Appalachian characteristics portrayed in children's literature set in Appalachia

The purpose of this study was to examine, through content analysis, a selection of books set in Appalachia to determine the presence or absence of characteristics consistent enough to portray a distinctive or stereotypical regional character. The reading sample was limited to fictional works written for primary grades. Each book appeared in a professional selection tool. Sixteen books were included in the sample.

Content analysis was made with instruments developed by Daniel Katz, Kenneth Braly, Bruce Ergood, and this writer. Each book was examined in terms of text and illustrations. Descriptors appearing in the sample books and the content analysis forms were recorded. Conclusions were based on percentages of occurrence for descriptors.

Results of the content analysis revealed that descriptors were basically positive for aU books. The most frequent descriptors used were industrious, loyal to family ties, harmony with nature, and individualistic. However, the descriptors were consistent enough to present a distinctive Appalachian character who was likely to live on a farm, to have a limited income, to wear overalls, to work very hard, to live in a log cabin, to be very independent, and to love his family.

In summary, the descriptors used were very positive when taken individually. However, the sample as a whole presented characters who were far too consistent to fully represent an entire region and thus offered a stereotypical picture of Appalachians.