"william's doll" follows the story of william, a young boy who wishes for a doll to care for. his father, uncomfortable with william's request, tries giving william toys that he considers to be more gender-appropriate, such as a basketball and a train set. william still enjoys these toys, practicing his basketball skills and playing with his train set for hours. however, he persists with his request for a doll, enduring taunting by his brother and other boys in the neighborhood. when william's grandmother comes to visit, william shows her the toys his father bought him, but mentions his continuing desire for a doll to care for. finally, william's grandmother fulfills william's request, upsetting william's father. william's grandmother explains to william's father that the doll will allow for william to practice good parenting and grow into a great father just like him.