Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong family, acceptance rule in sweet stereotype-buster.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Like younger siblings everywhere, 3-year-old Casey, soon to be known as SPARKLE BOY, falls hard for the cool things his older sister Jessie likes -- and shimmery skirts, glittery nail polish, and sparkly bracelets are no exception. Their parents and grandmother are cool with it, but Jessie's not so sure -- that stuff is only for girls, right? When Casey wants to wear all the shiny stuff to the library, their mom says he looks like Casey. Jessie says he looks silly. But when the older kids at the library say he can't be a boy and dress that way, she's suddenly not so sure about that either.
Is It Any Good?
Skillfully avoiding drama, hysteria, and preachiness, Lesléa Newman delivers a sweet, level-headed story steeped in love and family values about a 3-year-old boy obsessed with all things glittery. Peer pressure, gender stereotypes, and a lot of relatable sibling dynamics all play a role here. Supportive adults really shine, but kids, especially big sis Jessie, have to think for themselves and make their own choices. Illustrator Maria Mola brings the characters to life with lots of color, and facial expressions that add a lot to the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how stereotypes are presented in Sparkle Boy. Have you ever been told you couldn't do something because it was only for people in a group you didn't belong to? How did you feel about that?
Have you ever been told something you liked to do was "weird," and done it anyway? What happened?
Do you think it's OK for kids to give someone a hard time because they don't like the way he or she looks or dresses?
Book Details
- Author: Lesléa Newman
- Illustrator: Maria M
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Lee & Low Books
- Publication date: June 15, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: July 18, 2017
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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