Early Childhood: Learning about Gender Identity and Fairness

DESCRIPTION: Ever since Allie’s father took her to a basketball game at Madison Square Garden, she has loved the sport. One day her father surprises her with a basketball of her own. Allie heads to the park to play, but is met with explicit and implicit messages from those at the park that “basketball is a boy’s game.” While the ending ties up a little too neatly, the urban setting and use of a strong, black, female protagonist make this a valuable text.

DESCRIPTION: This unique “alphabet book” introduces the reader to contemporary women who have made an impact on our world. The women included in this book represent a variety of races, ethnicities, and cultures and include athletes, scientists, writers, political figures, entertainers, artists, and advocates. Some of these women are already well known and the rest should be. A short profile is provided for each woman, sharing the story of her talents, strength and courage that will surely inspire young children.

DESCRIPTION: "No boys and no men-just us women," Aunt Martha tells her niece. And together they plan their trip to North Carolina in Aunt Martha's brand-new car. This is to be a very special outing-with no one to hurry them along; the two travelers can do exactly as they please. This story of a young girl's travels with her aunt illustrates how exciting and adventurous simple things like having dinner on the road or visiting a flea market can be for a youngster. It reinforces the idea that women can have adventures together as "just us women."

DESCRIPTION: A queen insists that her son the Prince find a princess to marry. When Princess Madeline shows up, the Prince falls in love immediately -- with her brother, Prince Lee. The two princes marry and the queen supports his decision.

DESCRIPTION: A little boy must come to terms with being teased and ostracized because he’d rather read books, paint pictures, and tap-dance than participate in sports. There is a good balance between the simple text and the expressive pictures.

DESCRIPTION: Enchanting readers since first published in 1936, The Story of Ferdinand is a true classic. While the other bulls run and butt their heads together, Ferdinand would rather sit and smell the flowers. So what happens when he is hand-picked for the bullfights in Madrid? This new edition contains the complete original text and illustrations with watercolor tones added.

DESCRIPTION: Thunder Rose is an African-American child born on a stormy night abuzz with booming thunder, flashing lightning, and hailing rain. Her parents are awestruck by her remarkable gifts, which include forming a ball out of lightning, speaking in full sentences minutes after her birth, and snoring through a booming, thunderous rumble. This is a wonderful hero fantasy. Jerdine Nolen and Kadir Nelson have created a tall tale -- and a powerful new African American heroine -- to delight readers of all ages.