This essay explores the intersections between Fandom Studies and Children's Literature, showcasing some of the ways in which "fan" as a keyword can illuminate both problems and potential solutions in children's media and education. Although children have historically been excluded from much of fan-organized fandom, the idea of fannishness is intertwined with that of childishness, raising questions about maturity and seriousness in the fan experience. With the rise of the Internet, children have gained more immediate access to fandom, a phenomenon accompanied both by the potential dangers of children and adults interacting in the same fan spaces and by the opportunity to hear children's thoughts about the media they consume. While some scholars focus on the commodification of children's fannish pursuits, others look at the possibilities that fandom and fan fiction can provide for engaging children in conversations about texts, especially in the classroom. Fans have also started to make appearances in children's literature and media, creating new character archetypes, tropes, and genres. Understanding fannish identities, practices, and communities can provide valuable insight to scholars and educators as fandom continues to move into mainstream popular culture, influencing both children and children's media.