Today I’m sharing two videos about ageism in children’s literature. —And also a simple request—please take a moment and pass on these resources.
Know any writers or illustrators? Any teachers or librarians? Parents or grandparents? The two videos on age stereotypes in children’s books are eye-opening—and an easy way to introduce others to the topic.
Simply copy the link to this blog post and send an email. Or share it on LinkedIn or social media. (If you care to, you can add hashtags such as #endageism #juvenileageism #diversityinkidlit #agepositivekidlit #antiageism ). Let’s all raise awareness of this important aspect of diversity in children’s books.
With gratitude, Lindsey.
Video number one: An interview on ageism in children’s books
In February 2024 I was honored to be interviewed by the director of the New York State Office for the Aging, Greg Olsen. Our video interview on Ageism in Children’s Books is on YouTube.
Greg asked well informed questions and I really enjoyed our discussion. Many thanks to him and his entire team. I also shared some titles of picture books filled with age positive images in text and illustrations. (Including those pictured here. You can find more on this website under the Picture Books tab, including books about grandparents & intergenerational picture books.)
Description of Live w Greg Olsen |Ageism in Children’s Books: Conversations across Generations
According to the World Health Organization, children as young as four years old become aware of their culture’s age stereotypes. Many of these portrayals are reinforced by children’s books and other media. In this edition of LIVE with Greg, NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen talks with Lindsey McDivitt, an author who is passionate about tackling ageism in books for children, including through her blog “A is for Aging.” They’ll discuss the power of children’s books in shaping attitudes about aging, and ways that older adults can discuss this issue with younger generations – all through the power of stories.
You can watch the video interview here.
Video number two: VCFA lecture on ageism in children’s books
And a call to action.
Recently I learned that the highly regarded Vermont College of Fine Arts livestreamed a lecture about ageism in picture books. Its title “Grandma Shark*, What Big Teeth You Have! Everything we’ve gotten wrong about aging and how to make it write” (note: this references a highly popular song and series of videos for kids.)
Author Lou Hawes is on the faculty at VCFA and gave the lecture on ageism in children’s books in 2021. She asks writers, “Have we been conditioned to see old age through a veil of stereotypes?” Unfortunately, yes. It’s all too common that out of ignorance, writers for all ages reach for age stereotypes.
Lou’s lecture is interesting and substantive. I’m thrilled that writers working towards a Masters in Fine Arts in the VCFA’s program “Writing for Children and Young Adults” are being exposed to the pitfalls and dangers of unknowingly adding ageism to children’s literature.
“Ageism is an ‘ism’ that should concern all of us…any ‘ism’ involves othering and discrimination…[with ageism] we other our future selves.” Lou Hawes
I was grateful to hear my name mentioned along with my blog “A is for Aging, B is for Books” at about minute 14. Lou shared she learned of it from Cynthia Leitich Smith, a NYT bestselling children’s author and longtime champion of this website and blog. Huge thanks to both Cynthia and Lou.
More good news? You too can watch this video on ageism in children’s literature on YouTube.
I believe it’s a first for a university, but here’s hoping the topic catches on! Eliminating ageism is equally important to eradicating racism and sexism in books for kids. Lecturer Lou Hawes issued a call to action to both authors and illustrators.
“What can we do as wordsmiths, parents, grandparents to encourage intergenerational understanding and…look at people and the world around us with careful attention, not judgement? That you see, is a pretty good definition of love.”
*Note: As a relatively new grandmother, I’m perhaps the last to know, but the Baby Shark lyrics include one about Grandma Shark that utilizes notably ageist hand gestures & a trembling voice. Two closed fists opening and closing simulate a toothless, powerless old shark. Ugh. We can do better than this!
Find more resources on ageism & age stereotype in children’s books at “A is for Aging’ here.