Gender by the Book

"Gender by the Book is a must-read for anyone interested in gender and equality in children's books and magazines in the third millennium. Alternating between historical accounts of institutions and close readings of literary corpora, carefully documented, audacious in its analyses and its spotlight on the limits of ""French-style"" universalism, Julie Fette's essay should encourage other research of this kind, and open the eyes of those with ideological or commercial interests in silencing feminism. This is an essential reflection of public and academic utility on both sides of the Atlantic. -Nelly Chabrol Gagne, Associate Professor of Children's Literature, Université Clermont Auvergne We live in societies that proclaim equality between the sexes as a fundamental value. Then how come inequality persists? Of course, gender norms reproduce sexual hierarchies. But what explains the reproduction of norms? Fette’s highly rigorous and readable analysis of French children’s literature provides answers thanks to her methodology: representations are studied in light of the social conditions of their circulation. Taking context into account raises a disturbing question: why is the French cultural exception, supported by the State, not helping undo gender? Gender by the Book is essential reading. -Éric Fassin, Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at Université Paris 8 Vincennes - Saint-Denis, senior member of the Institut Universitaire de France This important and overdue book foregrounds a range of different forms of French reading materials and infrastructures, many of which are entirely unfamiliar to an Anglophone audience. It sheds fascinating light on the role of individuals in processes of selection and pruning, which have received little attention in any context to date. Gender by the Book effectively opens up important new research avenues for scholars working across French studies, children’s literature, childhood cultures, and beyond. -Kiera Vaclavik, Professor of Children's Literature & Childhood Culture, Queen Mary, University of London"