Dr. Debbie Reese (The Children's Book Podcast #450)
THE CHILDREN'S LITERATURE LEGACY AWARD
Dr. Debbie Reese (@debreese) is the author of the popular blog, American Indians in Children’s Literature. A Nambe Pueblo Indian woman, Debbie is a founding member of the Native American House and American Indian Studies program at the University of Illinois. Debbie joins me to talk about ALSC’s recent decision to change the name of their lifetime achievement award from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award to the Children's Literature Legacy Award. The change has not come without criticism by certain members of the public and we discuss that and more in our conversation.
ABOUT THE AWARD:
(from ALSC's website) Administered by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children. Winners are announced at the ALA Midwinter Meeting and are honored at the Annual Conference in June. The recipient receives a bronze medal and presents an acceptance speech. The award may be given posthumously.
The first award was given to its namesake in 1954. Thereafter, the ALSC Board established an ongoing award to recognize the lifetime achievement of a children’s author and/or illustrator.
Between 1960 and 1980, the Wilder Award was given every five years. From 1980 to 2001, it was awarded every three years. As of 2001, it was awarded every two years, and since 2016 the medal has been given annually.
SHOW NOTES:
About the Children's Literature Legacy Award (Aassociation for Library Service to Children - ALSC)
A #ChangeTheName Moment: the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award is now the Children's Literature Legacy Award (AICL blog)
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s name stripped from children’s book award over ‘Little House’ depictions of Native Americans (Washington Post)
Renaming the Laura Ingalls Wilder award isn't disturbing, William Shatner – it's necessary (The Guardian)
What to do when you realize classic books from your childhood are racist (PBS News Hour video featuring Newbery medal honor recipient Grace Lin)
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Debbie is a founding member of the Native American House and American Indian Studies program at the University of Illinois. She is on the Literature Advisory Board for Reading is Fundamental and the Advisory Board for Reach Out and Read American Indian/Alaska Native.
Visit American Indians in Children's Literature online at americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com
OTHER BOOKS MENTIONED:
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