-
Before this, reading material was written only for adults. Children were not thought of as being on a different level and needing special literature just for them.
-
This is significant because during this time period writings were created to teach strict lessons and tell of consequences for one's actions. They were not written for enjoyment. Writings were also still reserved for the wealthy.
-
This is important to note because Chapbooks were inexpensive books created for pleasurable reading instead of only for instruction. Many adults disapproved of these books because they did not teach only strict or religious lessons.
-
This was the first illustrated book published specifically for children. Before this, any illustrations in a book were decorative only, even showing wood carvings instead of actual pictures.
-
This is important because the book broke tradition by reflecting human experiences in an honest way instead of ways that adults wanted to portray them to children in hopes to persuade more desirable behavior from the children.
-
This was the first modern fantasy book written by an American author. 13 more Oz books written by Baum followed.
-
The Tale of Peter Rabbit was the first modern picture storybook written. This is significant because it shows authors were starting to recognize that children's understanding of literature was developmentally different than traditionally thought and they were trying to incorporate that understanding into the new literature.
-
This was a HUGE step in progress toward modern-day literature. This medal was created to award excellence in writing and to acknowledge a standard for quality writing.
-
This honor was created as the U.S. prize for excellence in illustrating children's books. Again, the importance of quality is beginning to be a sought after goal in creating quality literature, even through illustrations.
-
This book was the first Caldecott Award winner that featured an African American protagonist. This is important because it showed progress in recognizing greatness in literature even through diversity.
-
This is an American Library Association (A.L.A.) award for foreign language children's books translated into English. This was worth noting because it encouraged the expansion of access and availability to great literary works from around the world.
-
Another A.L.A. award, but this one was created to honor African American writers and illustrators. This shows significant steps toward progress when recognizing the diverse yet quality work of African American authors and illustrators.
-
These awards were created to recognize greatness for different genres, reading levels, and different diversities. They are some of the major milestones in literary greatness because they reflect growth and quality standards in all forms of literature. This is important to recognize because there can be literary greatness in all genres of writing. Being open to a more well-rounded diversity can truly make a difference, especially in the lives of young, impressionable children.