History of Children's Literature

By klherrig

  • First children's bookstore

    John Newberry of London opened first bookstore that published and sold books for children.

  • First American book written specifically for children

    "A Wonder Book for Boys and Girls", Written by Nathanial Hawthorne

  • Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" was reprinted and read around the world.

    One of the first children's book intended solely for pleasure and not instruction.

  • Child labor laws freed children to go to school.

    The quality and types of books increased.

  • First devoted department to children's literature by a publishing house

    By US publishing house Macmillan
  • Period: to

    Modern picturebooks began to develop.

  • John Newberry Award established

    The award names the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year.

  • Randolph Caldecott Award established

    This recognition is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
  • Period: to

    Young Adult fiction begins to flourish.

  • Harriet Rohmer established Children's Book Press.

    This publication was devoted to publishing picturebooks that reflected a diversity of cultural experiences.

  • Robert F. Sibert Award was established

    An award for outstanding informational books