Childrens lit timeline

  • Creation of the first Children's bookstore

    John Newbery founded a bookstore in St. Paul's Churchyard, London. this was considered the first childrens book store that- although poor quality in terms of materials- allowed children to read the alphabet or bible verses. They were also served to teach children proper behavior, but didn't threaten them with damination or fire and brimstone.
  • Free the kids Minds

    the first child labor laws freed children to attend school. With more children in school the demands for books skyrocketed
  • First Department of Childrens books

    US Publishing house Macmillan launched a department that was dedicated enitrely to children, and Louise Bechtel Seamna, who was a editor of adult books and had taught in progressive schools, had been made the department head.
  • The 20's - 60's

    Picture books began to develop during the 20's-30's. and from the 40's-60's children and YA books became an increasingly important part of libraries, schools, homes and publishing houses.
  • And the Award goes too...

    The John Newbery award was established by the American Library Association, awarded to those "for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children"
  • Powerful Editors

    Helen Dean Fish and May Massee became the first childrens book editors in two different editors
  • Watchful eye

    The Horn and Book Magazine was published by the Bookshop for Boys and Girls in Boston under the guidance of Bertha Mahony and Elinor Whitney. This magazine was to "'blow the horn for fine books for boys and girls' by providing reviews, articles, and information for those who work with children's literature, such as librarians, teachers, and parents."
  • Representation

    Harriet Rohmer was disturbed that there was little to no books that reflected diversity, she then created the Children's Book Press. Which was devoted to publish books that were bilingual picture books that reflected the different cultural experiences. which was further pushed in 1988 with other presses such as Just Us Books who also helped to adress the lack of Diversity.
  • Another award added

    A Decade later, the ALA also added the Randolph Caldecott award, Which was given to the illustrator, not the author.