From: Megan Schliesman <schliesman_at_education.wisc.edu>
Date: Thu, 12 May 2011 11:03:40 -0500

Angie Miles noted in her post the other day that, " based on the quality and quantity of the posts that this is a pervasive topic in literature."

What I've been aware of is that even though we are seeing a number of recent books featuring children and families on the economic edge, and sometimes specifically about "tight times," we can look back and find outstanding examples across the years.

But I'm not convinced this is a pervasive topic in literature. And I'm not convinced that for every outstanding book there aren't those that, when they do portray poverty or "tight times,' fall back on stereotypes.

So I'm curious what others think about this? Has this been a common topic all along? Truthfully, when I generalize my perceptions about literature for children and teens--especially contemporary literature as opposed to historical fiction--the implied realities about characters' potrayed is that they are middle class. I do think this has changed somewhat in recent years, but I'm not sure if we look back across the deacedes this is true. I was talking with CCBC librarian Merri Lindgren about this today, and she said what she notes is that we are pointing to a small number of titles.

So right now I don't have answers, just questions and perceptions. Anyone else?

Megan

-- Megan Schliesman, Librarian Cooperative Children's Book Center School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison 600 N. Park Street, Room 4290 Madison, WI 53706

608/262-9503 schliesman_at_education.wisc.edu

www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/
Received on Thu 12 May 2011 11:03:40 AM CDT