Inquiry: Leonard S. Marcus-Minders of Make Believe: Idealists, Entrepreneurs and the Shaping of American Children's Literature

• Artist: Mark Lynch
• Title: Leonard S. Marcus-Minders of Make Believe: Idealists, Entrepreneurs and the Shaping of American Children's Literature
• Album: Inquiry
• Length: 42:50 minutes (15.32 MB)
• Format: Stereo 44kHz 49Kbps (VBR)

In these days of hugely popular children’s books like Harry Potter and Captain Underpants, it may be hard to imagine that there was not always a place in the library or bookstore for literature for young people. Throughout the 20th Century, activist librarians, visionary editors and progressive educators have all worked hard to make sure children had access to appropriate books to read. Tonight on Inquiry, we talk with the leading historian of American children’s books LEONARD S. MARCUS about the complex evolution of children’s reading material, the first Children’s Book Week, the Newbery Medal, the start of the Horn Book, and why librarians hated Tom Swift.  Marcus’ lively and important history is titled MINDERS OF MAKE BELIEVE: IDEALISTS, ENTREPRENEURS AND THE SHAPING OF AMERICAN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE.