The call for papers is closed.
We welcome submissions that explore (but are not limited to) the following topics:
Global modernity and its diverse forms, including how children's literature in different countries portrays and/or engages with significant historical periods, ideas, and literary forms related to modernity or modernization
Comparative analysis of how different cultures have depicted the “modern child”
The citizen-child, both as a national/transnational/global symbol of modernity and a living participant in national/transnational/global modernities
The movement of modern ideas and texts across borders, including the role of translation, adaptation, and cultural exchange in shaping children’s literature and literary canons globally
The impact of technological advancements on the creation, dissemination, and consumption of children's literature, including their uneven adoption and how this might influence literary forms and children’s access to books
The geopolitics of children’s publishing, including how economic and political forces such as international publishing markets, censorship laws, or intellectual property rights influence the content and availability of children’s books in a modern global context
How children's literature has reflected driven social, political, and cultural movements during different periods of modernity, including nation-building, social reform, education, industrialization, decolonization, and evolving gender roles
The representation of global crises of modernity, such as environmental disasters, war, diseases, technological changes, and social inequality, in children's literature from different parts of the world
The experiences of marginalized children, including indigenous children, child workers, and child migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, as reflected in children’s literature that thematizes aspects of modernity
Decolonial and postcolonial perspectives, including how children's literature from and about formerly colonized nations engages with modernity, and how traditional views of childhood are represented or challenged
The use of children's literature as a tool for propaganda and/or social commentary in a modernizing world
Children as agents of global change; including how child activists and their representation in literature and media contribute to or challenge global narratives of progress
Children's voices on modernity, such as how children express views on the modern world through their own writing, activism, or media
Counternarratives to modernity as reflected in children’s literature and children’s activism
We welcome submissions of individual papers and pre-formed panels with 3 papers. Submission of complete panels is especially encouraged and is likely to increase the acceptance rate.
Completed panel proposals should be submitted by the panel chair and include:
Chair’s name, affiliation, and a brief biography (100 word max)
Panel Title
Summary of Panel (250 word max)
Individual paper abstracts (250 word max)
Panelist’s names, email addresses, affiliations, and brief biographies (100 word max)
3-5 relevant keywords
Note: We strongly encourage panel organizers to ensure they have a diverse set of panelists. Given the theme, we especially invite you to consider geographical representation on your panel.
Individual paper proposals should include:
Presenter’s name, affiliation, and a brief biography (100 word max)
Abstract (250 word max)
3-5 relevant keywords
Deadline for Submissions: December 1, 2025
Notice of Acceptances: December 20, 2025
Contact: Courtney Weikle-Mills, caw57@pitt.edu