RISE Book Project by Sadie Mikula https://padlet.com/sadiemikula07/iagr299dmr3zp9py en-us 2023-10-03 16:15:53 UTC 2023-10-04 03:55:00 UTC hello@padlet.com "Raise Your Hand" by Alice Paul Tapper sadiemikula07 https://padlet.com/sadiemikula07/iagr299dmr3zp9py/wish/2730807425 "Raise Your Hand" is the true story about a young girl scout named Alice Tapper who noticed how many of the girls in her class were afraid of raising their hand to answer a question for fear of being wrong. However, most of the boys in her class were not afraid and raised their hand for every question. This sparked an idea in Alice to create a new award for girl scouts all over the world to earn: the Raise Your Hand pledge and patch program. This challenged young girls to be brave in school, even if they might be wrong. Alice went on to speak on TV about the program and patch, and received messages from scouts from all over asking to participate. She then wrote this book shortly after to tell her story and continue to inspire other girls to create the changes they want to see.

Tapper, A. (2019). Raise Your Hand. (Illus. by M. Kissi). New York, NY. Penguin Workshop.]]> 2023-10-03 19:00:16 UTC https://padlet.com/sadiemikula07/iagr299dmr3zp9py/wish/2730807425 sadiemikula07 https://padlet.com/sadiemikula07/iagr299dmr3zp9py/wish/2731314154 The RISE Book Project focuses on three main things when considering literature for the award: significant feminist content, developmentally appropriate and appeal for young readers, and well written/illustrated. For our purposes, "Raise Your Hand" will be discussed in terms of its feminist content:

  1. Does the book show an awareness of gender-based inequalities with action to change these inequalities?- I don't think the book shares inequalities within the genders because no individuals or system was shown to cause unfairness. Rather, it focused on empowering girls to be brave and confident.
  2.  Does the book show an awareness of the intersections between sexism and other systems of oppression?- It does not discuss other specific systems of oppressions. However, it does share girls of all races and ethnicities experiencing a lack of confidence in the classroom through the illustrations, so it is clear that this issue exists for all different types of girls.
  3. Are traditional gender roles challenged or defied? If so, does the book point out that these roles are in opposition to society’s expectations and that the person is breaking new ground?- The book does indirectly talk about traditional gender roles because the boys were confident and outspoken whereas the girls were timid and kept to themselves when a question was asked. The main character, Alice, broke new ground by defying this stereotype with her new patch idea.
  4. Do girls and women blaze new trails for themselves and those who follow them? (Again, does the book point that out?)- Yes, Alice inspired other girl scouts across the country (and world) to speak up in class, even if they may be wrong. Her new patch program will encourage more to do the same for years to come. 
  5. Do girls and women use power for purposeful action, empowering others?- Alice used her power in her girl scout troop to create a new patch that will empower other girls to access their inner courage.
  6. Does the book reflect opportunities (or the lack thereof), inequalities, and non-traditional roles for girls and women in the era in which the book is set?- Although it does not reflect non-traditional roles or inequalities, it does reflect the opportunity for young girls to make changes in their communities and in the world.
  7. How does the protagonist grow over the course of the book?- The protagonist, Alice, is scared to raise her hand in class because she may be wrong. However, by the end of the book she raises her hand three times in class! The book also ends with Alice inspiring other young girls to be brave and raise their hands, too.
  8. Is the protagonist the active party, or does she simply react to situations?- She is the active party. She experiences the problem and creates her own solution, a solution that helps other girls as well.
  9. Is the protagonist’s voice silenced? Does she become “squelched” between the beginning and the ending of the book? If so, does she ever regain her voice?- Her voice is not "squelched". She is respected by the girl scout council and is given a platform to speak on television.
  10. Does the book highlight underrepresented/suppressed voices and perspectives in feminism?- It does to some degree. Typically young girls' voices are less heard than adult women's voices in feminism because they are seen as "just kids". However, this book showcases the successful true story of a young girl fighting for others' voices to be heard. 
  11. Do descriptions show the character of the person, or do they concentrate on attractive personal appearances?- The beginning of the book describes Alice's personality and her interests. No where in this description does it discuss her looks or physical attributes.
  12. Whose stories, voices, and work are centered? What sources are trusted, and how does this affect the reader’s understanding of the truth?- The story is based on real events, and is written by the girl the main character is based off of. This is how the audience can know to trust that it's contents are true.
  13. Is the word “feminism” used in the book? Is the approach positive to feminism?- The word "feminism" is not used. 
  14. Does the book challenge and expand dominant concepts of feminism?- It expands dominant concepts of feminism by showing how girls should feel empowered just like boys. Near the end of the book, one boy tells Alice that she thinks girls are better than boys, but she clarifies herself by stating that that is not true; she only wanted girls to feel empowered.

(2018)
]]> 2023-10-04 03:08:42 UTC https://padlet.com/sadiemikula07/iagr299dmr3zp9py/wish/2731314154 sadiemikula07 https://padlet.com/sadiemikula07/iagr299dmr3zp9py/wish/2731362843 Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any reviews for this book on the CLCD website. However, I'm sure they would have all had positive things to say about "Raise Your Hand" and its message to all young girls: that they can be the change they want to see.

There were some connections I could make from the related readings. The article "10 Quick Ways to Analyze Children's Books for Sexism and Racism" gives audience members a lot to think about while reading literature. One important takeaway I got from this was about the resolution of the problem. In "Raise Your Hand", Alice does a good job at reminding the reader that no blame is placed on anyone. Instead, the girls are simply encouraged to be brave and answer questions even if they're wrong. Another tip that stuck out to me was to check the author's perspective. Seeing how the author of this book is a girl (the main character), it is easy to assume that she does not express any sexist undertones throughout the story. Overall, I think this book teaches important values to young girls (and all children!) about being active members in their society to help all feel respected and valued.]]> 2023-10-04 03:51:37 UTC https://padlet.com/sadiemikula07/iagr299dmr3zp9py/wish/2731362843