Literature for Children: A Short Introduction

by David L. Russell

This succinct yet comprehensive introduction to children's literature focuses on genres and concepts rather than on particular authors. This text is unique from others on the market because it is flexible for use in both English and Education departments. It focuses on the traditional genres of children's literature, and the discussions within the chapters are organized according to themes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Read For School

274 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Danika E. Hollis]

A good survey of Children Literature. I was slightly disappointed in that I wish it was more of a "How-To".

[Sarah]

Good information but badly organized and impossible to locate with the index - pages noted are not the ones with the subject matter. Had this as an english text, was very frustrated.

[Hannah K]

Textbook for my Literature for Children class. I don't usually read my textbooks all the way through but this one was really interesting! A lot of good information and book recommendations.

[Leigha Nunnally]

Great informational text about children's literature. Lots of resources and book lists make this a good teacher's companion.

[Andrea]

Just took a children's lit class and this book teaches how to find quality in children's books. It was a fantastic read. Just wish there was more and it was more updated.

[Summer Lee]

Such a great tool for parents and teachers. Really opens up discussion for what really goes into your children’s books. Speaks on diversity and the importance of inclusion. I loved it.

[AshleyMarieReads ✨]

read for a children’s literature course. will be keeping for future use in my teaching career.

[Kalynda]

I enjoyed this introductory book so much that I patterned my syllabus after it...well, especially the first chapter--looking at children's lit historically gave me the idea of examining books through a timeline. I really enjoyed his inviting writing style, explanations, and the wealth of resources he provided. I found the title very fitting (introduction) and very well done.

[Akilah]

I'm using this to teach children's lit in the spring. It's fine as far as the presentation of information. (I mean, it's a textbook that delivers on its premise as a short introduction to children's literature.)

I only have two real complaints:

(1) the use of sexual preference instead of sexual orientation when discussing LGBTQ books (yes, in a 2019 edition. I mean, seriously.)
(2) the lack of contemporary examples

I'm going to email Pearson about #1. As for #2, there's a huge section on mythology but no mention of Percy Jackson (!!!). Twilight and The Hunger Games are both only mentioned once or twice. For as expensive as this book will be for students, I expected a little bit more that they could actually relate to/identify/be interested in seeking out to read for non-historical examples.