Zoom (2003)

Zoom
Written by Robert Munsch
Illustrated by Michael Martchenko

Robert Munsch's (2003) well-known book entitled Zoom comes highly recommended from Charlotte Evans, a teacher of inclusive special education at the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba, and a researcher who studies the literacy development of Deaf children.  The book is about a young girl named Lauretta who runs into problems after replacing her old wheelchair with a "92-speed, black, silver, and red, dirt-bike wheelchair."  Using the criteria put forth by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, I have evaluated this book below.  

1. What is the focus of the book? 

While crutches, leg braces, and a wheelchair are part of Lauretta's character (see picture to the right), her disability is not the focus of the book.  The focus is on the speeding ticket she receives after obtaining a super fast wheelchair.  

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Yes.  All of the settings are inclusive as Lauretta is successfully able to make her way around either with her leg brace on, using crutches, or using her wheelchair.  

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Yes, Lauretta is portrayed as a valued character.  She is seen as a spunky, active individual who enjoys to race in her wheelchair.  When her brother gets into an accident, Lauretta is the only one who is able to save him and rush him to the hospital with her speedy new wheelchair.    

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text.  The reader only knows that Lauretta is disabled because she needs the assistance of either a leg brace, crutches, or a wheelchair in order to walk.  

After analyzing Zoom, it is obvious that this is a humorous children's book that depicts disability in a positive light.  I have always loved Robert Munsch's books growing up, and I am so happy that he is starting to publish more books that include characters with a disability.  For those interested, you can visit Robert Munsch's website to hear Zoom read out loud by Robert Munsch himself!  Just click here!  :)

Inclusive Classroom Exhibit

As I was browsing the Internet this morning, I came across a photo album which contained pictures of an inclusive classroom exhibit.  Boise State's Department of Early Childhood Education and the Albertsons Library worked together to create an inclusive classroom exhibit that showcased inclusive children's literature in order to celebrate the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Week of the Young Child.  This event happens every year in April.  I thought this was such a great idea in order to promote inclusive literature.  The photos really inspired me to want to hold my own inclusive literature exhibit!  I have displayed some of the photos using the online tool called Popplet.  Check it out below!

Click the 'play' button on the Popplet below to see photos from Boise State's Department of Early Childhood Education and the Albertsons Library's inclusive classroom exhibit:

Boots for a Bridesmaid (2003)

Boots for a Bridesmaid
Written by Verna Allette Wilkins
Illustrated by Pamela Venus

 I got so excited when I discovered yet another book with a parent who has a disability (rather than a child).  These books are so rare, so when I find them, I will be sure to post my thoughts on them in this blog spot!  Verna Allette Wilkins (1999/2003), the author of Are We There Yet? (see previous post), has also written the children's book entitled Boots for a Bridesmaid.  This book is about a young girl named Nicky who is not happy when she finds out that she needs to wear a frilly dress for her Aunt Flora's wedding.  Using the criteria put forth by Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, you can see why I think this book is so inclusive of individuals with a disability.  

1. What is the focus of the book? 

The focus of the book is on Nicky, an able-bodied girl who does not want to wear a bridesmaid dress for her aunt's upcoming wedding.  The book does not focus on Nicky's disabled mother.  

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Yes, all of the settings in the book appear to be inclusive as Nicky's mother is never excluded.  

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Yes.  Although Nicky's mother is clearly shown in a wheelchair, this does not stop her from being a caring mother.  In fact, she is seen as very supportive as she actively helps fix Nicky's bridesmaid dress, for example (see picture to the right).  

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text.  The only way the reader knows that Nicky's mother is disabled is by looking at the illustrations. 

Using the criteria above, it is evident that Boots for a Bridesmaid is an inclusive book that depicts disability in a positive light.  The disabled character is seen as a loving mother who is involved in her mother's life despite her inability to walk.  She has special talents, such as her ability to sew, and she actively makes use of these talents.  Although I obtained this book from my local library, I am going to order it on Amazon as this is one book that needs to be on my inclusive literature shelf!  

Issue of Accessibility

Throughout my undergraduate and graduate research on disability-related children's books, I've learned how difficult it is to access these books at my local library.  I've often had to travel an hour or further just to get my hands on specific titles.  I think this is very unfortunate, especially since the number of people with a disability is growing worldwide and disabilities are becoming increasingly more present in our classrooms (United Nations, 2009).  If children are to feel valued in schools, they need to see themselves reflected in the books that they read and hear about.  A possible reason for the issue of accessibility is that not enough disability-related children's books are being published.  An article entitled, "Newbery Books Lack Characters with Disabilities, Study Says," by Debra Lau (2011) stated:

Although there have been more kids with disabilities portrayed in Newbery Medal-winning titles in recent years, there still remains a huge discrepancy between the number of characters in Newbery Award-winning books and how many children in the general population attend special education classes, says a new report.

If more publishing companies were to publish more disability-related children's books and if more of these books were to be awarded, then perhaps it would not be so difficult to get a hold of such books.  Fortunately, Amazon offers many of the titles that you will be reading about in this blog spot at a discounted price.  Although I would not consider all of the disability-related books inclusive, these books are still available for all to access and read through.  In my upcoming blogs, I will be sure to share my thoughts on all of the disability-related books offered on Amazon so that all my readers will be able to read these books for themselves.

If you would like to read Debra Lau's (2011) complete article, 

which also comments on the issue of inclusivity, you can read it here! 

Are We There Yet? (1995)

Are We There Yet
Written by Verna Allette Wilkins
Illustrated by Pamela Venus

Verna Allette Wilkins' (1995) Are We There Yet? is about a disabled father who takes his twin children on a day trip to a leisure park.  I particularly like this story as it is difficult to find children's books that include a parent with a disability rather than a child.  Although this book is fairly outdated, I still think it deserves to be on every classroom shelf as the author has truly depicted disability in a positive light.  Using the criteria put for forth by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, I have evaluated this book below.    


1. What is the focus of the book? 
The focus of the book is not on disability.  It is simply about two twin children, both able-bodied, who are eager to arrive at the leisure park with their disabled father.  

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Yes, they certainly are!  I have actually never seen a children's book that has illustrated inclusive environments as well as this book has.  Just look at the picture (on the right) and see the way in which the kitchen is inclusive of the father's needs (i.e lowered counter with all items accessible). 

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Yes.  Despite the fact that the father is in a wheelchair, this does not stop him from being an involved father.  Text and illustrations portray the father as an active dad who does many things for his two young children, such as prepare meals for them and take them on fun day trips to the amusement park

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text.  The illustrations clearly show that the father is in a wheelchair, but the text makes no reference to his disability at all.  

Overall, it is no surprise that I consider this book very inclusive.  It really shows the way in which a disability does not change a person for who they are, nor does it stop them from living life.      

Don't Laugh at Me (2002) - Lesson Plans

Don't Laugh at Me
Written by Steve Seskin and Allan Shamblin
Illustrated by Glin Dibley

I hope all of the wonderful mothers out there had a great Mother's Day weekend!  After treating my beautiful mom to a day at the spa yesterday and then taking her out with the family for some Greek food, I decided to research some more disability-related children's books.  Entering various keywords in Google search, I unintentionally came across multiple links to lesson plans that are based on Steve Seskin and Allan Shamblin's (2002) book Don't Laugh at Me (see previous blog for my thoughts on this powerful book).  I quickly skimmed through each of these great lesson plans, and thought I'd share them with you all.  The lesson plans are geared to different age groups, but each one can easily be modified to fit any grade.  Below are links to the lesson plans along with titles and brief descriptions of each one.  

1) "Don't Laugh at Me" - http://learningtogive.org/lessons/unit187/lesson1.html

In this lesson plan, learners will define and identify stereotypical and discriminatory behaviors and practices. They will describe a social action plan to make the school a welcome and secure learning environment for all learners. (Learning to Give, n.d.)

2) "Don't Laugh at Me" - http://www.operationrespect.org/pdf/guide.pdf 

In this detailed teachers guide (intended for grades 2-5), teachers will introduce and enrich ongoing efforts that nurture children’s emotional, social, and ethical development, such as character education, conflict resolution, and teaching tolerance programs. (Operation Respect, 2000)

3) "Don't Laugh at Me" - http://www.operationrespect.org/pdf/guide2.pdf 

In this detailed teachers guide (intended for grades 6-8), teachers will introduce and enrich ongoing efforts that nurture children’s emotional, social, and ethical development, such as character education, conflict resolution, and teaching tolerance programs. (Operation Respect, 2000)

If anybody gets a chance to try out any of these lessons, let me know how it goes!  I'd love to hear your thoughts!  

Don't Laugh at Me (2002)

Don't Laugh at Me
Written by Steve Seskin and Allan Shamblin
Illustrated by Glin Dibley

Steve Seskin and Allan Shamblin's (2002) well-known book Don't Laugh at Me is a book with an accompanying song that was created to help stop bullying amongst youth.  Although this book makes reference to various groups of marginalized people, it specifically talks about people with disabilities (people in wheelchairs, people who are visually-impaired, people who are deaf, etc.).  I have been especially excited to post my thoughts on this book because it is one of my favourites!  I can't help but shed a tear when reading the book and listening to the song.  The message is so powerful... it gives me goosebumps!  Using the criteria established by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, I have evaluated this book below.     


1. What is the focus of the book? 

Although the focus of this book is on differences, including disabilities, it is told from the perspective of individuals with these differences.  The repeating message is, "Don't laugh at me. Don't call me names.  Don't get your pleasure from my pain.  In God's eyes we're all the same.  Someday we'll all have perfect wings."  

  

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Although not all of the settings in the book appear to be inclusive (for example, the boy with the learning disability is the only one who is not participating in class), the illustrator in the book purposely chose to exaggerate each of his illustrations in order to encourage discussion about differences amongst youth.

   

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

The characters are not portrayed in valued roles (for example, the child who is different is the one who is chosen last on the playground), but the authors intentionally chose to portray each character in this way to make readers (and listeners) aware of the unfortunate way in which people with differences are excluded from society.  

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

Disability-related terms and labels are not contemporary or empowering (for example, the child with a learning disability is referred to as a "slow learner"), but once again, the authors intentionally chose to do this to make readers aware of the insulting names they call people with disabilities.    

Overall, I really think this book is inclusive of all children in the classroom as it makes reference to people in all shapes and sizes, able-bodied or disabled.  It teaches individuals that we are all different in some way or another, and that none of us are perfect.  It encourages youth to accept their peers for who they are, and not to bully them because of their differences.  How can one think that this book does not have a wonderful message?  It is important, however, not to introduce children to this book without discussion.  In order for children to recognize the significance of this book, teachers and parents need to talk to their children about the text and illustrations and encourage discussion about how we all are different in one way or another.  I particularly like this book because it is accomodating of people who are visual, auditory, and musical learners.  

Don't Laugh at Me sung by Mark Willis   

Lemon the Duck (2008)

Lemon the Duck

Written by Laura Backman


Illustrated by Laurence Cleyet-Merie

Laura Backman's (2008) Lemon the Duck tells the story of how a group of students help a disabled duck to walk by accepting him, loving him, and caring for him.  I stumbled across this book on YouTube when I was researching disability-related children's books on the Internet.  This book was identified as a "top-rated children's picture book about disabilities" by www.mommypicks.com.  Although I enjoyed listening to a woman tell this story (see YouTube clip below), I questioned whether or not the book itself is as inclusive as it's said to be.  This story is all about Lemon the Duck's inability to walk, and therefore the focus is on his disability.  Using the criteria offered by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, try evaluating this book similar to the way in which I have evaluated other books in previous blogs!  Do you think this book is inclusive?  Does it portray disability in a positive light?

Listen to Lemon the Duck by clicking on the YouTube clip below, 
and then post your comments below!

Brian's Bird (2003)

Brian's Bird
Written by Patricia A. Davis
Illustrated by Layne Johnson

Patricia A. Davis’ Brian’s Bird (2003) is about a boy with a visual impairment, Brian, and his pet bird named 'Scratchy.'  Although this children's book may initially appear to be inclusive, when using the criteria put forth by Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, one can see that this book portrays disability in an overall negative light.  It is unfortunate that the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education considers this book one of its "fab four of inclusive picture books."  

1. What is the focus of the book? 

Although the focus of the book is not entirely on Brian's disability, his visual impairment is a part of the main problem.  In the story, Brian's pet bird flies away.  Despite the fact that his older brother is blamed for keeping the door open, Brian's disability plays a major role in the conflict because he is forced to find the bird even though he is unable to see.  

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Yes.  All of the settings are inclusive because Brian is successfully able to make his way around his home with the assistance of a stick (see picture to the right).     

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Although Brian is seen as an active young boy who enjoys playing with his pet bird and teaching it to talk, he is ultimately portrayed as inferior to his able-bodied brother.  For example, when reading the book, one learns that Brian's brother always teases him, beats him in a race, and forces him to find his bird when it escapes (despite not being able to see).  The characters' roles are therefore imbalanced. 

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text, except when the author informs the reader that Brian is "blind."  Although this term is considered socially-acceptable, many individuals prefer being called "visually-impaired."

Overall, I do not consider this book an inclusive one.  Children who read Brian’s Bird (2003) may have a negative perception of those with visual impairments due to the way in which the main character, Brian, is presented in the story.  Accordingly, this is not a disability-related book that I would recommend for teachers, and others interested, to share with young children.        

Russ and the Almost Perfect Day (2002)

Russ and the Almost Perfect Day

Written by Janet Elizabeth Rickert

Photography by Pete McGahan

Janet Elizabeth Rickert’s Russ and the Almost Perfect Day (2002) is based on the life of a boy with Down Syndrome.  After reading this children's book, I was honestly frustrated with the way the author chose to present the main character.  Using the criteria offered by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, it is clear that this book is full of stereotypes and therefore it is not very inclusive of children with disabilities.  

1. What is the focus of the book? 

The focus of the book is entirely on Russ' disability (Down Syndrome).  The storyline is all about how Russ requires assistance and special treatment because of his disability.   

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

No. Although Russ is seen participating in activities on the playground with friends at recess time, the text makes it clear that the playground is not inclusive.  The author states, "Russ made three baskets!  And the net wasn't even lowered!"  If the playground was inclusive, the net wouldn't have to be lowered.

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Although Russ is seen as an active young boy who enjoys playing with his friends, he is ultimately seen as someone who is dependent on others.  For example, when finding a five-dollar bill, Russ asks his friend what to do with it instead of making the important decision on his own.  This ultimately creates an imbalance of roles between Russ and those without a disability in the story.  

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text, except 'Down Syndrome.'

Overall, I am sad to say that I don't think that Janet Elizabeth Rickert’s Russ and the Almost Perfect Day (2002) is a very inclusive book.  Due to the many stereotypes found in the text and illustrations, I think this book does not portray disability in a very positive light.  This story is all about Russ' disability, and it shouldn't be.  Although this book is unfortunately considered one of the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education's "fab four of inclusive picture books," this book will definitely not be put on my classroom bookshelf.  

Seal Surfer (2001)

Seal Surfer
Written and Illustrated by Michael Foreman

Michael Foreman’s (2001) Seal Surfer is about a young boy with a physical impairment who develops a long-lasting friendship with a seal pup.  After reading this book and evaluating it using the criteria offered by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, it is evident that this is an inclusive book that can be enjoyed by all individuals. 

1. What is the focus of the book? 

The focus of the book is not on the main character’s disability.  In the story, a problem arises when the young boy almost drowns at the beach, but the text reveals that it was because of a huge wave that plunged him headfirst (not because of his impairment). 

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Yes. Through illustrations, one can see the young boy at the beach partaking in the same activities as his able-bodied grandfather. 

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Yes.  Despite his physical impairment, the young boy is able to do a variety of activities, such as swim and fish with his grandfather. 

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text.  The young boy has a physical impairment, but this impairment is not explicitly explained through words.  Examining the book’s illustrations, one can see that the young boy was in crutches early on in his life, and in a wheelchair at an older age.   

I think that this book is really great!  When reading through it, you would never know that the main character is physically disabled.  I can see why the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education considers this book one of its “fab four inclusive picture books.”  It’s definitely a must-read! 

Dad and Me in the Morning (2003)

Dad and Me in the Morning

Written by Patricia & Pat Lakin

Illustrated by Robert G. Steele

Patricia and Pat Lakin’s (2003) Dad and Me in the Morning is a story about a young boy, Jacob, who wakes his father to watch the sunrise over the nearby lake.  After reading this book and following the criteria put forth by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, I have come to the conclusion that this is an inclusive book that should definitely be found on the shelf of every classroom library!  

1. What is the focus of the book? 

The focus of the book is not on Jacob's disability.  Although Jacob’s hearing aid is shown throughout the story, it is very subtle and one must look at illustrations really close to even notice it.  His hearing impairment has nothing to do with the storyline.  In fact, the story could be told the same way even if Jacob did not have a disability!  

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Yes. Through illustrations, one can see Jacob on the beach happily communicating with his father through sign language and using his various senses to enjoy the sunrise.  

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Yes. Jacob demonstrates the typical role of a little boy by being anxious to see the sunrise and exploring all that there is to see, smell, and feel at the beach.  

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text.  

Overall, I would definitely consider Patricia and Pat Lakin’s (2003) Dad and Me in the Morning an inclusive book.  As I researched this book online, I discovered that the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education considers this book one of their "fab four of inclusive picture books."  Look out for my next blogs to read about the other three books!