Keywords for Children's Literature

Drawing on the expertise of scholars in many fields, this important book attempts to pull from various disciplines a shared vocabulary of children's literature. Selecting 49 keywords deemed crucial to the field, each essay maps the history of the entry and explains how it came to be used. The editors maintain that the book is a snapshot of a vocabulary that is changing, expanding, and ever evolving. The essays are thought-provoking and are meant to spark further debate and conversation. Organized alphabetically, the volume is best read by selecting a keyword and then allowing the associations suggested by it to lead you to a related idea. For instance, "Innocence" might guide readers to "Audience," which may steer them to "Young Adult." This scholarly work will find the most use and value at institutions where the study of children's literature and culture are supported. An extensive "Works Cited" section, an index, and brief information about each contributor are included.—Renee McGrath, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NY