Characters With Exceptionalities Portrayed in Contemporary Canadian Children’s Books

Authors

  • Jean Emmerson University of Saskatchewan
  • Beverley Brenna University of Saskatchewan

Abstract

This article examines the ways in which exceptionality is addressed in Canadian children’s literature, offering critical literacy as an avenue toward social justice. A content analysis (Berg, 2009) of 134 Canadian children’s books offers a wide scope of contemporary titles to include in classrooms. We developed conceptual categories to explore patterns and trends through a qualitative interpretive stance (Seidman, 2006). Our findings include the following results:
• ethnically diverse characters with exceptionalities,
• authentic characters with real-world challenges,
• fantasy blended with other genres.
As narratives that include exceptionalities become more authentic and abundant, we can become more appreciative of diversity, further affecting inclusive schools and communities.

Author Biographies

Jean Emmerson, University of Saskatchewan

Jean Emmerson is a PhD Candidate in Educational Psychology and Special Education at the University of Saskatchewan.

Beverley Brenna, University of Saskatchewan

Beverley Brenna, PhD is the Acting Associate Dean, Undergraduate Education, Partnerships and Research, in the
College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan.

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Published

2015-11-29

How to Cite

Emmerson, J., & Brenna, B. (2015). Characters With Exceptionalities Portrayed in Contemporary Canadian Children’s Books. Canadian Journal of Education/Revue Canadienne De l’éducation, 38(4), 1–28. Retrieved from https://journals.sfu.ca/cje/index.php/cje-rce/article/view/1974

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Articles