Alma Topalli
Alma Topalli

Female Central Figures – Gender Representation in six Newbery Award winning books

Picture of Alma Topalli
© Alma Topalli

The Newbery Award is a prestigious children's book award. It is awarded annually by the Association for the Library Service to Children. Since its inception in 1922, this award has recognized the author of the most distinguished contributions to American literature to children. Widely available in public and school libraries, Newbery Award-winning books hold a special place in the literary landscape, ensuring widespread exposure among young readers. Several studies starting from the 20th century have shed light on the under representation of female protagonists among the honoured work and less studies have exposed the significant gender imbalance noticed in the books that won this award.

This current study builds upon the foundations laid by the early studies of Kinman, Henderson, Powell and other scholars who have emphasized the gender imbalance in Newbery Award winning books since the early '70s. Adding also on the latest research on the Newbery Award Winning books and gender roles by Alex Paige Brower in 2017 and Courage, Charm and Compassion by Meredith Jachowicz in 2010.

Taking in consideration the importance of reading at an early age and the huge role the books we read as children play in who we become and how we imagine ourselves, this study through an in-depth examination of six carefully chosen books embarks on an exploration of prevalent stereotypes conveyed in these books, each featuring a female protagonist. The findings will not only contribute to the field of gender studies but also offer valuable perspectives for educators, authors and readers alike in promoting a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape, shaping a future where all voices are heard and celebrated.

Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Corinna Norrick-Rühl & Prof. Dr. Silvia Schultermandl

Contact

  • Research Interests

    • Book Studies
    • American Studies
    • Children’s literature
    • Gender Studies

  • Education

    since 10/2023 PhD Studies, English Philology, Graduate School Practices of Literature, University of Münster
    10/2019 - 07/2021 Master, English language and literature AAB College, Prishtine, Kosovo
    02/2017 - 07/2017 Exchange Semester, Interior architecture and furniture design, University of ecology and management, Warsaw, Poland
    10/2014 - 02/2019 Bachelor, Interior architecture and furniture design, University of Prishtins, Ferizaj, Kosovo

  • Projects and Professional Experience

    Professional Experience

    04/2016 - present Co-Funder and Project Coordinator Kids for Kosovo NGO, Volunteer work Ferizaj, Kosovo

    Teaching Experience

    10/2023 - present Part time english teacher, Helen Doron English, Cologne, Germany
    2020 - 2022 English teacher of children of different ages, Kosovo

    Other Projects and Activities

    02/2020 – 06/2020 Part of the Cabinet of the Vice Primeminister, Government of the Republic of Kosovo, Prishtinë, Kosovo

  • Scholarships and Awards

    Scholarships

    10/2023 - present Doctoral scholarship DAAD
    02/2017 - 07/2017 Exchange semester scholarship, ERASMUS

    Awards

    2020 Volunteer of the year 2020 by the Municipality of Ferizaj, Kosovo
    2020 Dialogue Academy Alumni, OSCE -Kosovo
    2019 UN Youth for Kosovo change maker - Prishtine, Kosovo
    2017 - 2021 Various Certificates of Recognition for Volunteer work in primary schools - Ferizaj, Kosovo