william's doll is a 1972 picture book by charlotte zolotow, one of the first children's texts to address nontraditional gender stereotypes. the story follows william, a young boy who wishes for a doll to care for. william's father is unhappy with his request, instead giving william toys that he considers to be more gender appropriate. finally, william's grandmother fulfills william's request, explaining to william's father that the doll will allow for william to practice good parenting.