Stories Matter
The Complexity of Cultural Authenticity in Children's Literature

Edited by Dana L. Fox and Kathy G. Short

The controversial issue of cultural authenticity in children’s literature resurfaces continually, always eliciting strong emotions and a wide range of perspectives. This collection explores the complexity of this issue by highlighting important historical events, current debates, and new questions and critiques.

Contributors include twenty-eight highly respected authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, educators, librarians, and scholars, including Rudine Sims Bishop, Jacqueline Woodson, Susan Guevara, Kathryn Lasky, Thelma Seto, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Joel Taxel, and Mingshui Cai.

Readers will find a richly diverse and passionate discussion of topics such as the social responsibility of authors, the role of imagination and experience in writing for young people, cultural sensitivity and values, authenticity of content and images, authorial freedom, and the role of literature in an education that is multicultural.

Each chapter author cites specific children’s books from a wide variety of cultural groups. A notable feature of this book is the interaction between contributors: writers refer across their pieces and positions to the texts, ideas, and stances of others in the volume, making it a valuable resource for practicing teachers, prospective teachers, librarians, teacher educators, or anyone who uses literature with young people.

Cover illustration: Copyright 2000 by Susan Guevara.

360 pp. 2003. Grades K–8. ISBN 0-8141-4744-5.
No. 47445   $35.95 ($26.95)

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