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.
2020 Best of the Best Books!
We were sad to miss our in-person “Best of the Best” conference this year, but our usual presenters couldn’t let a year pass by without sending out some recommendations! See which titles made our Best of the Best 2020 list!
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.
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.