15 Children’s Books That Smash Stereotypes
#1. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun
by Maria Dismondy
Winner of:
Gold Mom’s Choice Award
Eric Hoffer Award
Lucy is one of a kind, and mean Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy’s defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs her help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make the right choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and to be proud of themselves even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph
#2. Roland Humphrey is Wearing a What?
by Eileen Kiernan-Johnson
The story of a little boy’s quest to be his authentic self, dressed in pink and festooned with sparkles, in a world that frowns upon boys who like “girly” things.
Written in verse with bright illustrations, Roland Humphrey is Wearing a WHAT? playfully raises important questions about gender norms, acceptance, and true friendship.
#3. My Mom is a Firefighter
by Lois G. Grambling
Billy has two families—his mom and dad, and his firehouse “uncles,” who work with his mom. Having a firehouse family is lots of fun. But Billy also knows that firefighters have an important job to do, protecting people and putting out dangerous fires.
From award-winning author Lois G. Grambling and New York Times bestselling illustrator Jane Manning comes a heartfelt story of a little boy who wants to be just like his mom when he grows up.
From award-winning author Lois G. Grambling and New York Times bestselling illustrator Jane Manning comes a heartfelt story of a little boy who wants to be just like his mom when he grows up.
#4 Princesses Can Be Pirates Too!
by Christi Zellerhoff
Who says girls can’t play boys’ make-believe games too? “No Girls Allowed,” will simply NOT do for this little Princess! “Princesses Can Be Pirates Too!” proves that just because a girl is wearing a gold crown and a pink fluffy dress doesn’t mean she can’t act like a pirate just as good as any boy. Yes- even a refined and dainty princess can become a rough and tumble pirate!
This is the playful and empowering premise of “Princesses Can Be Pirates Too!” “A princess can do what a pirate can too; she can captain a ship and take charge of the crew..”. “Should unfriendly pirates try climbing aboard, she can fend off the foes with a swoosh of her sword!” are just a few of the things this feisty princess can do in this humorous interpretation and approach to a pirate’s life with a princess’ sense of style.
#5. Lenny Has Lunch
by Ken Wilson-Max
This is a wonderful book for early childhood that tells the tale of Lenny in the kitchen with Daddy. While Daddy prepares lunch, Lenny plays along. This simple and endearing story of parent and child sharing an everyday activity is perfect for reading with young toddlers.
It has been created by a well-respected and successful author and illustrator of children’s books as a part of the series of books featuring the hugely appealing character, little Lenny.
#6. Jacob’s New Dress
by Sarah and Ian Hoffman
When young Jacob wants to wear a dress to preschool, his parents must make a decision. Should they deny his request and try to save him from being bullied? Do they encourage him to be true to himself, not societies gender norms, andl allow him to wear a dress? These are difficult, even agonizing, decisions that can affect Jacob’s life for years to come.
#7. Allie’s Basketball Dream
by Barbara E. Barber
Ever since she saw her first game at Madison Square Garden Allie has been hooked on basketball. When her father buys Allie her very own basketball she can’t wait to play. But her confidence takes a tumble when the older boys at the neighborhood courts laugh at her first attempts. Allie doesn’t give up easily and keeps practising so she can accomplish her dream. A great book for teaching adversity in the face of negativity.
#8. Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World
by Mildred Pitts Walter
Ten-year-old Justin thinks housework is for women, until he’s invited to his grandfather’s ranch. There, along with fishing, riding, and going to the rodeo, Justin learns about his black cowboy ancestors and that doing “women’s work”–even baking prize-winning biscuits–is part of taking care of himself.
by Mayra Lazara Dole
Even though nobody in her Cuban-American neighborhood thinks girls should play the drums, Chavi knows she was born to play. She drums on paint cans, sofa arms, even on her mother’s cheeks. Her favorites are the tumbadoras, conga drums. So, when she’s not picked to play on the school float for Calle Ocho—Miami’s Eighth Street carnaval—she decides to do something about it!
#10. My Princess Boy
by Cheryl Kilodavis
A nonfiction picture book, based on the author’s son, about acceptance. It tells the tale of a 4-year-old boy who happily expresses his authentic self by enjoying “traditional girl” things like jewelry, sparkles or anything pink.
The goal of this book is to create a space in this world where children who are different, feel different or express themselves differently can be accepted for who they are.
#11. Elena’s Serenade
by Campbell Geeslin
A delightfully fresh take on the “anything you can do, I can do better” theme, Elena’s Serenade follows a feisty little Mexican girl on a quest to prove to her father–and herself–that she can be a glassblower, even if she is a girl. Magic realism abounds as Elena journeys (dressed as a boy) to Monterrey to learn from the great glassblowers.
#12. Daddy’s Wedding
by Michael Willhoite
In the sequel to Daddy’s Roommate (1990, not reviewed), ten- year-old Nick is the “best man” at the commitment ceremony of his gay father and his partner, Frank. Nick’s mother, stepfather, and grandparents are delighted by the celebration, which takes place in a backyard and is officiated by a female minister.
#13. Mommy, Mama and Me
by Leslea Newman
This book shares the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children. Written in rhythmic text and illustrated with universal appeal, the story shows us a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together.
#14. Who’s in a Family?
by Robert Skutch
Family is important, but who’s in a family? Why, the people who love you the most!This equal opportunity, open-minded picture book has no preconceptions about what makes a family a family. There’s even equal time given to some of children’s favorite animal families. With warm and inviting jewel-tone illustrations, this is a great book for that long talk with a little person on your lap.
#15. The Paper Bag Princess
by Robert Munsch
This is a classic tale of a beautiful princess named Elizabeth who is slated to marry Prince Ronald, when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald–who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance.
See all the books here
