Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1859-1959: Books of Recognized Merit [Hardcover]

Alethea K. Helbig (Author), Agnes Regan Perkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 23, 1985 | ISBN-10: 0313225907 | ISBN-13: 978-0313225901

"Helbig and Perkins offer in one comprehensive volume information about fiction of recognized distinction written for children: entries give biographical data on authors, detailed plot summaries, information about outstanding characters, memorable settings, significant motifs. The authors, both respected critics and university teachers of literature, have certainly performed a service to students of children's literature in compiling all the data they present here. Their brief critical evaluations are a special strength of the book." Children's Literature Association Quarterly "A welcome addition for all libraries whose staff or patrons seek the best in children's literature." American Libraries "Browsers will be ensnared by this book, which gives extremely detailed (if rather rigorously critical) plot summaries, character sketches, and brief author biograhies for 420 children's books." Choice

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Books of more than 5000 words which have won major awards or are found on a prominent list (e.g., ChLA's Touch stones or Horn Book's ``Fanfare'') form the basis of this dictionary. En tries for authors (brief biographical and publishing data, and usually a terse cri tique) and for major characters and set tings supplement title entries on 418 novels and some short stories. Main en tries give bibliographic, genre, period, setting, plot, and character data, con cluding with a succinct critical judg ment. The index (not seen by reviewer) will list books by setting, period, first- person narration, subjects, themes, il lustrators, genres, and authorial pseud onyms. A second volume, of equal size, will cover 1960 to the present. Nothing really first-rate escapes, but a lot of dross is captured too. While the volume cannot easily be used as a guide to great reading, it will be a valuable literary and sociological reference tool. Patri cia Dooley, formerly with English Dept., Drexel Univ., Philadelphia
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“Browsers will be ensnared by this book, which gives extremely detailed (if rather rigorously critical) plot summaries, character sketches, and brief author biographies for 420 children's books, which were selected by compiling various lists of award-winners and finalists ... characters are usually remembered by first name. There are no actual lists of award books, but one can track them down, if they have been mentioned, through the index, which is also extremely useful for locating books by subject or theme, a welcome feature for librarians and students of children's literature. Although there are other recent reference works that are broader in coverage, they do not attempt the depth of detail that is the chief attribute of this sturdy though expensive book....”–Choice

“This unique reference source has 1,266 entries in three pertinent areas--author, title, and character. It covers 420 books of fiction for children. All books `have won or been finalists for major awards in children's literature.... Title entries are the lengthiest with their inclusion of setting, plot summary, brief critical commentary, any awards, and bibliographical information. Author entries provide basic biographical facts, background, contributions to children's literature, works and awards they have won, and more. Character entries cover important physical and personality traits, contributions to plot, relation to protagonist, where appropriate, and for some, quality of characterization. General index. Elementary teachers and children's librarians should find this most useful.”–Reference Book Review

Product Details

• Hardcover: 666 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (December 23, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313225907
• ISBN-13: 978-0313225901
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,970,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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