http://genderequalbooks.com Children's books to foster equality Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:02:10 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en This is a fictionalized version of a true protest led by children: a Canadian children's boycott of chocolate bars in 1947, when the price went up in from 5 cents to 8 cents. Maggie, a 9-year-old girl living in Victoria, British Columbia, wants to buy a chocolate bar for her friend's ... http://genderequalbooks.com/maggie-and-the-chocolate-war-by-michelle-mulder/ This picture book was written by an elementary school teacher in Los Angeles who learned that the parents of some of his students had been deported. This painful situation led to the creation of the character of Jose, whose mother has been deported. Although the situation is sad, the book still ... http://genderequalbooks.com/from-north-to-south-by-rene-colato-lainez/ Anrenee Englander decided to interview teens who faced pregnancy to help teens understand their choices in this difficult situation, and the possible results of those choices. Dear Diary features 10 teenaged girls who talk about how they decided to keep their baby; give the baby up for adoption; or choose an ... http://genderequalbooks.com/dear-diary-im-pregnant-interviews-by-anrenee-englander/ On a trip to the beach, Sandy is horrified at a pile of trash she encouters. She begins cleaning up the  mess, separating trash from recyclables. As she works, she notices someone coming towards her--the "crazy old woman" Sandy has heard about, who roams the beach picking up trash. At first ... http://genderequalbooks.com/sandys-incredible-shrinking-footprint-by-handy-and-carpenter/ My 12-year-old son and I just read the latest Rabbi Harvey graphic novel: Rabbi Harvey vs. The Wisdom Kid, which is billed as "a graphic novel of dueling Jewish folktales in the Wild West." Wisdom and compassion win over cheating and violence in this hilarious book. Rabbi Harvey of Elk Spring, ... http://genderequalbooks.com/rabbi-harvey-graphic-novels-by-steve-sheinkin/ In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May), here is a collection of books from my lists. Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story, by Paula Yoo and Lin Wang Anna May Wong was one of the earliest Chinese-American movie stars. She was born in Los Angeles in 1905, and started ... http://genderequalbooks.com/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month-books/ In honor of Earth Day (April 22), here is a collection of books with environmental themes from my Girls and Boys lists. Christopher's Harvest Time, by Elsa Beskow Fiction, ages 4 and up. A charming book about a boy who sees the flowers and plants come alive in his garden. We've had ... http://genderequalbooks.com/earth-day-books/ Marshall is sick of the beans his African-American family often eats during the Great Depression. His father is out of work, and relatives are staying at their house. One day Marshall sees a huge jar of beans in the window of the furniture store. The person who guesses the number ... http://genderequalbooks.com/lucky-beans-by-becky-birtha/ Throughout her life, Amelia Earhart was often told, "you can't do that!" This accessible picture book uses this refrain to highlight Earhart's persistence, creativity, and courage. As a child, she built a kind of "roller coaster" in her yard. As a young woman she worked as a nurse and thought ... http://genderequalbooks.com/you-cant-do-that-amelia-by-klier-and-kemly/ Many traditional folk tales feature men and boys as the heroes. However, there are a number of traditional folk tales showing women and girls as strong, intelligent, and resourceful. Here is a list of books from small publishers. Both girls and boys will enjoy reading or hearing these tales. Watch Out ... http://genderequalbooks.com/feminist-folk-tales/