The Efficacy of Francophone Children’s and YA Literature in Engaging with Critical Social Issues
Co-Edited Volume: The Efficacy of Francophone Children’s and YA Literature in Engaging with Critical Social Issues
We invite contributions for an edited volume exploring how Francophone children’s literature engages with critical social issues, particularly through lenses of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and the Anthropocene. This volume seeks to examine how literature for young readers can address urgent social, political, and environmental concerns while fostering critical thinking, resilience, and intercultural understanding.
We welcome theoretical, historical, and pedagogical approaches, as well as close readings of literary works from diverse Francophone regions. Possible topics include but are not limited to:
Representations of race, ethnicity, and intersectionality in Francophone children’s literature Ecocriticism and the Anthropocene in picture books and young adult fiction Gender identity and LGBTQ+ narratives in Francophone youth literature Postcolonial and decolonial perspectives in literature for young readers Trauma, memory, and resilience in Francophone children’s narratives Migration and its representation in Francophone children's and YA literature Pedagogical strategies for introducing complex topics through children’s literature Francophone literary adaptations in film, graphic novels, and digital media
We welcome contributions in both English and French and encourage submissions from scholars in literary studies, education, cultural studies, and related fields. Chapters may build on conference presentations from APLAQA, MLA, and related academic gatherings or present new perspectives.
Submission Guidelines
Abstracts (300–400 words) and short bios (100 words) due by April 15, 2025
Full chapters (6,000–8,000 words) due by September 30, 2025
The volume is under discussion with Peter Lang, with a focus on DEI and the Anthropocene in Francophone children’s and YA literature.
Please send proposals and inquiries to:
pb.miller@unb.ca
We look forward to your contributions!
Editors:
Dr. Pooja Booluck-Miller, University of New Brunswick
Dr. Liza Bolen, University of New Brunswick