During the antebellum years, children’s literature was used as a central means of political expression. Both anti- and pro-slavery writers sought to cultivate children’s views to affect the nation’s racialized future. In succeeding generations, writers continued to retell stories of slavery -- often drawing upon images from antebellum literature -- as a way to envision a specific historical past, reflect contemporaneous culture, and shape the future.

Join a discussion about Slavery in American Children’s Literature, 1790-2010 with author Paula Connolly, associate professor in UNC-Charlotte’s Department of English, at 6:30 pm Tuesday, March 24, at UNC Charlotte’s Atkins Library. A 7:30 pm reception and book signing will follow the conversation.