Female Literature Review

Title: A Chair For my Mother

Author: Vera B. Williams
Illustrator: Vera B. Williams
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Childrens Lit
ISBN: Child Lit. 800 W67CH
Description: After a fire destroys their home and possessions,
Rosa, her mother, and her grandmother save their money to
buy a big comfortable chair that they can all enjoy. Suffused
with warmth and tenderness, "A Chair for My Mother"
celebrates family love and determination.

Are HUGs (Historically Underrepresented Yes No N/A Notes

Groups) represented?

African American/Black x

Asian Pacific Islanders/ Asian x

Americans

Disabilities x

Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx x

Females/Males x

European-American/Caucasians x

Arab/Muslims x

LGBTQIAA 2S x

Native American/American Indians x

Childrens Literature Criteria

Questions Yes No N/A

1. Is the book relatable to all my students x

based on family unit?:
- Two parent household
- Single parent household
- Mixed family
 - Two moms/two dads household

2. Is this book relatable to all my students x

based on gender?
- Female
- Male
- Transgender

3. Is this book relatable to all my students x

based on socio-economic status?
- Working families

4. Is the book relatable to all my students x

based on race?
- African American/Black
- Native American/American Indian
- People with exceptionalities
- Asian Pacific Islanders
- Latinx/a/o/Hispanics

5. Does the author/illustrator have the x

qualifications (Has sufficient knowledge
on the topic, belongs to or has lived in
the culture in which she/he is speaking
to, facts are accurate, does not
perpetuate stereotypes) or experience to
write about this topic?
- Culturally
- Racially
- Historical facts

6. Is the background information accurate? x

- Are the facts historically
accurate?

7. Do the illustrations reflect the time period x

of the setting portrayed in the book?

8. Is the message of the book positive and x

dignified?

9. Do the characters illustrated in your book x

represent that of various physical
features?
- Race
- Gender
- Face shape
 - Weight/height

10. Are Historically Underrepresented x

Groups portrayed in active roles
throughout the story line?
- Native Americans/ American
Indians
- American Americans/ Blacks
- People with exceptionalities
- Asian Pacific Islanders
- Latinx/a/o/Hispanics

11. Are the lifestyles represented in the book x

accurate and diverse?

12. Does the author avoid freezing culture in x

a historical time period?

13. Is the copyright date post 1990? x

14. Is the book appealing to children? x

- Can children relate to the
storyline?
- Is the story interesting?

15. Is the book free of racial stereotypes? x

16. Is this book free of gender stereotypes? x

17. Does this book include respectful x

terminologies that diminish stereotypes?

Comments:

Title: Aunt Harriets Underground Railroad in the Sky

Author: Faith Ringgold
Illustrator: Faith Ringgold
Genre: Fiction, Childrens Literature
ISBN: 0606084789, 9780606084789
Description: This book tells of two children (Be Be and Cassie) and their adventure traveling the
Underground Railroad to Canada to freedom. Aunt Harriet (Tubman) directs these two to each
stop and the children meet many interesting people and see many new things. Though the
children are separated at the beginning of the story when Cassie misses the train, but they keep
in contact through notes left along the way. The children experience the feelings of what the
slaves before them went through on their trip to achieve freedom.

Are HUGs (Historically Underrepresented Yes No N/A Notes

Groups) represented?

African American/Black x

Asian Pacific Islanders/ Asian x

Americans

Disabilities x

Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx x

Females/Makes x

European-American/Caucasians x

LGBTQIAA 2S x

Arab/Muslims x

Native American/American Indians x

Childrens Literature Criteria

Questions Yes No N/A

1. Is the book relatable to all my students x

based on family unit?:
- Two parent household
- Single parent household
 - Mixed family
- Two moms/two dads household

2. Is this book relatable to all my students x

based on gender?
- Female
- Male
- Transgender

3. Is this book relatable to all my students x

based on socio-economic status?
- Working families

4. Is the book relatable to all my students x

based on race?
- African American/Black
- Native American/American Indian
- People with exceptionalities
- Asian Pacific Islanders
- Latinx/a/o/Hispanics

5. Does the author/illustrator have the x

qualifications (Has sufficient knowledge
on the topic, belongs to or has lived in
the culture in which she/he is speaking
to, facts are accurate, does not
perpetuate stereotypes) or experience to
write about this topic?
- Culturally
- Racially
- Historical facts

6. Is the background information accurate? x

- Are the facts historically
accurate?

7. Do the illustrations reflect the time period x

of the setting portrayed in the book?

8. Is the message of the book positive and x

dignified?

9. Do the characters illustrated in your book x

represent that of various physical
features?
- Race
- Gender
 - Face shape
- Weight/height

10. Are Historically Underrepresented x

Groups portrayed in active roles
throughout the story line?
- Native Americans/ American
Indians
- American Americans/ Blacks
- People with exceptionalities
- Asian Pacific Islanders
- Latinx/a/o/Hispanics

11. Are the lifestyles represented in the book x

accurate and diverse?

12. Does the author avoid freezing culture in x

a historical time period?

13. Is the copyright date post 1990? x

14. Is the book appealing to children? x

- Can children relate to the
storyline?
- Is the story interesting?

15. Is the book free of racial stereotypes? x

16. Is this book free of gender stereotypes? x

17. Does this book include respectful x

terminologies that diminish stereotypes?

Comments:

Josephine
By: Patricia Hruby Powell
Illustrated By: Christian Robinson

This book talks about the life of Josephine Baker, who spent her life working to break down the
barriers that were put up against her because of her gender and race in the dancing and
performing world. It walks us through her life as a child and her journey to becoming a
confident, powerful and incredibly successful performer in the early-mid 1900s.

Questions Yes No Not Applicable

1 Is the author of the book a X

credible source? (Are they
scholars who have
researched this culture? Do
they identify as being a part of
the group that the book is
about?)

2 Does this book show/allow X

me to show historically
underrepresented groups in a
positive and affirming light?

3 Does this book allow for X

conversation? (Do we have to
address certain falsities or
discuss an inaccurate
representation?)
4 Does this book use X
appropriate language? (Does
it avoid use of
stereotypical/derogatory
comments? Is the terminology
used accurate and
appropriate?)

5 Does the book avoid X

tokenism? (Do characters of
the same race or gender look
different/unique?)

6 Is this book accurately X

representing the culture that
is depicted?

7 Is it helping my students to X
become more culturally
humble?(Is this enabling the
start of a conversation for the
class? Is it allowing them to
create a foundation of cultural
humility?)

8 Is this book discussing the X

facts while being age
appropriate?

9 Will this book be engaging to X

my students/allow them to
deepen their knowledge of
the topic?

10 Do I already have a few X

books that cover this content?
(Do I not have any? Are all
gender, racial, and cultural
identities equally represented
in my classroom library?)

11 Does this book have X

characters that are unique
individuals? (Are all the
characters depicted as being
their own unique selves? Are
they all cookie cutter perfect
people?)
 12 Does this book contain X
information that is historically
accurate regarding the
historically underrepresented
groups that are being
highlighted? (Does the book
tell us the facts? Is it avoiding
the textbook typical
glorification of one group
which then undermines the
other?)

My Name is Celia (Me llamo Celia)

By: Monica Brown

Illustrated By: Rafael Lopez

This book walks us through the life of Celia Cruz. It talks about her childhood and journey to the
United states all while giving the reader a background on her musical talents. It talks about her
accomplishments and successes that she had throughout her life and ends with a summary of
everything along with a picture of the real Celia Cruz.
 Book Criteria Questions

Questions Yes No Not Applicable

1 Is the author of the book a X

credible source? (Are they
scholars who have
researched this culture? Do
they identify as being a part of
the group that the book is
about?)

2 Does this book show/allow X

me to show historically
underrepresented groups in a
positive and affirming light?

3 Does this book allow for X

conversation? (Do we have to
address certain falsities or
discuss an inaccurate
representation?)

4 Does this book use X

appropriate language? (Does
it avoid use of
stereotypical/derogatory
comments? Is the terminology
used accurate and
appropriate?)

5 Does the book avoid X

tokenism? (Do characters of
the same race or gender look
different/unique?)

6 Is this book accurately X

representing the culture that
is depicted?

7 Is it helping my students to X
become more culturally
humble?(Is this enabling the
start of a conversation for the
class? Is it allowing them to
 create a foundation of cultural
humility?)

8 Is this book discussing the X

facts while being age
appropriate?

9 Will this book be engaging to X

my students/allow them to
deepen their knowledge of
the topic?

10 Do I already have a few X

books that cover this content?
(Do I not have any? Are all
gender, racial, and cultural
identities equally represented
in my classroom library?)

11 Does this book have X

characters that are unique
individuals? (Are all the
characters depicted as being
their own unique selves? Are
they all cookie cutter perfect
people?)

12 Does this book contain X

information that is historically
accurate regarding the
historically underrepresented
groups that are being
highlighted? (Does the book
tell us the facts? Is it avoiding
the textbook typical
glorification of one group
which then undermines the
other?)

Little Melba and her Big Trombone

By: Katheryn Russell-Brown
Illustrated By: Frank Morrison

This book is not only telling the story of Melba Listons life, it is also working to ensure that
young women are empowered and pursue their dreams no matter how impossible they seem. It
is beautifully illustrated and has a great ending.

Book Criteria Questions:

Questions Yes No Not Applicable

1 Is the author of the book a X

credible source? (Are they
scholars who have
researched this culture? Do
they identify as being a part of
the group that the book is
about?)

2 Does this book show/allow X

me to show historically
underrepresented groups in a
positive and affirming light?

3 Does this book allow for X

conversation? (Do we have to
address certain falsities or
discuss an inaccurate
representation?)

4 Does this book use X

appropriate language? (Does
 it avoid use of
stereotypical/derogatory
comments? Is the terminology
used accurate and
appropriate?)

5 Does the book avoid X

tokenism? (Do characters of
the same race or gender look
different/unique?)

6 Is this book accurately X

representing the culture that
is depicted?

7 Is it helping my students to X
become more culturally
humble?(Is this enabling the
start of a conversation for the
class? Is it allowing them to
create a foundation of cultural
humility?)

8 Is this book discussing the X

facts while being age
appropriate?

9 Will this book be engaging to X

my students/allow them to
deepen their knowledge of
the topic?

10 Do I already have a few X

books that cover this content?
(Do I not have any? Are all
gender, racial, and cultural
identities equally represented
in my classroom library?)

11 Does this book have X

characters that are unique
individuals? (Are all the
characters depicted as being
their own unique selves? Are
they all cookie cutter perfect
people?)

12 Does this book contain X

 information that is historically
accurate regarding the
historically underrepresented
groups that are being
highlighted? (Does the book
tell us the facts? Is it avoiding
the textbook typical
glorification of one group
which then undermines the
other?)

Basketball Belles

By: Sue Macy,

Illustrated By: Matt Collins

This is a book about a young girl who grows up working on a ranch. Her family wants her to
become more lady-like so they send her off to stanford hoping that she will learn those skills,
but she stays true to herself and decided to play basketball, a sport that she truly loves.
Book Criteria Questions:

Questions Yes No Not Applicable

1 Is the author of the book a X

credible source? (Are they
 scholars who have
researched this culture? Do
they identify as being a part of
the group that the book is
about?)

2 Does this book show/allow X

me to show historically
underrepresented groups in a
positive and affirming light?

3 Does this book allow for X

conversation? (Do we have to
address certain falsities or
discuss an inaccurate
representation?)

4 Does this book use X

appropriate language? (Does
it avoid use of
stereotypical/derogatory
comments? Is the terminology
used accurate and
appropriate?)

5 Does the book avoid X

tokenism? (Do characters of
the same race or gender look
different/unique?)

6 Is this book accurately X

representing the culture that
is depicted?

7 Is it helping my students to X
become more culturally
humble?(Is this enabling the
start of a conversation for the
class? Is it allowing them to
create a foundation of cultural
humility?)

8 Is this book discussing the X

facts while being age
appropriate?

9 Will this book be engaging to X

my students/allow them to
 deepen their knowledge of
the topic?

10 Do I already have a few X

books that cover this content?
(Do I not have any? Are all
gender, racial, and cultural
identities equally represented
in my classroom library?)

11 Does this book have X

characters that are unique
individuals? (Are all the
characters depicted as being
their own unique selves? Are
they all cookie cutter perfect
people?)

12 Does this book contain X

information that is historically
accurate regarding the
historically underrepresented
groups that are being
highlighted? (Does the book
tell us the facts? Is it avoiding
the textbook typical
glorification of one group
which then undermines the
other?)

Madam President
By: Catherine Thimmesh
Illustrated By: Douglas B. Jones

This book takes us through a variety of influential women in politics including Hillary Clinton,
Condoleezza Rice and so many more. It is a book that encourages women to accomplish all
that they set their mind to. It addresses stereotypes that women have been working to end all
while giving us a historical timeline of these women.

Book Criteria Questions:

Questions Yes No Not Applicable

1 Is the author of the book a X

credible source? (Are they
scholars who have
researched this culture? Do
they identify as being a part of
the group that the book is
about?)

2 Does this book show/allow X

me to show historically
underrepresented groups in a
positive and affirming light?

3 Does this book allow for X

conversation? (Do we have to
address certain falsities or
discuss an inaccurate
representation?)

4 Does this book use X

appropriate language? (Does
it avoid use of
stereotypical/derogatory
comments? Is the terminology
used accurate and
appropriate?)

5 Does the book avoid X

tokenism? (Do characters of
the same race or gender look
different/unique?)

6 Is this book accurately X

 representing the culture that
is depicted?

7 Is it helping my students to X
become more culturally
humble?(Is this enabling the
start of a conversation for the
class? Is it allowing them to
create a foundation of cultural
humility?)

8 Is this book discussing the X

facts while being age
appropriate?

9 Will this book be engaging to X

my students/allow them to
deepen their knowledge of
the topic?

10 Do I already have a few X

books that cover this content?
(Do I not have any? Are all
gender, racial, and cultural
identities equally represented
in my classroom library?)

11 Does this book have X

characters that are unique
individuals? (Are all the
characters depicted as being
their own unique selves? Are
they all cookie cutter perfect
people?)

12 Does this book contain X

information that is historically
accurate regarding the
historically underrepresented
groups that are being
highlighted? (Does the book
tell us the facts? Is it avoiding
the textbook typical
glorification of one group
which then undermines the
other?)
 Title: Four Feet, Two Sandals
Author: Karen Lynn WIlliams & Khadra Mohammed
Illustrator: Doug Chayka
Genre: Realistic Fiction
ISBN: Child Lit. 800 w67f
Description:When relief workers bring used clothing to the
refugee camp, everyone scrambles to grab whatever they
can. Ten-year-old Lina is thrilled when she finds a sandal
that fits her foot perfectly, until she sees that another girl
has the matching shoe. But soon Lina and Feroza meet and decide that it is better to share the
sandals than for each to wear only one. As the girls go about their routines washing clothes in
the river, waiting in long lines for water, and watching for their names to appear on the list to go
to America the sandals remind them that friendship is what is most important. Four Feet, Two
Sandals was inspired by a refugee girl who asked the authors why there were no books about
children like her. This book portrays the strength, courage, and hope of refugees around the
world, whose daily existence is marked by uncertainty and fear.

Are HUGs (Historically Underrepresented Yes No N/A Notes

Groups) represented?

African American/Black x

Asian Pacific Islanders/ Asian x

Americans

Disabilities x

Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx x

Females/Males x

European-American/Caucasians x

Working Families x

LGBTQIAA 2S x

Native American/American Indians x

Arab and Muslims x

Childrens Literature Criteria

 Questions Yes No N/A

1. Is the book relatable to all my students x

based on family unit?:
- Two parent household
- Single parent household
- Mixed family
- Two moms/two dads household

2. Is this book relatable to all my students x

based on gender?
- Female
- Male
- Transgender

3. Is this book relatable to all my students x

based on socio-economic status?
- Working families

4. Is the book relatable to all my students x

based on race?
- African American/Black
- Native American/American Indian
- People with exceptionalities
- Asian Pacific Islanders
- Latinx/a/o/Hispanics

5. Does the author/illustrator have the x

qualifications (Has sufficient knowledge
on the topic, belongs to or has lived in
the culture in which she/he is speaking
to, facts are accurate, does not
perpetuate stereotypes) or experience to
write about this topic?
- Culturally
- Racially
- Historical facts

6. Is the background information accurate? x

- Are the facts historically
accurate?

7. Do the illustrations reflect the time period x

of the setting portrayed in the book?

8. Is the message of the book positive and x

dignified?
 9. Do the characters illustrated in your book x
represent that of various physical
features?
- Race
- Gender
- Face shape
- Weight/height

10. Are Historically Underrepresented x

Groups portrayed in active roles
throughout the story line?
- Native Americans/ American
Indians
- American Americans/ Blacks
- People with exceptionalities
- Asian Pacific Islanders
- Latinx/a/o/Hispanics

11. Are the lifestyles represented in the book x

accurate and diverse?

12. Does the author avoid freezing culture in x

a historical time period?

13. Is the copyright date post 1990? x

14. Is the book appealing to children? x

- Can children relate to the
storyline?
- Is the story interesting?

15. Is the book free of racial stereotypes? x

16. Is this book free of gender stereotypes? x

17. Does this book include respectful x

terminologies that diminish stereotypes?

Title: Fred Stays with Me!

Author: Nancy Coffelt
Illustrator: Tricia Tusa
Genre: Realistic Fiction
ISBN: Child Lit. 800 c65f
Description: When a young girls parents divorce, she has to travel back and forth between
Moms and Dads houses. She relies on a constant in her life - her dog, Fred. The book
describes the differences between each home, and stresses the importance of her pal, Fred.
This story is a comfort for any child who has two homes. Kids will enjoy the simple, first-person
narrative and the playful art.

Are HUGs (Historically Underrepresented Yes No N/A Notes

Groups) represented?

African American/Black x

Asian Pacific Islanders/Asian x

Americans

Disabilities x

Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx x

Females/Males x

European-American/Caucasians x

Arab and Muslims x

Native American/American Indians x

LGBTQIAA 2S x

Childrens Literature Criteria

Questions Yes No N/A

1. Is the book relatable to all my students based on family unit?: x

- Two parent household
- Single parent household
- Mixed family
- Two moms/two dads household
2. Is this book relatable to all my students based on gender? x
- Female
- Male
- Transgender

3. Is this book relatable to all my students based on x

socio-economic status?
- Working families

4. Is the book relatable to all my students based on race? x

- African American/Black
- Native American/American Indian
- People with exceptionalities
- Asian Pacific Islanders
- Latinx/a/o/Hispanics

5. Does the author/illustrator have the qualifications (Has x

sufficient knowledge on the topic, belongs to or has lived in the
culture in which she/he is speaking to, facts are accurate, does
not perpetuate stereotypes) or experience to write about this
topic?
- Culturally
- Racially
- Historical facts

6. Is the background information accurate? x

- Are the facts historically accurate?

7. Do the illustrations reflect the time period of the setting x

portrayed in the book?

8. Is the message of the book positive and dignified? x

9. Do the characters illustrated in your book represent that of x

various physical features?
- Race
- Gender
- Face shape
- Weight/height

10. Are Historically Underrepresented Groups portrayed in active x

roles throughout the story line?
- Native Americans/ American Indians
- American Americans/ Blacks
- People with exceptionalities
- Asian Pacific Islanders
- Latinx/a/o/Hispanics
 11. Are the lifestyles represented in the book accurate and x
diverse?

12. Does the author avoid freezing culture in a historical time x

period?

13. Is the copyright date post 1990? x

14. Is the book appealing to children? x

- Can children relate to the storyline?
- Is the story interesting?

15. Is the book free of racial stereotypes? x

16. Is this book free of gender stereotypes? x

17. Does this book include respectful terminologies that diminish x

stereotypes?

Comments: A fresh and reassuring look at growing up in a split

family.

Title: The Hello, Goodbye Window

Author: Norton Juster
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Genre: Realistic Fiction
ISBN: Child Lit. 800 J98h
Description: A girl visits her grandparents' house, where for her the
kitchen window is a special gateway, where everything important happens.
Told from her point of view, the story explores her special relationship with
her grandparents through the window, by the window and around the
window. She tells us how the window is perfect for looking into the kitchen from the porch to play a
game of peek-a-boo with Nanna, and even turns into a mirror at night. She describes her experience
with her grandparents and all the fun things there are to do in the house, as well as the things she
has been told to stay away from. When her parents come to pick the girl up, she is happy and sad at
the same time, but she understands "it just happens that way sometimes."

Are HUGs (Historically Underrepresented Yes No N/A Notes

Groups) represented?

African American/Black x

Asian Pacific Islanders/Asian x

Americans

Disabilities x

Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx x

Females/Males x

European-American/Caucasians x

LGBTQIAA 2S x

Arab/Muslims x

Native American/American Indians x

Childrens Literature Criteria

Questions Yes No N/A

1. Is the book relatable to all my students x

based on family unit?:
- Two parent household
- Single parent household
- Mixed family
- Two moms/two dads household

2. Is this book relatable to all my students x

based on gender?
- Female
- Male
- Transgender
3. Is this book relatable to all my students x
based on socio-economic status?
- Working families

4. Is the book relatable to all my students x

based on race?
- African American/Black
- Native American/American Indian
- People with exceptionalities
- Asian Pacific Islanders
- Latinx/a/o/Hispanics

5. Does the author/illustrator have the x

qualifications (Has sufficient knowledge
on the topic, belongs to or has lived in
the culture in which she/he is speaking
to, facts are accurate, does not
perpetuate stereotypes) or experience to
write about this topic?
- Culturally
- Racially
- Historical facts

6. Is the background information accurate? x

- Are the facts historically
accurate?

7. Do the illustrations reflect the time period x

of the setting portrayed in the book?

8. Is the message of the book positive and x

dignified?

9. Do the characters illustrated in your book x

represent that of various physical
features?
- Race
- Gender
- Face shape
- Weight/height

10. Are Historically Underrepresented x

Groups portrayed in active roles
throughout the story line?
- Native Americans/ American
Indians
 - American Americans/ Blacks
- People with exceptionalities
- Asian Pacific Islanders
- Latinx/a/o/Hispanics

11. Are the lifestyles represented in the book x

accurate and diverse?

12. Does the author avoid freezing culture in x

a historical time period?

13. Is the copyright date post 1990? x

14. Is the book appealing to children? x

- Can children relate to the
storyline?
- Is the story interesting?

15. Is the book free of racial stereotypes? x

16. Is this book free of gender stereotypes? x

17. Does this book include respectful x

terminologies that diminish stereotypes?

Comments: Not a book that I need to

read to my class...