The materials in this academic research collection represent points of view, ideas, images and opinions across a wide range of age, race, religion, national origin, social status and political viewpoints. In the retention and acquisition of controversial texts and illustrations, the collection provides an opportunity for the examination of both historical and contemporary issues in children’s literature. There is no question that silencing, marginalization, and disrespect are real experiences. So, why retain problematic material? Simply put, the WWU Children's Collections are evidential.
The primary role of an academic children’s literature collection is distinct from public and school libraries. Historical and contemporary context is essential to the critical examination of books for youth. Knowledge of the breadth and depth of children’s literature can raise awareness regarding insightful, and ground breaking works that are housed alongside dated and offensive items. We retain and purchase materials on subjects that might not, or should not, be included in public or school library collections such as religious intolerance, gender bias, and racial stereotyping. Conversely, we celebrate authors and illustrators who reach beyond their place and time to offer children and young people a wider universe.
The Children’s Literature Interdisciplinary Collection supports students and faculty from a variety of disciplines including Communication, Art, Education, English, Theatre Arts, and History. These texts and illustrations are made available for evidential exploration, critical study and creative inspiration.
Children and young adult books spark the imagination, provide insight into cultural values, inspire artistic design and explore the literatures of prose, poetry and wordplay. The children and young adult literature collections in the Western Libraries are rich in historical and contemporary materials. Distinct from a public library or school library, our collection contains a wide range of publications that reflect the breadth, depth, controversy, continuing evolution and complexity of literature written for children and young adults.
Location: The Children's Literature Interdisciplinary Collection, or CLIC as we fondly refer to this collection, is located on the Wilson side of the library on 4th floor East.
CLIC has SIX sub-sections:
Saturday, February 17, 2024
www.wwuclc.com
Matt de la Peña
The Living (Pura Belpré Honor), Mexican Whiteboy (ALA/YALSA Best Books for YA), We Were Here (ALA/YALSA Best Books for YA), The Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Lewis.
Kate DiCamillo
Flora & Ulysses (Newbery Medal), Because of Winn-Dixie (Newbery Honor), Tale of Despereaux (Newbery Medal), Mercy Watson series, Blink & Gollie series.
Yuyi Morales
Niño Wrestles the World (Pura Belpré Illustrator Medal), My Abuelita (Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor), Just In Case (Pura Belpré Narrative Medal and Illustrator Honor).
Joyce Sidman
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night (Newbery Honor), Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s Survivors (NCTE Notable Book), What the Heart Knows: Chants, Charms & Blessings.
Matt de la Peña
The Living (Pura Belpré Honor), Mexican Whiteboy (ALA/YALSA Best Books for YA), We Were Here (ALA/YALSA Best Books for YA), The Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Lewis.
Kate DiCamillo
Flora & Ulysses (Newbery Medal), Because of Winn-Dixie (Newbery Honor), Tale of Despereaux (Newbery Medal), Mercy Watson series, Blink & Gollie series.
Yuyi Morales
Niño Wrestles the World (Pura Belpré Illustrator Medal), My Abuelita (Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor), Just In Case (Pura Belpré Narrative Medal and Illustrator Honor).
Joyce Sidman
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night (Newbery Honor), Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s Survivors (NCTE Notable Book), What the Heart Knows: Chants, Charms & Blessings.