Review: Professional Resource

Contrived or inspired: Ability/disability in the children's picture book
By: Z. Sonia Worotynec

http://www.dsq-sds.org/_articles_html/2004/winter/dsq_w04_worotynec.html

In her article, Z. Sonia Worotynec discusses multiculturalism in children’s literature and the validity of books that are simply on a “good book” list. Early in the article, Worotynec presents the following question for the reader. “But beyond multiculturalism, how effectively do children's picture books convey a message of tolerance and acceptance with regard to ability/disability?” Worotynec analyzes a list of what might be considered “need to know” children’s picture books. She looks at one list provided by the New York Public Library ‘100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know.’ This was chosen for the credibility and use of the word “everyone.” I was shocked to find here that only 15 of 100 books were considered to be multi-cultural, and that not one included representations or issues of ability or disability. The other list examined was “Children’s Books About Disabilities” formed by the Educational Resources and Information Center Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education (ERIC).

Worotynec writes an article that forces thought about what makes up the genre “multiculturalism.” She also discusses what constitutes “good representation” of disability or ability in children’s books. “The main categories of the Circle of Inclusion checklist call for books to show children with disabilities as leaders, problem-solvers and role models.” A few specific books are discussed as either good or bad examples of character roles in a story. I felt that the most important message to take away from this article was that just because a book is on a list, no matter how credible, does not necessarily make it a “good representation.” It is up to the reader to conclude whether or not a disability or ability is given a fair comparison against someone without that disability or ability. This article was very thought provoking and provided a well structured argument with specific books and examples.