Stereotypes are generalizations of groups of people by behaviors, abilities or values. Children's book writer and publisher Anna McQuinn explains that books show children the world, and that they need to see themselves in books to know that they have a right to be in the world. Stereotyping by gender or ethnicity can influence children and communicate the culture's values, and can affect identity and self-esteem. Educator and writer Jennifer Johnson Higgins from the Johns Hopkins School of Education recommends that children's literature better reflect the reality of a pluralistic society. She advises adults to screen books for derogatory overtones used to describe the characters and culture in a story. Ethnic characters should be portrayed as individuals, not as combinations of culturally stereotypical characteristics, writes Higgins.
Many children's books are developed and marketed for each gender. An article for "New Republic" identified typical book themes specified for boys as containing robots, dinosaurs, astronauts, vehicles, football and pirates. Books marketed for girls featured princesses, fairies, make-up, flowers, butterflies, fashion and cute animals. The "Boys' Book of Survival: How to Survive Anything Anywhere" assures boy readers ways to get out of predicaments such as shark attacks and avalanches. Another series titled "How to Survive Anything" in "Boys Only" and "Girls Only" versions offers boys tips on how to survive tornadoes and vampire attacks, sending the message that males are excited by danger and adventure. Conversely, the girls are offered the following advice: "How to Survive Shyness," "How to Handle a Fashion Disaster," and "How to Survive a Crush." These chapter headings communicate to girls that their problems are less exciting and more concerned with looks and relationships.
Archaic ethnic stereotypes such as that shown in the controversial book "Little Black Sambo" may alienate young readers with exaggerated illustrations and disrespectful text. The original book by Helen Bannerman from 1899 has been reissued with updated pictures and less stereotypical names to avoid negative stereotyping. Dr. Neal Lester, professor at Arizona State University, in an article for "Teaching Tolerance" magazine, says children need to see a range of identities and cultures portrayed in books. He says every child has a right to literature that isn’t stereotypical or reductive and doesn’t dishonor them as people. The magazine is dedicated to reducing prejudice and supporting equitable school experiences for all children.
"Teaching Tolerance," a publication for educators that promotes diversity awareness, recommends guidelines for screening children's book collections for stereotypes: Make sure books include a wide variety of characters, have about equal numbers of male and female protagonists, feature characters whose actions are not bound by cultural or gender stereotypes, and have book covers showing different genders, cultures and races. Hazel Rochman, author of "Against Borders: Promoting Books for a Multicultural World," suggests that books can make a difference in dispelling prejudice and building community.