Growing Up and Growing Older: Books for Young Readers: Counteracting Ageism and Promoting Positive Aging

Ageist attitudes permeate society, are readily transmitted, and are perpetuated from generation to generation. These attitudes are a prejudice against our future selves. Research has consistently shown that children as young as preschool evidence ageist attitudes, these attitudes become more negative as the child grows older and tend to become self-fulfilling prophecies. It is important to counteract ageism and promote accurate concepts about aging with young children. Carefully selected children’s literature can help to prevent and counteract ageist attitudes. This annotated booklist is a compilation of early children’s literature (PS-3^rd grade) that contains positive, meaningful portrayals of aging. Booklist books help children view aging as a time of continued growth, development, creativity, and fulfillment. The booklist contains a listing of favorite books along with multicultural and topical listings.