Veto on Taboo: Children’s Literature as a Space of Discussion

Abstract

The article is dedicated to “difficult topics” depicted and discussed in books for young readers such as genocide (in particular, the Holocaust), family violence, sexual violence, bullying, discrimination, etc. Author provides short review on the relevant academic debates of the last two decades, creating a rough sketch of the field of contemporary children’s literature studies. The review includes articles devoted to genre problems, empirical research, pedagogical practices of working with tests, as well as examples of expert evaluation of children’s books as educational resources. Modern children’s literature includes many new topics, identities, and issues related to inequality and violence. This article analyzes the current scientific works devoted to the depiction, discussion, and teaching methods on such topics.

Keywords: Holocaust, domestic violence, self-harm, sexual abuse, bullying, injury in children’s literature