A Centennial Celebration of The Brownies' Book

The Brownies Book is a special place in African American children's literature, as it was one of the first periodicals created primarily for Black youth. The essays in A Centennial Celebration of The Brownies Book explore the underappreciated role of Jessie Redmon Fauset in creating the magazine and in the cultural life of Black America, the role of Black heroes and heroines, the magazine's place in critical literacy theory, and its place in Black futurity and justice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2022
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

The Brownies Book holds a unique position in the realm of African American children's literature, serving as an informal counterpart to the NAACP's The Crisis magazine. It emerged as one of the pioneering periodicals specifically designed to cater to Black youth, marking an important milestone in the history of this genre. When the publication was announced in 1919, its creators outlined several objectives, including fostering familiarity with the history and achievements of the Negro race and promoting a positive perception of being 'colored' among Black children. These goals continue to resonate with contemporary creators, readers, and scholars of African American children's literature.

The meticulously researched essays compiled in A Centennial Celebration of The Brownies Book delve into the essence of this remarkable project, employing diverse and enlightening critical approaches. Contributors to the volume explore the underappreciated role of Jessie Redmon Fauset in creating The Brownies Book and her significant contribution to the cultural life of Black America. They also shed light on the young readers who immersed themselves in the pages of the periodical, highlighting the impact it had on their lives and aspirations. The essays also focus on the portrayal of Black heroes and heroines, addressing their roles in shaping the narrative and promoting positive role models for young readers. Additionally, they examine The Brownies Book within the context of critical literacy theory, emphasizing its potential to enhance reading comprehension and cultural understanding. Furthermore, the contributors place The Brownies Book within the broader framework of Black futurity and justice, discussing its relevance in addressing social and political issues of the time.

To bookend the essays, the first and last issues of the magazine are reproduced in full, providing a comprehensive view of its evolution and impact. A Centennial Celebration of The Brownies Book serves as a testament to the magazine's enduring significance, highlighting its beauty, complexity, problematic aspects, and inspiring qualities. It serves as a reminder of the power of literature to engage, educate, and empower young readers, particularly within the African American community.

In conclusion, The Brownies Book occupies a cherished place in the history of African American children's literature, and this celebratory volume contributes significantly to our understanding and appreciation of its legacy. Through its meticulous research and critical analysis, it sheds light on the magazine's historical significance, its impact on Black youth, and its enduring relevance in contemporary African American children's literature.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496841230