HomeNew childrens book list counters negative stereotypes of elderl

Contact:  Larra Clark
ALA Media Relations
                  312-280-5043
lclark@ala.org

For Immediate Release
December 8, 2004                  

New children's book list counters negative stereotypes of elderly

(CHICAGO) Faced with research showing that a majority of American children hold negative views about the elderly, the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has teamed with George Washington University's Center on Aging, Health & Humanities to develop a reading list of children's books that counter negative stereotypes about aging and the elderly. The release of this list is particularly timely as the 2004 holiday shopping season continues.

ALSC, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), compiled the new list, which was then evaluated by more than 200 librarians, specialists and consumers of various ages: http://www.gwumc.edu/cahh/booklist/booklist_20041110.pdf.  The 91 titles, published as recently as 2002 and as far back as 1976, are geared for children pre-K through Grade 6. They include Bob Graham's "Rose Meets Mrs. Wintergarten," in which a young girl's attempt to retrieve a ball from her grouchy old neighbor's yard changes the way they feel about each other; "A Year Down Yonder," Richard Peck's tale of a youngster's year spent living with a grandparent; and Wendy Ann Kesselman's "Emma," featuring a 72-year-old woman who discovers her artistic talent after receiving a birthday gift.

"Libraries have always been home to multiple generations from all walks of life, so it makes sense for librarians to connect our youngest library users with books that break down stereotypes and divisions," said ALSC President Gretchen Wronka.  "Many grandparents and community elders are involved in starting children down their paths to a love of reading, and we are thrilled to celebrate the positive contributions they have made to our society."

The book list was developed in response to a study by the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Academy for Teaching and Learning about Aging (NATLA) that showed most children hold a negative view of the elderly, despite having positive feelings toward older persons in their own families. Students, ages 6 to 11, were asked to draw pictures of an old person and a young person, and then asked to explain their pictures. Those who drew older persons they knew, like a grandparent, were more likely to portray the older person in a positive way.  But when these same children and others drew generalized pictures of older people they did not know, they often drew negative stereotypes associated with disabilities.

"Beyond their family interactions, children's view of aging is influenced by the early books they are exposed to," said Gene Cohen, director, Center on Aging, Health & Humanities.  "There are so many older characters in children's books that are portrayed as wicked, weird, or weak - from 'Cinderella's' malevolent stepmother to the scheming 'Rumpelstiltskin,'- men and women alike, who are depicted verbally and visually as villains."  The Center on Aging, Health & Humanities' Web site (www.gwumc.edu/cahh/booklist) allows visitors to recommend additional books and make comments on the list.

For more reading recommendations from librarians, please visit the ALA Web site at www.ala.org/recommendedreading.