Abstract
This paper is concerning different kinds of Cinderella stories from different cultures. It makes interesting comparisons on major plot differences based on cultural differences. The main emphasis of the paper is on the negative messages that the tales portray to children (being ideals of superficiality and materialism) and the way that these influence children's self-esteem.

From the Paper
"The truth is, the world has been shallow for ages. We learned such values when we were only children, and our parents learned the same values when they were children, and so on for centuries past, all from a simple bedtime story. The infamous story is Cinderella; the story of a beautiful girl who is mistreated by her ugly stepsisters, only to thwart them by eventually meeting, and immediately falling in love with, a rich, handsome prince. Almost any person you talk to will tell you that he or she was read this tale as a child, or is at least familiar with it. The characters in Cinderella stories embody values that are both superficial and materialistic, and the stories teach children to model their own lives after the characters in the stories in order to achieve the happy ending they want in their own lives. The different characters in the Cinderella stories show not only that true love is based on looks, but also that being unattractive reflects bad character. These lessons are taught in most Cinderella stories, three of which are the Disney Cinderella, the McLoughlin Brothers' "Cinderella", and the "Tale of the Anklet". These stories send bad messages to children because they have a negative effect on the children's self-esteem.?

Tags:anklet, beauty, confidence, materialism, superficial

Abstract
This paper examines arguments by many religious leaders why they consider the Harry Potter series to be anti-Christian and pro-Pagan. It looks at different articles and opinions from religious leaders as to why they think this is the case. It also takes examples from the various books in the series on which their arguments are based.

From the Paper
"The Harry Potter Series by British author J.K. Rowling and the recently released film have introduced youngsters everywhere to the fantastical world of the occult. Whereas some parents and educators praise the series for renewing children's weaning interest in reading, other critics, especially those from the Christian sector, fear that this book is introducing children to paginated ideals. The Bible tells us, that "There shall not be found among you anyone who... practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord..." Harry Potter and his cohorts practice these condemned activities with no mention of the Christian blasphemies they are committing, and have resultantly enraged critics everywhere. "

Tags:religious, rowling, children, bible, god, witch, fantasy, education, parents

Abstract
Judy Blume's classic novel, "Are You there God? It's Me, Margaret", is considered one of the best and most enduring pieces of modern young adult fiction for its exploration of topics and situations that occur in the lives of almost every adolescent. This paper explores the novel in terms of how Blume's presentation of the character of Margaret allows Blume to address issues experienced by adolescents, especially younger girls

Abstract
This paper analyzes the mature theme of survival as discussed in Rebecca Lukens' work "The Critical Handbook of Children's Literature." Using "Hana's Suitcase" and "The Paper Bag Princess" as examples, the paper looks closely at the plot, characterization and setting of these two works in order to determine the mature theme and its effects upon the readers.

From the Paper
"Children's literature can often be a source of education for children and this instruction can either be personal or school-related data. Rebecca Lukens, author of "A Critical Handbook of Children's Literature," explains how themes can be instrumental in this education. Some pieces of children's literature, such as "Hana's Suitcase" and "The Paper Bag Princess" have included such mature themes to engage their readers in their stories. The mature theme of survival, as found in the texts of "Hana's Suitcase" by Karen Levine and "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch, is illustrated through the use of plot, character and setting. The plot of "Hana's Suitcase" shows examples of the mature theme of survival. As Lukens states, the theme is "one that enlarges our understanding and the one we discover for ourselves" (93)."

Tags:levine, munsch, lukens

From the Paper
"Some things about fairy tales we know to be true. They begin with "once upon a time." They end with "happily ever after." And somewhere in between the prince rescues the damsel in distress.
Of course, this is not actually the case. Many fairytales omit these essential words. But few fairytales in the Western tradition indeed fail to have a beautiful, passive maiden rescued by a vibrant man, usually her superior in either social rank or in moral standing. Indeed, it is precisely the passivity of the women in fairy tales that has led so many progressive parents to wonder whether their children should be exposed to them. Can any girl ever really believe that she can grow up to be president or CEO or an astronaut after five viewings of Disney's "Snow White"?"

Bacchilega (1997, chapter 2) chooses "Snow White" as a nearl

Abstract
This paper examines two examples of child orphans: Anne Shirley in Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel, "Anne of Green Gables", and Mary Lennox in Frances Hodgson Burnett's work, "The Secret Garden". It explains how, in these two children's classics, the orphan child is used to demonstrate an ability to make the best of an unfortunate situation in life. With the help of other characters in their respective stories, these two young girls play vital roles in manifesting to readers that retaining a positive attitude, developing solid friendships, having a will to enjoy life and attaining strong self-confidence are essential to ensuring an enjoyable childhood.

From the Paper
"Anne Shirley, a young girl mistakenly adopted by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert of Green Gables, plays an influential role in demonstrating the importance of having a positive outlook on life. Despite being subject to an unfavorable past, Anne considers here new home in Green Gables as a chance to start over. Anne exemplifies her cheerful, positive nature before she even arrives at Green Gables when she is riding with Matthew Cuthbert. Anne, overwhelmed by the beauty of the scenery, exclaims gleefully, "this Island is the bloomiest place. I just love it already, and I'm so glad I'm going to live here" (Montgomery 21). Here, the author is trying to bring forth Anne's ability to put the past behind her. At this point the reader knows full well that Anne is coming from an orphan asylum but she is still portrayed as being polite, and willing to act pleasantly. Another example of Anne's positive outlook comes near the end of the novel after she is finished school and is convincing Marilla that she has full intent on staying at Green Gables and helping her out with her diminishing eyesight. Anne turns down an academic scholarship to take a job as a teacher in Avonlea. Anne views it as a chance to show Marilla her appreciation for her being there as a friend and as a mother figure during her years at Green Gables. Marilla questions her choice and Anne replies, "I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe the best does" (Montgomery 324)."

Tags:anne, character, gables, garden, green, lennox, mary, secret

Abstract
This paper explores the patterns of maturation found in children's literature with reference to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. It finds that in modern children's literature the typical gender roles are reversed, with Harry acting on behalf of society (typically a female pattern) and Charlotte maturing as an individual (typically male pattern). Anne of Green Gables and Treasure Island are used to display the typical patterns.

From the Paper
"In children's literature gender roles have been laid quite clearly. These patterns exist from the early fairy tales to present day novels. Recently some authors have attempted to reverse the typical gender roles of characters; giving male protagonists more passive and nurturing characteristics, and females greater abilities to become active individuals. This is particularly apparent in stories about maturation."

Tags:anne, avi, charlotte, children, doyle, english, gables, gender, green, harry, potter

Abstract
The paper discusses how the character, Anne Shirley is more than a character in a book. She has been a friend and kindred spirit to millions of people over several generations. It shows how we relate her adventures to our own lives and filter them through our own experiences. Anne grows from childhood into adolescence, from adolescence to adulthood and beyond and each step of the way the reader is there with her, sharing her decisions, facing her fears and relating it to their own lives. The paper discusses how the growth and individuality of L.M. Montgomery's Anne Shirley in "Anne of Green Gables," "Anne of Avonlea," and "Anne of the Island," depicts an inner struggle from self-delusion to self-awareness that can be recognized within us all.

From the Paper
"The novels are over, Anne finally realized she loves Gil, and their future seems set, so why do we still need more? What is it about Anne Shirley that has kept a world at her side for close to a century? Epperly captures it best when she states; "we cannot fully explain Anne's hold over us"(46). My mother and grandmother both read Anne's story before me, loved her spirit, and secretly wished to be her. Three generations of women enraptured by one small girl with the heart of a lion. Why? "Anne Shirley continues to live on today because she does not conform to reader expectations, to cultural stereotype, or accepted convention"(Epperly 70). I like to believe Anne Shirley lives on today because each of those readers would consider her a friend and kindred spirit and has held and cherished a piece of her in their hearts since they first discovered her. There is something about Anne that brings out the best in people. Her imagination, her joy in every common thing, her virtues and her faults; Anne is an icon for attaining our dreams."

Tags:change, characterization, growth, Gilbert

Abstract
This paper shows how children's literature portrays how it is essential for young adults to leave home in order to mature. It explores this theme in relation to books for very young children like "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" (Beatrix Potter), novels directed at male audiences like "The Tale of Huckleberry Finn" (Mark Twain), and literature aimed at female readers such as "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" (Avi).

From the Paper
"The process of maturation in children's literature is often characterized by a character's departure from the family home. Frequently this change of environment acts as a catalyst for the character's growth. This is in part created because authors of children's literature often portray the family home as unstable, strict, and at times even abusive. Due to this fact, the protagonists must venture out on their own in order to find themselves as individuals and experience life to its fullest. This is true in many forms of children's literature, from picture books, such as Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit, to novels written primarily for boys, like The Adventures of Huck Finn, and to those for girls, like The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Frequently the characters in literature for young adults need to explore outside the family home, which is often characterized as threatening and stifling, in order to begin the maturation process."

Tags:huck, McGregor

Abstract
This paper shows the difference between older and modern children's literature by comparing the relationship gender plays in each. Historically girls were portrayed as passive and succeed only due to the actions of others, as in "Snow White", and boys succeed because of their mischievous behaviour, as in "Jack and the Beanstalk". More recent children's literature reverses this role by making girls capable of being more active, as diplayed by the protagonist of "The Paper Bag Princess", although boys have remained reliant on mischief, as in "Haroun and the Sea of Stories."

From the Paper
"As is true in society, gender affects how certain characters deal with the obstacles inherent in both life and in children's literature. Bruno Bettelheim argues that "the message that fairy tales get across to the child" [is] that a struggle against severe difficulties in life "is an intrinsic part of human existence but that if one does not shy away, but steadfastly meets unexpected and often unjust hardships, one masters all obstacles and at the end emerges victorious" (381). What Bettelheim does not acknowledge is that historically, in much of children's literature girls do not succeed based on their own actions and boys often emerge on top by behaving in a devious manner. This is particularly true of fairy tales. In more recent literature those positions are not necessarily true; girls have become dominant through action, although boys have continued to rely on mischief."

Tags:beanstalk, books, children, english, fairy, gender, haroun, jack, munsche, passive, patterns, snow, success, tales, white