From: Pat Austin <paustin>
Date: Thu, 02 May 2002 13:55:08 -0500

Call for Manuscripts JOURNAL OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
(Please excuse cross posting.)

Controversial Books Spring 2003 Deadline: August 15, 2002
 "But can I really use these books in class?" is a question often asked by teachers and prospective teachers when they?re introduced to controversial books. Should the selection and sharing of literature with children be guided by a desire to expose children to social issues and the realistic portrayal of diverse experiences or by the aspiration to protect children from the harsh realities of life? These questions ask us to consider the very nature of childhood and have always been integral to the field of children?s books. They continue to remain at the forefront of discussion. We encourage authors to reflect upon their own experience with these questions. What titles shared have ignited controversy? How do we respond to criticism of these books? Do we sometimes engage in self?nsorship of certain literature because of anticipated opposition? Conversely, when we do share controversial books, how do we combat charges of censorship? Are there themes or topics that are simply inappropriate for children?s literature? Are there specific issues that are addressed from different perspectives (or not addressed at all) in children?s literature from different countries or cultures? These questions are relevant and pressing everyone involved in the field of children?s literature. We seek pieces that will help guide reflection and decision-making of colleagues as they face similar circumstances.

Send six copies of the manuscript to:

Patricia Austin, Co?itor University of New Orleans Department of Curriculum & Instruction New Orleans, LA 70148
Received on Thu 02 May 2002 01:55:08 PM CDT