false 59451580 290703 4620044 0814757200 9780814757208 9 http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-111x148.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4620044.Tales_for_Little_Rebels_A_Collection_of_Radical_Children_s_Literature 3.71 21 A rarely discussed aspect of children's literature -- the politics behind, or part, of a book's creation -- has been thoroughly explored in this intelligent, enlightening, and fascinating account. Even those who have spent a lifetime studying children's books will find incredible surprises, such as Walter Crane's Happy Valley or information about Lynd Ward's political activism. But the book is not merely a history; it is a very timely exploration of the appropriate inclusion of political/social content in children's books, and it provides examples of titles that succeed as literature and those in which politics overwhelm the story. Every academic and public library should own a copy; every children's literature professor needs to read it; all children's book enthusiasts will want to share it with their colleagues.
In 1912, a revolutionary chick cries "Strike down the wall!" and liberates itself from the "egg state." In 1940, ostriches pull their heads out of the sand and unite to fight fascism. In 1972, Baby X grows up without a gender and is happy about it.
Rather than teaching children to obey authority, to conform, or to seek redemption through prayer, twentieth-century leftists encouraged children to question the authority of those in power. Tales for Little Rebels collects forty-three mostly out-of-print stories, poems, comic strips, primers, and other texts for children that embody this radical tradition. These pieces reflect the concerns of twentieth-century leftist movements, like peace, civil rights, gender equality, environmental responsibility, and the dignity of labor. They also address the means of achieving these ideals, including taking collective action, developing critical thinking skills, and harnessing the liberating power of the imagination.
Some of the authors and illustrators are familiar, including Lucille Clifton, Syd Hoff, Langston Hughes, Walt Kelly, Norma Klein, Munro Leaf, Julius Lester, Eve Merriam, Charlotte Pomerantz, Carl Sandburg, and Dr. Seuss. Others are relatively unknown today, but their work deserves to be remembered. (Each of the pieces includes an introduction and a biographical sketch of the author.) From the anti-advertising message of Johnny Get Your Money's Worth (and Jane Too)! (1938) to the entertaining lessons in ecology provided by The Day They Parachuted Cats on Borneo (1971), and Sandburg's mockery of war in Rootabaga Pigeons(1923), these pieces will thrill readers intrigued by politics, history, and anyone with a love of children's literature, no matter what age.]]> 1151273 3.71 21 9 1346 4.16 102 17 2008 0 0 false Fri Jun 12 17:12:11 -0700 2009 Fri Jun 12 17:12:11 -0700 2009