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Let’s take this low-key event as an opportunity to unpack ‘innocuous’ sexism in kidlit.

Groundhog day is kind of delicious NBD we don’t have to feel guilty about failing to celebrate or acknowledge, which is lovely. We acknowledge groundhog day like, every three years. But when we do – why not take this opportunity to unpack messed up cultural norms?

When is Groundhog Day

• Annually on February 2nd.

Read

• Groundhog’s Dilemma – An otherwise lovely story sullied with a Jezebel trope. See if you and your kids can spot the problematic message about women.
• Groundhug Day (ages 3-7) This story does double duty as a lovely book on supportive friendship for Galentine’s Day (see below.)
• Punxsutawney Phyllis – Another otherwise lovely story about shattering the glass ceiling, ruined by some anti-ageist stories stigmatizing older adults.

Discuss: Punxsutawney Phyllis

• What message does this story tell us about the obstacles girls and women face when applying for positions of power?
• What message does this story tell us about older adults?
• What are the consequences when stories about bigotry use other targeted identities as a footstool?
• How could the anti-elder stereotypes in this story ultimately screw Phyllis over when she’s an older woman?
  

More Resources to dig deeper:

• Keeping Women in the Kitchen (and out of kidlit) with Jimmy Zangwow