Deana Bowie

Abstract:

My presentation analyzes children’s literature, and discusses the impact it has on our world. I examined earlier children’s books such as the original Curious George. It critically looks at the problematic and racist tropes that were in this original story. I discuss not only why and how this is harmful for society, but how children’s literature has improved since and where children’s literature is now in our modern day. This genre is becoming increasingly relevant in the world of academia as its complexities and significance are upheld in the sense that they are teaching children morals in their most sensitive and vulnerable phase of life, and are also used as teaching tools in the classroom at all age and grade levels. My project delves into why it is so important for children to see inclusive and accepting messages and stories when their minds are in their most vulnerable and formative years. My research discusses the psychological aspect of children’s literature and the way kids absorb it and internalize it. This has a direct impact on how they will grow up. These early memories and stories stick and subconsciously form the way they see the world and how they understand it.