A limited number of studies have examined Asian American children's literature over the last half century. While the selection and availability of this literature has increased substantially in the last two decades, many of these texts continue to perpetuate stereotypes (Morgan, 2012), such as the overachieving model minority (Loh-Hagen, 2014) and…

This article compares the models of subjectivity and identity in William Steig's 1990 picture book "Shrek!" and in DreamWorks' "Shrek" films. Steig presented his ogre hero as a model of the crises of subjectivity all children must face, and then reassured readers by showing how even a hideous figure such as…

We should welcome books of healthy propaganda, but let's recognize them as just that and not make them the mainstay of our children's reading diets. (CH)

Multicultural literature is one good way to raise children's awareness of diversity, but how does one decide what constitutes "good" multicultural children's literature? Most any book can be critiqued from numerous perspectives: first and foremost is the book's literary quality--plot, character development, setting, themes, and style; of…

Provides a theoretical framework for designing a children's literature course that requires preservice teachers to critically analyze literature in ways that are personally meaningful. Suggests how preservice teachers can read children's literature intensively rather than extensively. (PA)

Relates the author's own experience of reading "Morning Girl," by Michael Dorris, as an example of practicing literary criticism. Provides an in-depth analysis of "Morning Girl" and how it could be interpreted and discussed through Langer's model of envisionment building. Illuminates Langer's theory so that it may be applied to…

This paper argues that the study of the psychology of childlore must incorporate theories from a larger cultural system as well as the nonsense functions of the childlore phenomena and the unique quality of the organizations learned through childlore. Attention to all three aspects (the consolidative, the inervsive, and the prototypic) are in the…

Establishes components of high-quality books about the Holocaust for children and young adults. Uses these criteria in a content analysis of six historical novels about the Holocaust. Highlights setting, viewpoint, characterization, plot, style, theme, special features, and author. These criteria can be a model for future analysis of historical…