Teaching Equity through Children's Literature in Undergraduate Classrooms

Children's literature has been taught in undergraduate classrooms since the mid-1960s and has become a staple of English literature, library science, and education programs. This collection offers interventions for teaching equity through children's literature in undergraduate classrooms, including contributions from practitioners from various institutional affiliations, disciplinary backgrounds, nationalities, and career stages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Children's literature has been an integral part of undergraduate classrooms since the mid-1960s, evolving into a significant component of English literature, library science, and education programs. These classes have gained immense popularity, often being among the most sought-after offerings at educational institutions. The appeal of children's literature courses lies in their ability to provide students with a fresh perspective on familiar stories. The growth of the children's publishing industry and the recent scholarly interventions in the field have further contributed to the discipline's popularity.

A central concern in current children's literature scholarship and practice revolves around addressing contemporary issues of social justice effectively. This collection aims to provide a series of interventions for teaching equity through children's literature in undergraduate classrooms. It is designed for individuals who teach or are interested in teaching children's literature to undergraduates, encompassing contributions from practitioners with diverse institutional affiliations, disciplinary backgrounds, nationalities, and career stages. Furthermore, this volume includes contributions from scholars who belong to groups that are often underrepresented within academia, such as individuals from racial, national, ethnic, gender identity, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Children's literature offers a unique platform to explore and address social justice issues, as it can engage and resonate with students of all ages. By incorporating children's literature into undergraduate curricula, educators can foster critical thinking, empathy, and understanding of diverse perspectives. The stories and characters in children's literature can serve as powerful tools for promoting equity and social change, as they often challenge societal norms, promote inclusivity, and advocate for justice.

The contributions in this collection provide valuable insights and practical strategies for teaching equity through children's literature in undergraduate classrooms. They cover a wide range of topics, including the representation of diverse characters, the exploration of social issues, and the use of literature as a tool for promoting empathy and understanding. The authors offer practical examples and exercises that can be incorporated into teaching practices, ensuring that students gain a deep appreciation for the power of children's literature in addressing social justice concerns.

In conclusion, children's literature has played a vital role in shaping the literary landscape and promoting social justice. The growth of the children's publishing industry, coupled with scholarly interventions, has contributed to the popularity of children's literature courses in undergraduate classrooms. This collection offers a valuable resource for educators who seek to integrate children's literature into their teaching practices, enabling them to foster critical thinking, empathy, and understanding of diverse perspectives. By addressing contemporary issues of social justice through children's literature, educators can help students become agents of change and contribute to a more inclusive and just society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032423579