Analysis of Representation in Children's Picture Books

My Major Research Paper is an analysis of representation in children’s picture books with a social justice lens. I explore the categories of race, gender and religion which can be seen as social difference markers. I critically analyze 10-15 picture books in each category through content analysis and a critical checklist made through a social justice lens. The goal of my research is to ascertain the messages within the books to see how these social difference markers are represented. In an elementary classroom, picture books are a form of socialization and method of transmitting societal norms and values. My research analyzes and disrupts the idea of teaching as a neutral profession by demonstrating that teaching is political. It also provides insight into how social justice minded teachers can disrupt the managed curriculum when they critically think about the picture books they are sharing with their students.