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History of Children's Literature

By clundy
  • John Newbery opened a bookstore in London.

    John Newbery opened a bookstore in London.

    He published and sold books meant to teach children.
  • Nathaniel Hawthorne published "A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys"

    Nathaniel Hawthorne published "A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys"

    This was the first American children's book.
  • Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is published

    Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is published

    This marked a transitional period from instructional children's books to those for pleasure with imaginative elements and no specific lesson.
  • Child Labor Laws are passed

    Children were allowed to go to school. This prompted an increase in literacy and accessibility of literature.
  • US publishing house Macmillan creates a children's book department

  • John Newbery Award established

    John Newbery Award established

  • Helen Dean Fish & May Massee become the first children's book editors

  • Randolph Caldecott Award established

    Randolph Caldecott Award established

  • Children's books begin to be prioritized in public libraries

    The era of the 1940s-1960s sparked great appreciation and incorporation of children's literature, centering reading as a fundamental learning experience in school and the home.
  • Harriet Rohmer established the Children's Book Press

    Harriet Rohmer established the Children's Book Press

    This association focused on the publication of bilingual picture books, prompted by the lack of diversity and accessibility of literature at the time.
  • Just Us Books founded

    Just Us Books founded

    This press was founded with the intention of addressing the lack of diversity and support for African American creatives in the field.
    https://justusbooks.com/
  • OrbisPictus Award established

    OrbisPictus Award established

    This award is exclusively for nonfiction books.
  • Michael L. Printz Award established

    Michael L. Printz Award established

    Marks the revival of Young Adult literature.
  • End of 20th Century

    End of 20th Century

    Increase in female characters positively depicted in various roles and representation for different social classes.
  • Robert F. Sibert Award established

    Robert F. Sibert Award established

    Awarded to outstanding informational books.