Representation of African American Youth in Literature and Media
This blog is an exploration in the representation of African American youth in children’s literature published during 2008-2010. I would like to see if there is an increase of contemporary literature available to today’s young readers. It will be interesting to see, if since 2008 and President Barack Obama taking office, if there is a shift in the content of books by and about African Americans, from the 1960’s and earlier to more present day issues and relationships. Often children’s literature featuring African Americans, and even written by African American authors is prominently centered around the themes of slavery or the civil rights period. While I believe that these time periods are significant aspects of American history I would like to see, and think today’s youth would appreciate more present-day characters and settings to which they are able to relate.
