Overall Reaction

Overall, I feel like I have gained a better perspective of how those who are visually impaired or blind are represented as a whole group. The professional resource was the most important portion of this project as it gave a clear perspective of the impacts of stereotyping. Unfortunately, it seemed like the amount of children’s literature available to symbolize this group was very limited. I searched for books around the Jackson area and was able to find (available on the shelves) three picture books and one novel. The library I went to was able to order some books from other nearby libraries but I wasn’t to pick them up before returning to East Lansing. The three books I reviewed: Seven Blind Mice, A Guide Puppy Dog Grows Up, and Mom Can’t See Me, were beneficial but not complete in my opinion. It would have been nice to see more contemporary pieces of literature. All three books were written in the early 90s which may not be the most current depiction. My search for positive children’s literature that incorporates people who are visually impaired or blind is not over, I hope to discover more modern books for my children’s collection.

Mom Can't See Me by Sally Alexander

Alexander, Sally. Mom Can't See Me. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1990.

This book is written from the perspective of the author’s nine-year-old daughter, Leslie. This is a true story about one little girl’s perspective of life with a blind parent. This book touches on many of the common misconceptions people may have about blindness. This is extremely beneficial for children who may not know anyone personally who is blind because it touches on everyday life situations.

Although Sally Alexander is writing this book, it is Leslie who is providing the ideas. Mom Can’t See Me begins by explaining how her mother lost her vision, breaking blood cells in her eyes eventually blinded her. Leslie explains, “Some blind people can see colors or blurry blotches, but my mom can’t see any of those things. She’s totally blind and can’t even tell if a light is on or off. She doesn’t see black, just smoky white or grey” (Alexander). This page is unlike other pages because it is black with white writing, possibly in attempt to emphasize this point. Actual photos provide illustration for this book which gives readers a more authentic experience. There are many different images of Sally, Leslie’s mother, doing normal everyday activities, such as: spending time with the family, cleaning the house, walking with her guide dog, eating dinner, riding the bus, boating, reading, (Braille) cooking, camping, tap dancing, going to the movies, playing the piano, biking, (tandem bike) swimming, writing, (on a computer that speaks every word she types) attending parent conferences, and shopping.

I felt as though this book was successful in communicating a few important messages. One message readers are hopefully picking up on is that Sally’s disability does not negatively affect her everyday life. She is fully able to accomplish her goals and live life as she pleases. Just as anyone might occasionally need some assistance, Leslie is able to help her mom out with small things like cooking, cleaning, or dictating the silent parts of movies. Leslie realizes that her mom is independent yet needs some help from time to time. This emphasizes the idea of responsibility for Leslie. Children are seeing other kids their age doing housework and being helping their parents out. This is a positive image for children who may normally dislike or have a poor attitude about chores. This book also sends children a strong message about the importance of family relationships. This family is seen spending a lot of time together doing various activities together. Lastly, this book subtly addresses the misconceptions children may possibly have about people who are blind. For instance, Leslie points out that her mother doesn’t see blackness; in fact she sees smoky white or grey. Mom Can’t See Me also tackles the frustrations family members may have at other people who do not understand the situation. As Leslie explains, “Not everybody understands about having a blind mom. I wish they did. My friends always nod or point when they talk. Since mom can’t see what they’re doing, I have to explain. I feel like a translator.” It is important to know how Leslie feels, especially for readers who are not an insider. Overall, I would use this book or one similar to it in my classroom collection someday because of the many positive messages it sends readers. Leslie’s mother is committed to her family, very independent, and is able to accomplish her goals.