Renaming of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award

Name: Renaming of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award
Start: 1867-06-23
Location: Unspecified

A Major Decision in Children's Literature

In 2018, a significant change occurred in the field of children's literature when the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award was renamed. The American Library Association's Association for Library Service to Children made the decision to remove Laura Ingalls Wilder’s name from the award due to her controversial views and use of racist language in her writings. This decision sparked widespread discussion about how literature reflects societal values and how individuals' beliefs shape perceptions of their work.

Understanding Laura Ingalls Wilder

Born in 1867 in Pennsylvania, Laura Ingalls Wilder became famous for her series of children's books known as the Little House series. These books, based on her childhood experiences, offered a romanticized view of pioneer life in the American Midwest. However, the series also contained elements that reflected the prevalent discriminatory attitudes of her time, particularly against Native Americans and African Americans.

The Award's Legacy

Since 1954, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, now renamed the Children's Literature Legacy Award, has been awarded to authors for their significant contributions to children's literature. The decision to rename the award was not taken lightly, recognizing the complexities of Wilder’s legacy and the importance of aligning the award's name with modern values regarding diversity and inclusion.

Impacts of the Renaming

The renaming of the award has led to broader conversations about the representation of racial issues in children’s literature. This shift reflects a growing awareness and sensitivity towards the cultural narratives we promote through literature.

Community Reactions

Reactions to the renaming were mixed. Some praised the move as a necessary step towards recognizing and correcting the harmful impacts of historical figures' views on modern audiences. Others felt that renaming the award disregarded Wilder's contributions to literature and the importance of her stories in American history.

Reflecting on Modern Values

The decision to remove Laura Ingalls Wilder's name serves as a powerful reminder of the need for literature, especially for children, to represent inclusive and diverse perspectives. It encourages readers to critically assess the works they cherish and the values those works imparted.

Fun Fact

A Unique Insight into the Past

One interesting fact about Laura Ingalls Wilder is that she didn't begin to write until later in life. Her experiences were documented in her autobiographical books, which were crucial in shaping the American perception of pioneering life, despite their controversial elements.