Dust Off the Gold Medal: Rediscovering Children's Literature at the Newbery Centennial

The Newbery Medal is the oldest and most prestigious children's literature award given annually by the American Library Association. This volume provides a critical analysis of understudied Newbery Medal books from the 1920s through the 2010s, revealing insights into the politics of children's literature and how they respond to contemporary concerns.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Newbery Medal, the most esteemed award in children's literature, has been presented annually by the American Library Association since 1922 to honor the most distinguished children's book. These medal-winning books hold a significant influence on American children's literature, consistently appearing on publishers' lists, library shelves, and school curricula. Consequently, they provide a captivating glimpse into the history of US children's literature and publishing, as well as the evolving societal attitudes regarding the best books for American schoolchildren.

However, it is disheartening that literary scholars have paid relatively little attention to the Newbery Medal winners in their research. This volume aims to bridge these scholarly gaps by critically examining representative but understudied Newbery Medal books from the 1920s to the 2010s. It delves into the disjunction between the books' omnipresence and influence, on the one hand, and the critical silence surrounding them, on the other.

Dust Off the Gold Medal makes a compelling case for closing these scholarly gaps by unveiling neglected texts' insights into the politics of children's literature, as well as their relevance to contemporary critical debates in the field. The essays in this volume shed light on the hidden elements of diversity within the neglected Newbery canon, while also illustrating how the books respond—sometimes in subtle ways—to contemporaneous concerns surrounding race, class, gender, disability, nationalism, and globalism.

By exploring these overlooked titles, Dust Off the Gold Medal offers valuable contributions to the field of children's literature. It encourages scholars and readers to reevaluate the canon and recognize the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in children's literature. The book serves as a reminder that the Newbery Medal, despite its prestigious status, should not be the sole focus of research, but rather a starting point for broader discussions about the evolution and significance of children's literature.

In conclusion, Dust Off the Gold Medal is a groundbreaking volume that sheds light on the overlooked treasures of the Newbery Medal canon. By critically examining these books and highlighting their relevance to contemporary debates, it contributes to a more inclusive and diverse understanding of children's literature. This book is a must-read for scholars, educators, and anyone passionate about the power of books to shape young minds and inspire imagination.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032048093