Go to a bookstore or a library that has children's books. Look for books for children aged 5-7. That is, not baby board books, not chapter books, but single story short length books. Pick three books. Read them. If you are in a bookstore, you do not need to buy them -- just plant yourself and read them. Then write a reaction paper in which you reflect on gender in the books. Are there overt gender messages? Hidden messages? Unintentioned messages? Are the books written for a specific gender audience? Who would enjoy the books? Why? What differences do you notice among the three books?