Growing up and Growing Older: Books for Young Readers--Counteracting Ageism and Promoting Positive Aging (Preschool-Third Grade)

Ageist attitudes permeate society, are readily transmitted, are perpetuated from generation to generation, and are a prejudice against our future selves. Research has consistently shown that children as young as preschool evidence ageist attitudes, these attitudes become more negative as the child grows older and tend to become self-fulfilling prophecies. It is important to counteract ageism and promote accurate concepts about aging with young children. Early children's literature plays a major role in attitude formation. Carefully selected children's literature can help to prevent and counteract ageist attitudes. This annotated booklist is a compilation of early children's literature (PS-3rd grade) that contains positive, meaningful portrayals of aging. Books on the booklist portray aging as a natural and lifelong process of growing and developing, present similarities between young and old, show young and old enjoying each other and learning from each other, and view older adults as valuable and contributing members of society. They help children view aging as a time of continued growth, development, creativity, and fulfillment. They help them envision the older adult they can be and promote aging with optimism. Books that focus on death, dying, disease, disability, depression, dependency, and dementia are not included as they are not synonymous with aging. The booklist contains a listing of favorite books along with multicultural and topical listings.