Creating a Legacy - An Award Name Changes

The Association for Library Service to Children board voted to change the name of the Wilder Award to the Children's Literature Legacy Award on Saturday June 23. This action was taken after a year of asking for feedback, surveys, conversations, and reflection.

This award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a significant and lasting contribution to children's literature.

While Wilder books are well-loved and read, they also contain hurtful stereotypes for people of color.  After our fall pre-conference last year where we looked at classics that contained stereotypes, it really opened my eyes to what many people in marginalized communities see in literature that I had never considered. I learned to do better.

Please take some time to read Leah Langby's blog about the name change. 

Also here is the ALSC/ALA press release with the reasoning and process behind this exciting change.

I also invite you to bookmark this blog post at American Indians in Children's Literature to understand a native American's perspective as well as updated articles and blogposts pertaining to the name change.

Let's support our colleagues and look for ways, as Leah encourages us, to make our tent bigger and invite everyone in

Marge Loch-Wouters
WLA President

LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: THE NEW MUSICAL

Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved "Little House" books, this world premiere musical centers on the independent spirit of the teenager Laura, the family's settlement in DeSmet, South Dakota, and the hardships and joys faced by a family in a pioneer community. Internationally renowned opera and theater director Francesca Zambello leads a cast of familiar faces and rising stars in this world premiere musical presented on the McGuire Proscenium Stage at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. The show runs July 26 through October 5.

Broadway veteran Steve Blanchard leads the Ingalls family through the joys and hardship of pioneer life as “Pa." Melissa Gilbert, best known for her work in the 1970s television series, returns to her Little House roots to play “Ma," with her signature character Laura coming to life on the musical stage through the talents of Kara Lindsay. Jenn Gambatese plays the role of eldest daughter Mary, a character who struggles with scarlet fever and its resulting blindness. Rounding out the Ingalls family is Twin Cities native Maeve Moynihan as Carrie. The cast also features Sara Jean Ford as the prissy, spoiled and manipulative Nellie Oleson, and Kevin Massey, who brings romance to the prairie as Almanzo Wilder.

For more information go to http://www.guthrietheater.org/prairie.