THE BOYS TEAM
by Amy Schwartz & illustrated by Amy Schwartz
Schwartz (Some Babies, 2000, etc.) presents a first-person narrative of a trio of kindergarten-age boys who enjoy the tight, three-way friendship they call the “Boys Team.” They attend school together, play together, take lessons together, and even dress alike as Darth Vader for Halloween, with their adventures illustrated in large, humorous watercolors with pen and ink. The three boys sometimes allow three kindergarten girls to join their group: Julia C., Julia D., and the unfortunately named Sophie P. (a name guaranteed to send kindergartners off into gales of giggles that have nothing to do with the plot). Both the text and art reinforce some unfortunate stereotypes: boys chasing girls with a worm, all three little girls in dresses, exclusively female teachers all wearing dresses, and boys treating girls like second-class citizens, with the girls accepting this status meekly. (Put out a call for Annabelle Swift. These girls need help starting the Girls Team.) Although this work may reflect many real boys’ priorities and perspectives, it does nothing to promote the concepts of inclusion and gender equality. Boys will probably like this, but it will leave little girls feeling like the last person to be picked for the softball game. (Picture book. 3-5)