1. Criteria for Evaluating Good Books for Girls by Sandy Cole & Keri Simmons

2. What should teachers keep in mind when selecting books for girls? Look actively for books portraying girls & women in a positive light with active, dynamic roles Look for books and stories that do not portray the female gender in a stereotypical manner. Rudman (1995) Look for books where females are not always weaker and more delicate than males Look for books where individuals are not judged on the basis of being a female Look for books where occupations are represented for females

3. How can teachers use books to promote a specific gender? Raise questions about the main characters and their portrayal Ask students to reverse the genders of the individuals in the book Have students guess a writers gender based on the story they have read When they write stories ask them to use gender neutral names in the stories so that they can guess the protagonists gender During discussions with students, validate feminine voices

4. Evaluating books Purpose and audience: What is the purpose? Who is the book’s intended audience? - Determine the approach used -Read the introductory material - Note the tone

5. Evaluating books continued… Authority: Does the author have adequate qualifications? Is the work cited in other writings? Are the authors qualifications given? Who is the copyright holder? -Use biographical dictionaries to investigate the author -Search appropriate databases for works that cite the book

6. Evaluating books continued… Accuracy: Does the book offer trustworthy information? Does the book indicate editorial quality? Is the information protected by copyright? -Examine the text for evidence of careful research -Check if data, statistics and facts are documented -Read review from sources that are reputable

7. Evaluating books continued… Objectivity Is the book biased? Are the writers claims logical? Is the evidence presented adequate an credible?

8. Kids Selection Criteria http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/greatwebsites/greatwebsitesforkids/greatwebsites.cfm ALA (American Library Association) was founded on October 6, 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The American Library Association was created to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. Their current strategic plan calls for continued work in the areas of Advocacy and Value of the Profession, Education, Public Policy and Standards, Building the Profession, Membership and Organizational Excellence.

9. Girls Incorporated http://www.girlsinc.org/girls-inc.html 1.Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. 2.With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. 3.Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. Girls Inc develops research-based informal education programs that encourage girls to take risks and master physical, intellectual and emotional challenges. Major Programs address math and science education, pregnancy and drug abuse prevention, media literacy, economic literacy, adolescent health, violence prevention, and sports participation.

10. Why Johnny Won’t Read – The Washington Post http://www.publishersweekly.com/index.asplayout=articlePrint&articleID=CA6632328 This story originally appeared in PW Comics Week on January 27, 2009. This article asks the question if American comics has lost teenage girls as readers.

11. ALA – Amelia Bloomer (award for outstanding books for girls) http://libr.org/ftf/bloomer.html Found on this website are all of the books that were nominated for the Amelia Bloomer Project for the 2009 year, and will be under discussion for inclusion on the Amelia Bloomer List. They are Exemplary books for girls and young women that celebrate their strengths and nourish their potential are needed now more than ever. The Amelia Bloomer Project produces an annual list of books for young readers, ages birth through 18, that contain significant feminist content-not just cardboard “feisty” or “spunky” girls and women, but tales of those who have broken barriers and have fought to change their situations and their environment.

12. Finding literature to recommend to students http://www.educationworld.com/a_bestbooks/archive=/students.shtml " It does not matter how many books you may have, but whether they are good or not." - Lucius Annaeus Seneca (3 B.C.-65 A.D.) We want books that will support classroom instruction We want books that will develop our own teaching or classroom management skills We want to support our child's learning

13. Readergirlz http://www.readergirlz.com/issue.html * readergirlz is about having serious fun while talking about books with the author and your friends! * readergirlz is about getting the inside scoop about why the novel was written, the tears and joys and real-world angst that the author has lived and layered into her story. * readergirlz is about reading great books to get to know yourself, your friends, and yes, even your mother, better. * readergirlz is about celebrating strong girls in books who've got the guts to dream. * readergirlz is about reaching out to others based on what you've read. * And most of, readergirlz is about inspiring girls to make history of their own!

14. Gender Issues in Children's Literature www.indiana.edu/~reading/ieo/digests/d135.html www.indiana.edu/~reading/ieo/digests/d135.html Gender Issues in Children's Literature Prepared by: Manjari Singh ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading, English, and Communication Digest #135 " Many researchers and authors argue that readers identify with characters of their own gender in books. Therefore, the relative lack of girl characters in texts can limit the opportunity for girls to identify with their gender and to validate their place in society.”

15. Criteria from classmates: http://genderequalbooks.com/Brave_Girls_book_list.html Some features that make books good for girls are books that are written “to help girls build and maintain their self-esteem.” Good books for girls need to empower girls and women as well as send a positive message. “Boys should be encouraged to read these books too, to see strong girls and women in action.” (NCTE/IRA 1, 2, 12). Sreenivasan, Jyotsna (2009). Brave Girls and Strong Women A special collection of books from small publishers for ages 2-17.

16. Criteria from classmates: Other criteria for choosing books for girls include: Age appropriate Interesting to girls Books that show girls and women in a positive role Topic that would be interesting to girls Books that show girls in all walks of life from moms to astronauts Books with Positive messages to girls

17. Websites on evaluating good books for girls http://libr.org/ftf/blommer.html http://www.library.wwu.edu/ref/howtoguides/evaluatingbooks.html http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/promos/greatbooks/girls/booklist.html http://www.cbmw.org/Blog/Posts/Reading-is-for-Girls-Choosing-the-Right- Book http://www.cbmw.org/Blog/Posts/Reading-is-for-Girls-Choosing-the-Right- Book http://www.intime.uni.edu/multiculture/curriculum/children.htm http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6640823.html?&rid http://genderequalbooks.com/Brave_Girls_book_list.html http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=13691