Southern Children’s Literature in the Classroom

Mark West, Ph.D., English, UNC Charlotte

This CTI Seminar will focus books for children and young adults in which the American South plays an integral role in the stories.  In addition to discussing the portrayal of the South in these books, participants will explore how Southern children’s and young adult literature can be included in teaching plans at different grade levels.   Among the topics that will be explored during this seminar are the portrayal of race relations in these books, the depiction of Southern history in these stories, and the authors’ use of Southern traditions and folklore.  Possible texts include Tales of Uncle Remus by Julius Lester, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor, Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene, Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, and Tangerine by Edward Bloor.

Seminar Participants: