Ethnic Literary Traditions in American Children's Literature

by M. Stewart (Editor), Yvonne Atkinson (Editor)

his book expands the understanding of children’s literature as ethnic literature. A diverse blend of contributors helps readers to approach children’s literature from an insider’s perspective, thus enhancing the literary experience found in ethnic children’s books. This collection of essays will inform readers of the cultural nuances of ethnic literature, the signs, signals, and tags that can be misunderstood or overlooked. America has become more aware of our cultural differences, and Ethnic Literary Traditions in American Children’s Literature celebrates those distinctions.

 

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2009

Reviews

[Michelle Boyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays meant to focus on reading children's literature not just as children's lit but rather as ethnic literature. Many prior studies have used examples of ethnic children's literature but have refrained from analyzing the work aside from just being children's lit. These essays suggest reasons and ways to look at ethnicity (and culture) in these texts as well.

There are sections on American Indian, African American, Asian American, and Latina/o literature. Each of these sections have a type of "introduction" that gives a brief overview of what special characteristics each of these literary groups have. I would label these exactly as that, very broad overview chapters that don't get down into the nitty gritty of the subjects/characteristics, but it does provide a pretty good foundation for those new to these genres. Several of the essays themselves are quite broad and seem more general in their discussion.

But, I do want to point out there are some interesting essays that discuss trauma theory in literature. These were worthwhile, even if brief.