With a few reservations, I have a real excitement for the future of children’s literature.

Part of that excitement is for the unknown. Just look at how much has changed in the last decade. Harry Potter and the iPad for example have had an impact on the market and book format that would have been inconceivable in my childhood. It makes me eager to see what will continue to develop in the future that we can barely conceive of now. In the future will we pop on some goggles and headphones and be transported into the story scene with an ability to interact with the characters? Will we be able to see and interact with other readers from around the world in real-time perhaps forming new storylines together? Will drones be able to drop off and pick up library books to and from our homes with the push of a button? Will we have holograms of authors able to visit our libraries and maybe even read their stories to our class from far away? Who knows what the future holds, but it’s exciting to think of the possibilities!

Although the future holds many stimulating prospects I do have some reservations.

Amazon. There I said it. I’m originally from the States and I see the power it has there. It’s cheap, it’s easy, it’s so, so quick and convenient! As Amazon is clawing its way into the Australian market I wonder if we are stopping to think about the power we are giving this single company in the name of easy convenience? Do we really want to give them (or anyone) a monopoly on publishing the materials we read? They are driven by profit not excitement for diverse, quality reading materials. In Short’s article, ‘What’s Trending in Children’s Literature and Why It Matters,’ the issue is highlighted that the smaller independent publishers and presses have a commitment to diversity and a focus on producing the highest quality literature as opposed to being solely market-driven (2018, p. 293).  If we stop buying from the local publishers because they can’t sell products to us as cheaply (and we all have budget restrictions!) we are potentially stopping voices that might never be heard. We are in essence giving Amazon the ability to censor what we read?

Librarians and educators have buying power. We can deliver critical viewpoints and challenge budget motivated purchases by investing in literature that can impact change young people’s lives. In Short’s words, “Too often, we are followers of trends rather than makers of trends” (2018, p. 296). We are well-positioned to be the drivers of change as we inform the next generation. I already see in this younger generation students who are conscious, compassionate and concerned for things like equality, the environment, refugees, etc. We need to continue to develop their empathy, wisdom and voice so that they can be advocates for the diversity of voices in our communities.

Short, K. (2018). What’s trending in children’s literature and why it matters. Language Arts, 95(5), 287-298.