The Journal of Children's Literature is a refereed journal devoted to teaching and scholarship in the field of children's literature. It is the product of the Children's Literature Assembly of NCTE and is published twice annually. To join CLA and subscribe to the Journal of Children's Literature, click on the Membership link.

Call for Manuscripts:
The Journal of Children's Literature, a refereed publication of the Children's Literature Assembly of the National Council of Teachers of English, explores issues of current concern to scholars in the field of children's literature, teachers of children's literature, librarians, and classroom teachers—preschool through middle school. We invite potential authors to submit original manuscripts for publication in future issues. Submissions may be articles or interviews focusing on the creative process. Sections of the journal include:

Concepts and Themes. Articles in this section will be peer reviewed and can include articles focused on research, theory, content analysis, instruction, and critical issues in children's literature. Upcoming themes include:

Open Themed Issue (Spring 2014)
Due: September 1, 2013

In this open themed issue, we invite researchers, teachers, and students to submit articles related to all aspects of children’s literature. What should readers of the Journal of Children’s Literature be thinking about in regard to books intended for youth? What kinds of theoretical perspectives (e.g., critical race theory, feminism, etc.) are being applied within the context of children’s literature? What concerns or issues about children’s literature do you have? Join us in putting together a collection of articles that will provide those interested in children’s literature with much to consider.

Nonfiction Texts in the Elementary and Middle Grade Classroom (Fall 2014)
Due:  February 1, 2014

We are currently witnessing a proliferation of outstanding nonfiction texts with literary qualities. This is fortunate as educators are currently faced with the demand to include nonfiction texts in the curriculum. Today, as never before, there is a rush to examine content area literacy. Educators are searching for ways to embrace nonfiction texts that allow for instruction with integrity and allow for authentic student responses. Help us explore ways to introduce children to nonfiction texts in meaningful and productive ways. Some of the many questions that might be explored in response to this call include:  What characterizes the nonfiction texts on our library shelves today?  How are these texts different from the nonfiction texts we might have seen in the past? What instructional strategies result in deep and personal engagement with nonfiction texts?  How should teachers select nonfiction texts for the classroom?  What nonfiction texts serve as powerful mentor texts for children learning to write about the world around them? How do we prepare teachers to enthusiastically embrace nonfiction texts in the classroom? How do teachers foster response to nonfiction literature?  Are these strategies different from those we use with traditional fiction? How should nonfiction texts be classified?  How can classification systems help teachers and librarians  include a wide variety of nonfiction texts in our libraries and classrooms?  Nonfiction texts can offer children endless possibilities for learning about the world around them. Help us explore how best to promote this curiosity through nonfiction literature.

Creative Process. We believe that the more we understand about the creative process, the deeper are our insights into literature. This, in turn, enables us to more effectively guide students' explorations of literature. Toward this end, this section of the journal will contain interesting and lively refereed articles and interviews by and about children's authors and illustrators and their work that will give us insight into the creative process. We encourage potential contributors to link their pieces to the theme of the issue.

Manuscript Guidelines: Manuscripts should not exceed twenty double-spaced, typed pages (including references). Use APA (6th edition) format. Please include an abstract of approximately 50-150 words at the beginning of the manuscript. If the manuscript contains samples of student work, photographs of students working, charts, diagrams, or other visuals, include scans upon submission; originals will be requested upon acceptance. (Permission must be secured for samples of student work and photographs of students.) Author's name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address, and school/professional affiliation should be on a separate cover page. The author's name or any reference that would enable a reviewer to know who the author is should not appear on the manuscript. Please indicate in the cover letter the themed issue for which the manuscript is being submitted. Manuscripts will not be sent out for peer review until this information is provided. All manuscripts will be reviewed by at least two members of the editorial board. Decisions will be made within 8-12 weeks of publication of the journal issue for which the submission was made. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.

Please submit all manuscripts to the co-editors, Miriam Martinez, Jonda McNair, and Sharon O'Neal, at jcl@clemson.edu.

Miriam Martinez, Co-editor, Journal of Children's Literature, University of Texas at San Antonio
Jonda McNair, Co-editor, Journal of Children's Literature, Clemson University
Sharon O'Neal, Co-editor, Journal of Children's Literature, Texas State University