Key Terms
Definition
Commonly used themes and literary devices that can become cliche over time. Why they matter: Tropes reflect shifts in so
Author of this section
Olivia Wood
Target audience
Babies to twelve-year-olds.
GENEALOGY
2010s - EXPANDED THEMES
Theme
Children understanding and processing loving and losing adults with HIV/AIDS.
Publisher spotlight
Alyson Publications (founded 1980). Created children's imprint Alyson Wonderland in 1990.
Key shift
Well-budgeted LGBTQ+ children's literature from traditional publishers became the norm rather than the exception.
Board books
Mommy, Mama, and Me and Daddy, Papa, and Me (both 2008, Tricycle Press, later Random House). Still in print.
Key development
Transgender and gender-nonconforming children begin appearing in children's picture books. Same-gender-desiring children
Lesbian young adult (YA) fiction
Novels written for 12-18 year-olds with a lesbian protagonist. Basis: Eight popular U.S.
Source
Christine A. Jenkins and Michael Cart, survey of queer YA literature 1969-2016.
Lesbian Victim
Has experienced homophobia and violence as punishment for sexuality 3. Confused Parents: Parents think they did somethin
Rooted in real-world reality
LGBTQ+ people who are not accepted by biological families find community with other queer people. Queer friendships are
Primary focus
Literature produced 2000-2020 for:
KEY CONCEPT
Books function as mirrors and windows.