this method of exposure through children's literature has been employed by many marginalized populations; however, representations of males such as william who are portrayed as having traditionally female characteristics have not been as easily welcomed. for example, to promote women's involvement in traditionally male-dominated careers, sports, and other interests, the women's movement witnessed a surge of empowering female characters in children's literature. however, a persisting lack of non-traditional male characters such as william is proposed to be a reflection of unchanging male stereotypes despite evolving popular opinion regarding gender roles. dr. cecilia silva, a professor at texas christian university, claims society is oblivious to this "boy code," only prominent when characters such as william contravene. for many male nonconforming individuals, however, the result of conforming with the "code" is self-esteem and emotional growth obstacles.