What I Learned From ENG 542: History and Criticism of Children's Literature

• Folktales and fairytales rarely have an “original” version.
• We often assume folktales are for children when they aren’t. Then we make the mistake of adapting them for children without analyzing them (i.e. Little Mermaid).
• It’s important for children’s literature to remain true to who children actually are rather than idealicizing or “adultifying” them.
• Childhood hasn’t ended. There are just fewer secrets. (See Kathleen O’Donnel, Honey We Lost the Kids)
• Little House on the Prairie is racist but historically accurate to the author’s perspective. Books like this should be discussed instead of merely read to kids.
• Velveteen Rabbit is about love triumphing over reason, so the “random fairy” isn’t really random.
• There are lots of literary theories. I used new criticism in undergrad, and my favorite theories are cultural studies, queer studies, and reader response theory.
• When analyzing a book, keep the target age in mind.
• Online discussions take more work than physically going to class. If your teacher gives you a choice, go to class.