Childrensliteraturecriteriadisabilitiesandtalents

Childrens Literature Criteria
A Very Special Critter Written and Illustrated by Gina and Mercer Mayer
Copyright Date: 1992
Publisher: Golden Books
ISBN: 0-307-12763-X/ISBN: 0-307-62763-2
Description: In this picture book, a new student named Alex joins Little Critter's class at
school. Alex uses a wheelchair, and Little Critter is worried about his classmates disability.
Will Alex will be different? Will the class know how to act around Alex? This book provides
an honest, realistic look at the ways children deal with the unknown. In the end, Little Critter
discovers that Alex is really not so different from the other critters despite his disability, and
successfully creates a special new friendship!
Number Question
Is the book free of gender stereotypes?
1
Male
o Men are lazy/messy
o Men are supposed to have dirty jobs such
as mechanics and construction.
o Husbands tell their wives what to do.
o Men do not do housework and are not
responsible of taking care of their children.
o Men enjoy outdoor activities such as
camping, fishing, and hiking.
Female
o Women are responsible for raising children.
o They are stay at home moms.
o Not as strong as men.
o They cook and do housework.
o They are supposed to have clean jobs such
as secretaries, teachers, or librarians.
Is the book free of stereotypes?
2
Asian American
Black/African American
Hispanic/Latin@
White
Native American/American Indian
Women
Characters with visible disabilities
The Elderly
Is there derogatory or offensive wording/terminology
3
Yes No N/A Notes

X
X
4
5
sending inaccurate messages?

Oriental
Afro-American
Does the book represent various cultures accurately and in a
positive image?
Does the book use inclusive language (correct pronoun
usage)?
Are gender neutral terms used?
Example: firefighters instead of firemen, police
officers instead of policemen
Are females described with softer tones?
Is the author qualified to write the book?
Is there background information/research the author
used to present perspectives accurately?
Is the authors attitude toward the characters
respectful?
How are the characters portrayed in the illustrations?
Is there diversity?
Are the images accurate and respectful to the people
in the story?
Are females depicted in a positive manner?
Are males depicted in a positive manner?
Are the living situations stereotypical?
Are the characters dressed in stereotypical clothing?
Does the setting of the book accurately reflect the particular

time period?
Does the book show tokenism (all look alike except for one
person who may be a different race; no uniqueness among
characters)
If the actual language of a specific culture is used in the
book, is the language accurate?
Is translated language correct and word for word?
10
11
12
Is the copyright date after the 1970s?

Does the storyline encourage positive light on diversity?
Are historically underrepresented groups depicted?
o Positively?
o Negatively?
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
13
Is there a glossary for unfamiliar information or terms used

in the book?
14
Can students see themselves/relate to this book?
X
X
Additional Notes:
Would you use this book in your classroom? Why or why not? What changes, if any, would you
make? Why?
I would use this book in my classroom as it teaches the importance of accepting others no matter
who they are, what they look like, or what disability they may have in a child friendly light. It
teaches students to acknowledge a disability, but not define someone by it. Rather, we need to
look past the flaws to discover each persons talents and uniqueness, and what we all have to
offer to the classroom, community, and the world. This book emphasizes, that although Alex
does need additional help at times because of his disability, his classmates often need a friend to
help them as well. The author does not present Alex in a negative image because he is in a
wheelchair, but portrays him as very capable young critter that can do things on his own, and
even help his friends when they are in need.
Knots on a Counting Rope

By Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
Illustrated by Ted Rand
ISBN: 0-440-84305-7
Publisher: The Trumpet Club
Copyright date: 1987
Description: In this book, the counting rope is a metaphor for a passage of time and a boy's
emerging confidence as he faces his greatest challenge, blindness. An Indian grandfather and his
blind grandson, Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses, reminisce about the young boy's birth, his first
horse, and the exciting accomplishments and talents that develop out of his visual impairment.
The young boys touching story portrays deep love, hope, and courage which can be expressed
and understood by all people around the world.
Number Question
1
Male
Female
2

Asian American
Hispanic/Latin@
White
Women
The Elderly
Yes No N/A Notes

X
X
4
5

Oriental
Afro-American
positive image?
usage)?
respectful?
Is there diversity?
in the story?

time period?
characters)
10
11
12

o Positively?
o Negatively?
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
13

in the book?
14
X
X
Additional Notes:
make? Why?
I would definitely use this book in my classroom as it describes a very curious young boy who is
simply trying to figure out who he is, the world around him, and what he can accomplish despite
his blindness. Although he faces great difficulty completing tasks and does not always know
what things are or look like, he imagines the possibilities, thankful for what he does have,
namely the love of family, the most important possession. Students do not need to have a visual
impairment to recognize the moral of the story and relate to it!

Grandmas Wheelchair
By Lorraine Henroid
Illustrated by Christa Chevalier
ISBN: 0-8075-3035-2
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Description: A kind, cooperative four year old boy named Thomas visits his grandmother each
day, spending time with her and helping her with the daily chores around the house. Thomas
even saves the day when the tire on his grandmas wheelchair goes flat. He pushes her back to
the house, finds her spare wheelchair in the garage, and helps her transfer into the new chair.
Thomas feels lucky he can help grandma out and spend time with her on her lap, unlike his
brother Nate who goes to school. To Thomas, grandmas lap is a very special place to be
whenever he needs her love and care the most!
Number Question
1
Male
Female
2
Asian American
Hispanic/Latin@
White
Women
Yes No N/A Notes

X
X
4
5
The Elderly
Oriental
Afro-American
positive image?
usage)?
respectful?
Is there diversity?
in the story?

time period?
characters)
10
11
12

o Positively?
o Negatively?
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
13

in the book?
14
Additional Notes:
make? Why?
I would read this book in my classroom as it is a charming story of a disabled grandparent who
wont allow her challenges to keep her from a normal life or from spending time loving her
grandchild. However, some parts are quite stereotypical and I would change that with some
explanations to my students. I would point out that people of all ages could be confined to a
wheelchair, not just the elderly. Also, the way the grandma is illustrated in the pictures is slightly
stereotypical, so I would mention some grandmas may look like this, but some do not, stressing
we are all different, but equally important, no matter what we look like. This book will allow
children to put themselves in Thomass shoes and relate to his experiences of having a family
member with a disability.

Thank You, Mr. Falker
Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco
ISBN: 0-439-09836-X
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Description: When Trisha starts school, she can't wait to learn how to read, but when she tries,
the letters just get all jumbled up. She hates being different, and begins to believe her classmates
when they bully her and call her a dummy because her reading skills are so low. Then, in fifth
grade, Mr. Falker, a new teacher comes to the school and changes everything for Trisha. He sees
through her sadness and brings out her artistic talents. When he discovers she can't read and how
it affects her self-esteem, he works with her diligently to prove she can read!
Number Question
1
Male
Female
2

Asian American
Hispanic/Latin@
White
Women
Yes No N/A Notes

X
X
4
5
The Elderly
Oriental
Afro-American
positive image?
usage)?
respectful?
Is there diversity?
in the story?

time period?
characters)
10
11
12

o Positively?
o Negatively?
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
13

in the book?
14
X
X
Additional Notes:
make? Why?
This is an excellent book and will definitely be used in my classroom, as it exemplifies a student
with both a disability as well as an exceptional artistic talent. It covers the topics of bullying and
its effects on self worth, has a non-stereotypical male teacher who becomes an active and
compassionate role model for Tricia, demonstrates the importance of trying and never giving up
on your goals, and offers a true story example of students with learning disabilities in the
classroom who have so much to share with others and need to be accepted and respected for their
uniqueness and exceptional talents or abilities beyond their disability. As Tricias grandma
states in the story, To be different is the miracle of life, something teachers can help students
recognize and embrace!

Howie Helps Himself
By Joan Fassler
Illustrated by Joe Lasker
ISBN: 0-8075-3422-6
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Description: Howie enjoys spending time with his family mom, dad, grandma, and especially
his sister Linda. Most days, he enjoys going to school, singing songs, playing games, learning
the alphabet letters and their sounds, and counting with beads. Each day, Howie also does
exercises to strengthen his arms and legs. However, having cerebral palsy often means he is in a
confined to a wheelchair, or needs to hold onto an object to stand upright. He wants more than
anything to be able to move his wheelchair all by himself, just like his classmates, Susan and
Jeffrey. Howie tries for days, practicing at night with his dad. He never gives up, though he
comes close in the struggle. Finally, one day when his dad picked him up from school, Howie
musters all his might and strength, and wheels himself over to his dad, giving him a big hug. At
that moment, Howie realizes it doesnt matter how strong your limbs are when you give hugs what matters most is how happy you feel deep down inside!.
Number Question
1

Male
Female
Asian American
Hispanic/Latin@
Yes No N/A Notes

X
X
4
5
White
Women
The Elderly
Oriental
Afro-American
positive image?
usage)?
respectful?
Is there diversity?
in the story?
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

time period?
characters)
10
11
1975
12

o Positively?
o Negatively?
13

in the book?
14
X
X
X
X
X
Additional Notes:
make? Why?
I would use this book in my classroom because it teaches the valuable lesson of never giving up
on your dreams and goals no matter the situation or struggles you are facing, a theme all students
can relate to. It also teaches acceptance, as Howies classmates, teachers, and family never judge
him for his disability and for not being able to push his own wheelchair. In fact, when Howie is
able to move his wheelchair on his own, his classmates and teachers are proudly depicted in the
pictures and excited Howie achieved his goal after great difficulty. This book also does not
display any negative stereotypes or feelings toward the character or his disability, but instead,
sheds light on a disability many people have today.

Leo the Late Bloomer
By Robert Kraus
Illustrated by Jose Aruego
ISBN: 0-87807-043-5
Publisher: Windmill Books
Description: Leo cant seem to do anything right. He isn't reading, writing, drawing, or even
speaking. His father is concerned, but Leo's mother is not. She knows her son will do all these
things, and more, when he's ready. All winter and spring, Leos father watches and waits for
some learning success. Finally, during the summer months, and in his own time, Leo blooms!
He can read, write, draw, speak, and eat nicely, and proudly tells his parents I made it!
Number Question
1
Male
o Men are supposed to have dirty
jobs such as mechanics and
construction.
o Husbands tell their wives what to
do.
o Men do not do housework and are
not responsible of taking care of
their children.
o Men enjoy outdoor activities such
as camping, fishing, and hiking.
Female
o Women are responsible for
raising children.
o They are supposed to have clean
jobs such as secretaries,
teachers, or librarians.
2
Asian American
Hispanic/Latin@
Yes No N/A Notes

X
X
White
Women
The Elderly
Is there derogatory or offensive
wording/terminology sending inaccurate
messages?
Oriental
Afro-American
Does the book represent various cultures
accurately and in a positive image?
Does the book use inclusive language (correct

pronoun usage)?
Example: firefighters instead of firemen,
police officers instead of policemen

Is there background information/research
the author used to present perspectives
accurately?
Is the authors attitude toward the
characters respectful?
How are the characters portrayed in the
illustrations?
Is there diversity?
Are the images accurate and respectful to
the people in the story?
Are females depicted in a positive
manner?
Are the characters dressed in
stereotypical clothing?
Does the setting of the book accurately reflect

the particular time period?
Does the book show tokenism (all look alike

except for one person who may be a different
race; no uniqueness among characters)
If the actual language of a specific culture is
used in the book, is the language accurate?
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
This story uses

animals as the
main characters.
Is translated language correct and word

for word?
11
12
Does the storyline encourage positive light on

diversity?
Are historically underrepresented groups
depicted?
o Positively?
o Negatively?
13
Is there a glossary for unfamiliar information or

terms used in the book?
14
It was
copyrighted in
1971, but was
republished in
the 1990s
X
X
X
X
X
Additional Notes:
make? Why?
While this book uses animals instead of people to portray a learning disability, it still
demonstrates how students develop personal traits or abilities at a pace which may differ from
their peers. This book is especially good for Preschool, Kindergarten, and even first grade
levels, as it presents the idea that everyone may struggle at times with learning new things, but
achievement is possible. Leos story teaches children to be patient and confident in their
growing abilities, and proudly enjoy their journey to learning success!

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Childrens Literature Criteria

Yes No N/A Notes

sending inaccurate messages?

Does the setting of the book accurately reflect the particular

Is the copyright date after the 1970s?

Is there a glossary for unfamiliar information or terms used

Can students see themselves/relate to this book?

Knots on a Counting Rope

Is the book free of stereotypes?

Yes No N/A Notes

Is there derogatory or offensive wording/terminology

Does the setting of the book accurately reflect the particular

Is the copyright date after the 1970s?

Is there a glossary for unfamiliar information or terms used

Can students see themselves/relate to this book?