History of Children’s Literature
Use the following chart to list information relating to the three different historical time
periods you selected to analyze. In your chart,
describe the major changes in how and
why children's books were written for each of the 3 time periods you selected,
paying close attention to how and why social conditions, political attitudes,
economic situations, religious practices, language use, educational practices, and
print availability impacted each time period.
History of
Children’s
Literature
(Historical Time
Period 1)
1600-1700
(Historical Time
Period 2)
1700-1800
(Historical Time
Period 3)
1950- 2000
Social Conditions
In 1643, they
started to make
children’s books.
Children were
taught to confirm
societal standards.
Fantasy books
were making a
raise
Political Attitudes
Early modern area
Protestant
reformation
(1700-1780)
Romantic era
20th century
Economic
Situation
Children were
working as actors
and testified
against witches
Children were
being used to
work in all areas
Children were
working in
factories
Religious Practices
Christianity,
children were seen
as pure and close
to God
Christianity,
children were now
seen as guilty and
tainted
Christianity was
talked about but
becoming less
important
Historical Events
Renaissance was
coming to an end
Immigrants’
families were
moving to
America. Giving us
new authors
Anti labor protests
were occurring
Language Use
remorselessly
instructional
Instruct and
delight readers
Entertain the
reader
Educational
Practices
Learned how to
read and write
Education was not
seen with
importance
Education became
important and
children were
having a well-
rounded
education
Print Availability
Limited copies
were made
50 copies each
year
Mass production
started in 1920s
with colors
illustrations
