The Bloomsbury Introduction to Children's and Young Adult Literature

This comprehensive guide to children's literature studies offers an essential roadmap through the evolving landscape of books for young readers, spanning from classic authors like Lewis Carroll and Dr. Seuss to contemporary voices including Sherman Alexie and Gene Luen Yang. The text systematically explores major genres and forms, from foundational fiction and poetry to modern graphic novels and picture books, while tracing the historical development of children's publishing. Karen Coats provides academic yet accessible analysis that illuminates how literature for young people has reflected changing cultural values and educational philosophies across centuries.

What distinguishes this resource is its remarkable breadth combined with thoughtful organization, making it equally valuable for university students, educators, and serious collectors of children's books. The chapters on graphic narratives and multicultural literature feel particularly timely, addressing current trends while providing historical context that helps readers understand the field's progression. This introduction doesn't just catalog important works—it teaches readers how to critically engage with children's and young adult texts, ultimately enriching how adults select and discuss literature with the young readers in their lives.