"Playing the Cards You're Dealt" by Varian Johnson
Ant Joplin (cisgender male)
conforming to stereotypes
resisting stereotypes
frequently bottles up emotion to avoid being "weak"
Ant becomes spades partners with a girl, and they are a powerful duo.
social construction
Most people see men as being tough and as the support system for their family. In this novel, Ant often questions these toxic masculinity-themed stereotypes. Although there is some pushback from a few characters, a good chunk of characters support Ant's resistance.
things about stereotypes I wish were different
brother tells him not to do this & to talk to a counselor (rejecting stereotypes)
I wish more diversity among gender and resistance to stereotypes was common. I think by doing so, kids could see more representation in books, which may even encourage them to read more.
surprised by a man cooking for his family (p.212)
the man cooking told him not to think only women cook (rejecting stereotypes)
his father often encouraged men looking strong (conforming to stereotypes)
The stereotype of toxic masculinity is often reinforced in books because there's still a stigma around men receiving support and showing their soft side
The resistance to stereotypes and, instead, women being empowered is common in books because of a recent wave of feminism and increased resistance to patriarchal views.
Many of his classmates make fun of him for partnering with a girl throughout the book (conforming to stereotypes)
Ant's mother says there's nothing wrong with choosing a girl to play cards (p.139)
"He was about to add that it had been a girl that beat him, but right or wrong, he couldn't bring himself to say it. He didn't know if getting beat by a girl would make a difference to his father, but his pride couldn't take that chance," (p.72)
When Ant asks about his brother being picked on about liking guys, Ant's brother tells him, "'Besides, only an idiot thinks its weak to be gay,'" (p.280)
Ant offers to help his dad make a plate for dinner. His dad responded with, "'Besides, it's not another man's job to fix another man's plate of food,'" (p.143)
Ant helps his mom prep dinner on occasion.
Ant sees how women can be discriminated against. "Ant couldn't help but notice how it was 'just a joke' when Jamal said stuff, but Shirley was a 'dumb girl' when she did the same," (p.56)
Ant didn't want to help his friend Jamal physically fight, but he did try to break up the fight.