the Flamingo (2013)
by Molly Idle

This wordless picture book comes from Molly Idle, a former DreamWorks animator, which makes complete sense, as it plays out exactly like a Pixar short.

Decked out in her bathing cap, pink swimsuit, and flippers, Flora begins to imitate an uninterested flamingo. The flamingo does its best to ignore and dissuade young Flora’s playful antics, until Flora takes a sudden spill. Flamingo takes pity and soon the fast friends indulge in a whimsical ballet together that ends with a splash.

This lift-the-flap picture book is pure fun and delight. Flora and the Flamingo is only the first of a series of Flora books.

Marilyn’s Monster

Posted on May 9, 2018July 8, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Marilyn’s Monster (2015)
written by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Matt Phelan

Everyone in Marilyn’s class is getting their own pet monsters. But the way it works is this—a monster must be the one to choose the child. One by one, every kid is chosen. Everyone, that is, except Marilyn. She tries to be patient and stay positive, but she’s beginning to feel lonely, discouraged, and left out.

Finally, Marilyn bucks convention, forgets about the way it’s “supposed to work” and sets out to find her monster herself.

As a children’s picture book, this is a complete delight and one of our daughter’s favorites. A darling story with charming illustrations. (The monsters share similar physical traits with their human companions.) But this also feels like one of those picture books we can read and gain comfort from into adulthood. Who hasn’t felt like the one left out or left behind in life’s milestones, whether it’s making friends at school, finding love, having children, finding their passion or so on. Marilyn’s Monster is definitely on our must-own list.