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The History of Children's Literature

  • John Newbery opens a book store for kids.

    St. Paul's Churchyard, London
    Books sold in Newbery's bookstore taught children proper behavior without threatening them like earlier literature did.
  • Children books start to be made with the intent of pleasuring children instead of teaching them.

    Children books start to be made with the intent of pleasuring children instead of teaching them.

    Prior to this, children's literature focused on educating and instructing children.
    Example: Alice's Adventure in Wonderland
  • First child labor laws are passed.

    Children were able to go to go to school causing more to learn how to read and write.
  • US publishing house, Macmillan, launches a children's book department.

    US publishing house, Macmillan, launches a children's book department.

  • Period: to

    Modern picture books begin to be developed.

  • American Library Association establishes the John Newbery Award

    American Library Association establishes the John Newbery Award

  • The Horn Book Magazine is published.

    The Horn Book Magazine is published.

    Under the orders of Bertha Mahony and Elinor Whitney, the Bookshop for Boys and Girls in Boston published the Horn Book Magazine.
  • American Library Association establishes the Randolph Caldecott Award

    American Library Association establishes the Randolph Caldecott Award

  • Period: to

    Children's and young adult's books begin to play a vital role in libraries, schools, homes, and publishing houses.

    Libraries began creating rooms for children and adolescent literature where individuals would either come read or listen to stories being told aloud.
  • Harriet Rohmer establishes the Children’s Book Press

    Harriet Rohmer establishes the Children’s Book Press

    The Children's Book Press made sure to publish bilingual picture books that reflected a diversity of cultural experiences.
  • Just Us Books is founded.

    Just Us Books is founded.

    Just Us Books was established to support and encourage Black authors and illustrators and to address the lack of diversity in children and adolescent books