Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Abstract

The purpose of this literary qualitative content analysis was to analyze current children’s picture books published between 2010 and 2019 and describe the representation of characters with physical disabilities and their significance to the overall plot. The question I sought to answer was: What roles do characters with physical disabilities play in the plots of picture books? This study used a qualitative content analysis approach and a summative analysis of the content, which are grounded upon the inferences drawn from the examination of the topics and themes in the data. Following the eight steps within a qualitative content analysis, 14 picture books were read, evaluated, and analyzed for emerging themes. Themes present in the sample of books included: authentic multidimensional traits, shared interests in relationships between a character with a physical disability and another character, and the desirability of balance between moments of ostracization and opportunities for inclusion. Findings showed characters with physical disabilities were portrayed with multidimensional traits and played a significant role within the plot as seen by their inclusion as a primary character with several humanizing qualities.

Year of Submission

5-2020

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Department

Division of School Library Studies

First Advisor

Karla Krueger

Second Advisor

Joan Bessman Taylor

Date Original

5-2020

Object Description

1 PDF file (47 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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