Learning from the Left: Children's Literature, the Cold War, and Radical Politics in the United States

The ways in which the Cold War and McCarthyism circumscribed dissent are well known; less documented are the opportunities they inadvertently created. This book shows how pervasive and influential Left politics were in children's book writing, illustrating, publishing, and dissemination during the middle third of the twentieth century - precisely the time when Americans were most concerned about protecting their children against Communist influences. Many critically acclaimed and best-selling children's books were written and/or illustrated by Communists, former Communists, or "fellow travellers," the same groups of people who were fired from teaching jobs and blacklisted. Children's literature written by those on the Left embraced pan-ethnic, anti-racist, pro-labor, and internationalist values, injecting books for children with real-world concerns, and leaving lasting changes on books for youth.

Table of Contents:
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About the Author :
Julia L. Mickenberg is Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of Texas, Austin.

Review :
"A richly detailed and incisive account."--Kenneith Teitelbaum, History of Education Quarterly "A richly detailed and incisive account."--Kenneth Teitelbaum, History of Education Quarterly "A fine book."--Gael Graham, Register of the Kentucky Historical Society "Julia L. Mickenberg's splendid book goes a long way in providing a clear picture of how much a contextualized reading of children's literature can add to the social history of an era. Thankfully, Julia Mickenberg has rescued a history that was disappearing, largely unnoticed."--Christine A. Jenkins, Library Quarterly "A well-written, seminal book."--Gilliam Adams, Children's Literature "Mickenberg documents a forgotten or ignored field, and encourages the reader to look once again at his or her own familiar turf, and wonder if there is more going on there than has been fully understood."--Gary D. Schmidt, Lion and the Unicorn "A fine contribution to the history of children's literature as part of American cultural studies."--Paul C. Mishler, Peace & Change "A richly detailed cultural history that restores a previously neglected radical past to its proper place. A model of careful, responsible scholarship."--Philip Nel, Children's Literature Association Quarterly "Learning from the Left is a compelling and highly readable book."--Rebecca de Schweinitz, H-Net Reviews "This beautifully written and well-argued book...is a major contribution to Cold War studies and the history of American culture, American childhood, and the American left in the twentieth century."--Lisa Jacobson, American Historical Review