My Princess Boy

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis

Illustrated by Suzanne Desimone

    The theme for this week was "boys and books". I chose "My Princess Boy" by Cheryl Kilodavis because it is something different than what a teacher may usually read. The book does not have much of a plot, but it is very colorful to look at, and makes a profound point. I would say the writing is reminiscent of a poem, and it's told from a mother's point of view. There is a sing-songy sound when you read it, as each page begins with "My princess boy...".

 Nothing in this book is even mildly inappropriate, but it is on several "banned book" lists throughout the United States. The reasoning for this is along the lines of the book "indoctrinating" or "Brainwashing" students, but in my personal opinion, that really misses the mark.

    Boys are often taught from a young age it's "wrong" for them to like pink, or it's "wrong" for them to want to play "house", or "wrong" for them to do anything remotely feminine. As they grow older, they may feel embarrassed that their favorite color is pink, or that they like to cook, or that they want to paint their nails. I think books like this can really validate those young male students who feel like they do not fit in, or they do not fit the "mold". Those students could really relate to this book.

    Additionally, I think there are several great SEL lessons to be learned from this book. At the end of the book, there is a page with the words;

 "If you see a Princess Boy...

 Will you laugh at him? 

Will you call him a name? Will you play with him? 

Will you like him for who he is?"

This part addresses the opposite side of the issue. That not only is it okay for boys to dress up as princesses when they play, but it is wrong to bully them for it. I think a lot of teachers could make the point with their young children that even if someone is different than what you think they should be, you should still be kind to them. 

In conclusion, I understand why a teacher (especially in Oklahoma) might be afraid to read this aloud to a classroom. However, I also think there are boys out there who could really use the validation, and that any student would enjoy the artwork.