Transillumination: Raising Awareness of Representations of Families in Children’s and Youth Literature

Introduction

Diversity in children’s and youth literature has increasingly been given more consideration over the past 20 years (Dahlen, 2020). One dimension of diversity to consider is how the construct of "family" is (or is not) represented, such as families formed through adoption (Burke & Zoch, 2023), rainbow families (Hedberg et al., 2022), single parent households, family members with disabilities (Kleekamp & Zapata, 2019) and foster families (Meese, 2012). Comparatively, the number of published children’s and youth literature that represent "non-traditional" families is much lower than those that feature "traditional" families (Mokrzycki, 2020). Additionally, research that has examined the representation of families in children’s and youth literature is an emerging area.

Transillumination is a medical procedure performed in which light is shone through parts of the body in order to diagnose abnormalities. In the same way that a medical practitioner might use transillumination as a method of imaging, this special issue seeks to shine a light on the representation of lived experiences of those whose families may be construed as “abnormal” in children’s and youth literature in order to promote inclusivity and normalize difference. 

We seek submissions in which scholars critically engage with the nuances, complexities, and construction of families who have historically been marginalized, underrepresented, or misrepresented. These manuscripts should raise awareness of representation in children’s and youth literature and help us better understand existing societal attitudes about difference and belonging through families. Articles could include textual analysis but all should include implications for classroom practice.

List of possible topic areas

• Family
• Adoption
• Foster care
• Rainbow families
• Single parents
• Individuals with disabilities
• Non-traditional parents

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here.

Author guidelines must be strictly followed.

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to "Please select the issue you are submitting to". 

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.

Click here to submit!

Key deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 1st September, 2024

Closing date for manuscripts submission: 8th December, 2024