{"id":273310,"date":"2025-06-04T19:24:18","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T19:24:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/review-of-a-kids-book-about-ageism\/"},"modified":"2025-06-04T19:24:18","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T19:24:18","slug":"review-of-a-kids-book-about-ageism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=273310","title":{"rendered":"Review of “A Kids Book About Ageism”"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\"\"A Kids Book About Ageism<\/a><\/em> is the first book providing tools for adults to talk about ageism with kids (AKidsCo; 2024). It comes to us as a team effort from the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative<\/a> and A Kids Book About, Inc.<\/a> A free Conversation Guide<\/a> is also available online. Kudos to the team. The negative effects of ageism will affect every one of us fortunate to live a long life. Let\u2019s nip them in the bud!<\/p>\n

I like how the book\u2019s intro references the \u201cfalse ideas\u201d that instill fears about aging.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a society, we often wrongly believe that being young, productive, efficient, self-reliant, and physically strong are always better than the alternatives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Also, while not denying growing older can sometimes be challenging, we\u2019re reminded of \u201cthe opportunity to celebrate new kinds of strength.\u201d This truth is personally important\u2014I\u2019ve been privileged to know many survivors of stroke whose bodies were radically changed, but they taught me so much about resilience and how to be happy.<\/p>\n

The book utilizes clear large print text\u2014some in color, but no illustrations are included.<\/p>\n

A Kids Book About Ageism<\/em> defines aging<\/strong> simply, and elaborates clearly, however the definition of ageism<\/strong> shared may confuse young readers.<\/p>\n

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Image from A Kids Book about Ageism<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cAgeism is when younger<\/em> grown-ups act unfairly to older<\/em> grownups because of their age. Ageism is possible when younger grownups have the power to make decisions for older grownups, such as where they live.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0A Kids Book About Ageism<\/em><\/p>\n

I believe kids need us to explain this \u201cism\u201d more simply, and with concrete examples.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0At \u201cA is for Aging\u201d I\u2019ve used a more basic definition of ageism, as in a blog post debunking grandma stereotypes.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014<\/strong>In simple terms, ageism is the unfair treatment of people based on their age. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013\u201cAgeism cuts both ways<\/strong>\u201d says activist & author Ashton Applewhite. The old and the young, even children, experience ageism when they\u2019re stereotyped\u2014perhaps as a lazy generation, \u201ctoo young\u201d for a job, irresponsible teens, and so on.<\/p>\n

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Image from A Kids Book about Ageism<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

(By the way, older adults are frequently ageist also. They\u2019ve been inundated with inaccurate information the longest.)<\/p>\n

No one appreciates being judged by someone\u2019s perceptions of an entire cohort. And this is what leads to stereotyping and discrimination.\u00a0 A Kids Book About Ageism<\/em> defines stereotype<\/strong> as \u201can untrue belief that everyone in a group is the same.\u201d This is easy for kids to understand.<\/p>\n

\"\"Some helpful examples of stereotypes of olders are listed:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013\u201cFrail<\/p>\n

\u2013Dependent<\/p>\n

\u2013Useless<\/p>\n

\u2013Forgetful<\/p>\n

\u2013Slow<\/p>\n

\u2013Cute<\/p>\n

\u2013Grumpy\u201d<\/p>\n

The Conversation Guide accompanying A Kids Book About Ageism<\/em> notes ageism against youth, but defines and discusses it as \u201cAdultism<\/strong>\u201d \u2013\u201cthe regular stereotyping and discrimination of young people by adults.\u201d This could introduce confusion for kids and adults. Many wrestle with understanding ageism, sometimes believing it\u2019s simply disrespect for our elders.<\/p>\n

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The harm ageism inflicts is multi-faceted, including negative impacts on our health. The negative age stereotypes begin bombarding us in childhood (see the research of Becca Levy Ph.D<\/a>. , author of Breaking the Age Code<\/em><\/a>)\u00a0This isn\u2019t mentioned, but A Kids Book About Ageism<\/em> elaborates on additional harms:<\/p>\n

\u201cAgeism can stop older grownups from doing things they love because other people think it\u2019s not OK to do certain things once you\u2019re older.\u201d Great concrete examples are shared including \u201cwearing certain clothes\u2026dancing\u2026or being in love.\u201d<\/p>\n

The authors also make a very interesting point: \u201cNow, we tend to value sources other than older grownups, turning to books or a quick internet search.\u201d<\/p>\n

Personally I\u2019ve noted the movies & ads etc. promoting youth, but I\u2019ve not thought about the fact that the experience and knowledge of older adults is not solicited as before\u2026not valued as before.<\/p>\n

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I do wish A Kids Book About Ageism<\/em> was able to include art. Illustrations are expensive and time consuming. But as an author of picture books that are paired with illustrations by talented artists, I know they provide so many ways for kids to engage with the messages shared in a book. In fact they often share a complementary story that can aid understanding on another level.<\/p>\n

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Age Positive picture books<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

I\u2019d suggest pairing A Kids Book About Ageism<\/em> with some recommended Age Positive picture books<\/strong> to amplify kids\u2019 comprehension of its important messages.*** (See activities below.)<\/p>\n

Check out the \u201cLet\u2019s Get Started\u201d suggestions in the Conversation Guide online<\/a> from Connecticut Age Well Collaborative. One helpful reminder: \u201cAgeism can bring up big feelings for grown-ups too, so pick a time when you feel mentally and emotionally ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also, I\u2019d encourage adults to educate themselves <\/a>before discussing ageism with children. We all need to recognize the fact that we have ageist beliefs. It\u2019s truly a constant process to root them out.<\/p>\n

\"\"***Age Positive activities help children learn about aging, to recognize age stereotypes and to anticipate late life with joy<\/strong><\/p>\n

I love this quote from A Kids Book About Ageism<\/em>\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery one of us builds a beautiful, complex, important story as we age and grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pairing A Kids Book About Ageism<\/em><\/a> with some recommended Age Positive picture books<\/a> would illustrate diverse stories and showcase:<\/strong><\/p>\n