Welcome to the Center for Children’s and Young Adult Literature where our goal is to engage and empower young readers with high-quality children’s and young adult books.

PhD Specialization in Children’s & Young Adult Literature

Students interested in researching past and current trends in children’s and young adult literature now can do so at UT, thanks to a new doctoral specialization.

For more information about admissions to our PhD program here.

Fighting Anti-Black Racism through Story

We know the power of story—stories can affirm and challenge us; change our minds and hearts; and provide soothing balms of healing as we find ourselves in others’ words or escape present-day realities. Now, perhaps more than ever, is the time to share stories with the young people in our lives about our various and diverse racial and ethnic identities, and the actions we can take to oppose anti-Blackness and racism. We understand that the ongoing police brutality against Black men, women, and youth is not a new phenomenon, but instead is a current manifestation of long-historied, state-sanctioned racism, anti-Blackness, and white supremacy in this country. We urge you to read books to learn more—about our connected histories, about the present moment, and about what you can do now to change the future. As we know, the status quo is not okay. Find our list of recommended reading here and here.