Books play an important role in the socialization process, teaching young children about where they fit in society. It is important that all children see themselves represented in literature; however, a 2011 study revealed that children’s books are dominated by boys, men, and male animals as central characters, with fewer than 35% of children’s books published each year featuring a female main character. A new display on the ground floor of the library features some of the strong and feisty females from OISE’s children’s literature collection. Among the titles in this display are several award-winning books, including Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Olivia by Ian Falconer, and When Stella Was Very Very Small by Marie-Louise Gay.
The display includes several titles in young adult literature that deal with difficult themes, including bullying, death, and poverty. Chanda’s Secrets by Allan Stratton is the story of a teenage girl who confronts the AIDS taboo in an HIV-afflicted community in Africa. After the Fire by Becky Citra explores how one girl copes with poverty and tragedy early in her life. Other titles include Girl on the Other Side by Becky Citra and A World Away by Nancy Grossman.
A handful of mystery books are also included in the display. Titles include The Bad Beginnings and other selections from A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, which follow the misadventures of the Beaudelaire children, led by their creative and inventive oldest sister, Violet, and Young Miss Holmes, a graphic novel by Kaoru Shintani about the brilliant and curious niece of Sherlock Holmes.
The OISE library carries a number of classic children’s stories with strong female protagonists. Kids have loved reading about Ramona Quimby’s adventures for decades. On display are several books by Beverly Cleary, including Ramona the Brave, classics by Judy Blume, and The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Everything in the book display cabinet can be borrowed. Please inquire at the service desk on the ground floor.