Amy Ignatow is the author of the Popularity Papers Series. She was born September 15th, 1977 in Huntington, NY. She attended SUNY Oneonta, but later transferred to Moore college of Art and design. Her occupations have included: teacher, farmer, florist, short-order vegan cook, and ghostwriter for internet personal ads. She gave Popularity Papers a long title because she thought it would be funny. So far, she has written 5 books.
Here are some statistics on gender:
A Flroida State University study examined almost 6,000 children's books that were published between 1900 and 2000. It was discovered that males make up 57% of central characters each year with female central characters making up only 31%.
The Popularity Papers: Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang is about two friends struggling to find their way through life and the 5th grade. They share their thoughts, fears, joys, and more in a diary they pass back and forth and draw pictures. The diary we see as readers lets us explore their lives and see the complexities of what friendships are made of.
Children's Books to Accompany The Popularity Papers:
Dahlia by Barbara McClintock
A Fire Engine For Ruthie by Leslea Newman
Once Upon a Cool Motorcyle Dude by Kevin O'Malley
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Discussion Questions:
Resources
Don't forget the boys
Here are some statistics on gender:
A Flroida State University study examined almost 6,000 children's books that were published between 1900 and 2000. It was discovered that males make up 57% of central characters each year with female central characters making up only 31%.
The Popularity Papers: Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang is about two friends struggling to find their way through life and the 5th grade. They share their thoughts, fears, joys, and more in a diary they pass back and forth and draw pictures. The diary we see as readers lets us explore their lives and see the complexities of what friendships are made of.
Children's Books to Accompany The Popularity Papers:
Dahlia by Barbara McClintock
A Fire Engine For Ruthie by Leslea Newman
Once Upon a Cool Motorcyle Dude by Kevin O'Malley
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Discussion Questions:
- How would you consider Charlotte's agency throughout the book?
- Do you believe Charlotte is true to her identity?
- Compared to Dahlia, how would you describe Ruthie's agency and identity in A Fire Engine for Ruthie?
- What are your perceptions of gender stereotypes in Once Upon a Paper Bag Princess?
- Do all fairytale books need a marriage for a happily ever after?
- What traditional and non-traditional gendered messages do you see in this book?
- How do you view Ronald's character in The Paper Bag Princess? How does he challenge traditional stereotypes?
- It is been over 20 years since The Paper Bag Princess came out. Why do you believe that there has not been more feminist fairy tale picture books published?
Resources
- Amelia Bloomer Project. http://ameliabloomer.wordpress.com/about/ Recommendations for feminist literature for birth though 18. They strive to present well written, strong feminist books. Fiction and nonfiction, the books must affirm positive roles for girls and women. Must be accurate and stand on their own. Must have a copyright of current year. Published in US. ameliabloomer.wordpress.com
- Girls Inc. http://www.girlsinc.org/resources/p3-3.html Inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold. Resources give books for girls. Some fiction and nonfiction. They have a Latina resources for girls list. No Africa-American feminist lit for girls, though.
Don't forget the boys
- Guys Read http://guysread.com by Jon Scieska (rhymes with fresca) geared towards boys from boys. Many different genres.
- Boys Read. http://www.boysread.org/index.html Developing a new generation of literate men. Trying to educate boys and those around boys. Offer workshops.
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