Fieldwork in Ukrainian Children?s Literature

Fieldwork in Ukrainian Children?s Literature showcases the work of prominent scholars of children?s literature from Ukraine and the diaspora as it traces the history of books written, marketed for, and circulating among young people since the rise of Ukraine?s nationhood in the nineteenth century. This book encompasses a full range of texts and genres (e.g., fiction, nonfiction, poetry, picture books, graphic novels), with special attention given to the most important authors and works as defined by aesthetics (?literary excellence?), popularity, or historical and cultural significance. In its focus on ideology and historical context, the collection takes an interdisciplinary and transnational approach. It places titles and trends in broader context, considering the socio-political situation, changing taste, and the history of institutions that shape the production and reception of children?s literature. The collection addresses folklore and the beginnings of a distinct tradition of Ukrainian children?s literature produced in the nineteenth century; the role played by children?s literature in the maintenance of the Ukrainian literary tradition during the Soviet era; and the flourishing Ukrainian book market, with the appearance of numerous new genres and forms, and the growing significance of Ukrainian books around the world. The collection highlights the importance of familiarizing non-Ukrainian students and scholars of children?s literature with the richness of the country?s literary history and cultural distinctiveness. Fieldwork in Ukrainian Children?s Literature is intended primarily for scholars of children?s literature and culture, including specialists in the fields of literary studies, education, and Slavic studies.

"Fieldwork in Ukrainian Children?s Literature offers a timely and welcome introduction to Ukrainian children?s literature and informatively brings global audiences into its subject, while also offering valuable analysis and original studies of a wide variety of texts for experts in relevant regions and topics that will have lasting import in the field. From introductory chapters that situate the reader in Ukrainian history, culture, and folk tales to sensitive studies of Ukrainian books for young readers in the present day and in war time, Fieldwork in Ukrainian Children?s Literature makes a valuable and lasting contribution to multiple fields, including Slavic studies and children?s literature research."

--Sara Pankenier Weld, University of California, Santa Barbara

"The first English-language companion to Ukrainian children?s literature will familiarize global audiences with its rich history, from folklore roots to award-winning international bestsellers."

--Svetlana Efimova, Assistant Professor of Slavic Literatures and Media Studies, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich