Oliver Button Is a Sissy

Oliver Button gets labeled a sissy in this picture book from author/illustrator Tomie dePaola because he enjoys activities—jumping rope by himself, reading books and drawing pictures, playing with paper dolls and dressing up in costumes—considered less-than-masculine by his peers, and even his father. When he declares that he likes to dance, his parents give him lessons, and soon he's tapping up a storm. This leads to further name-calling, until the town talent show demonstrates what an amazing dancer Oliver is...

Originally published in 1979, and then republished in a new edition in 2017, Oliver Button Is a Sissy was a ground-breaking picture book, similar to Charlotte Zolotow and William Pène du Bois's 1972 William's Doll, that show more challenged assumptions about gender and play in young children, depicting young boys who enjoyed activities outside those traditionally assigned to children of their sex. Given that dePaola was artistically inclined from a young age, it's tempting to believe there is a large dose of autobiography here. In any case, I found the story engaging, and the artwork appealing in that trademark dePaola way. Recommended to those seeking children's books which encourage acceptance of a wide range of play activities for all children, regardless of gender or sex. show less

I really enjoyed this book for many reasons. I like how it went against stereotypes of boys and showed that not all boys have to do manly things. I enjoyed the main character, Oliver, and how he did not let other peoples nagging him change the way he was. He was called a sissy over and over again but he never changed; he continued to go to dance school every week and practiced and practiced. I also enjoyed the plot because a lot of the time when kids are bullied, they try to form to how society wants them to become, but Oliver never let all the bullying get to him. Also, when he did not win his dance recital, he still knew he was a star because he did something not a lot of boys could of done. I think the message of this book was that show more no matter what gender you are, do not ever quit something just because people don’t agree with it. Stick with you passion and what makes you happy and you will feel great about yourself. show less

This was one of my favorite read alouds when I taught first and second grade. I'd even consider reading or recommending it to older children. The main theme is accepting someone for who and what they are, and not pigeonholing people into gender stereotypes. There is also bullying in the story. We meet Oliver Button, a young boy who loves to dance, paint and do other atypical boy things. But dancing is for girls, everyone tells him. Oliver gets picked on, but it does not deter him from showing off his skills at the school talent show. He finally gains acceptance and the story ends happily. I truly believe that most predudice and bias emanates from lack of education. The sooner that young children learn that boys can dance and girls can show more play football or any other boy-typical sport, the better off society will be. This is a sweet and uplifting story that can spur many good classroom discussions about acceptance and the aforementioned topics. show less

I put this on my LGBTQ shelf even though the boy isn't necessarily gay. He's just into dancing, so the other boys call him a sissy (and his dad isn't too thrilled with his choice of hobbies, either). The story is a kind of roller coaster of sad and happy (kids are jerks: boo! his mom is awesome: yea!), but the message is simple--just do what you love and hope that people get over it.

The thing i found most interesting about this book, is the fact that it was written in the 70's. The issue of accepting people for who they are is not a new concept, I just thought it was interesting that someone was interested enough to challenge gender roles in the 70's. The great thing about this book is character development. Oliver stays true to himself throughout the whole book. His peers and his father are the characters that change. Oliver likes to play with paper dolls, draw, and read. His peers at school make fun of him by writing :"Oliver Button is a sissy" all over the school hallways. This does not discourage Oliver though. His father does not really support him either, but relents and lets him take dance classes. Oliver show more practices dance and even preforms in the talent show. Although he does not win, when he returns to school, his peers have crossed out the word "sissy" and replaced it with "star"! Even Oliver's father is proud of him. I think this is a great lesson for children, and adults honestly, to learn. Accept people for who they are, weather it be your friend, your sibling, or your child. show less

In my opinion, this is a great book that brings attention to gender stereotypes in our society. I enjoyed this book for several reasons. The language is clear and the storyline is easy to follow. The writing is organized and flows nicely. There are small amounts of text written on each page accompanied by an illustration, which makes it easy for young children to read and understand. There is great use of dialogue included, which creates an animated storyline. I really enjoy the characters in the book because they are very believable. Certain children may relate Oliver because they may also partake in activities that are predominately for girls, such as tap-dancing, which may lead to harassment. Oliver losing the talent contest is also show more realistic; children must understand that they cannot win every competition. The illustrations are simple yet appropriate; they enhance the story and fit with the written text. I like that some illustrations are necessary to the storyline. For example, one illustration of a wall includes text that states, “Oliver Button is a Sissy,” which is later changed to, “Oliver Button is a Star.” I really enjoy the plot of this story, which involves gender stereotype conflicts. Oliver is bullied for tap-dancing, which is mainly an activity for girls. Despite the intimidation, Oliver continues to dance and performs in the talent show. Classmates then recognize Oliver’s great talent and see him as a star, not a sissy. I enjoy this plot because it pushes readers to broaden their perspectives on gender stereotypes. Boys can do anything that girls can do if it makes them happy, which is a concept that all children must learn. The book also shows how bullying a person can really hurt their feelings. The big idea is you should do what you love, no matter what stereotypes say, and do not worry about what others think. Be proud of yourself, even if you do not come in first place. Others will recognize your courage and praise you for it. show less

Review: Oliver Button does not like to do normal things that boys like to do. He would rather dance, paint, draw or act than play football or soccer. Kids at school make fun of him, even his parents are disappointed he doesn't do normal boy activities. Reluctantly, they enroll him in a dance school to help him get exercise. After perfecting his skills, Oliver performs in a talent show that will change the way that his peers and parents look at him.

Genre: This is an excellent example of realistic fiction. The trials that Oliver faces, being made fun of because of his violation of societal gender expectations, are a very real experience for children now days. The story is relatable, especially the scenes in the school yard where the boys show more tease Oliver over his lack of athletic abilities. School yard bullying is unfortunately a very common issue at schools across the country. show less