New Plan

Okay so I am changing my topic...

My new plan is to do a survey of children's literature that focuses on war.  I am particularly look at picture books and those for children in elementary school and below.  This research may lead to further questions about how these books affect children's perspectives on war but I think I do need a founation first.

So, tentatively, I am going to look at books from the last 60 years (1950+).  I also want to note the attitude about war promoted in these books.  This seems (but probably won't be) easy enough except that I need to determine a couple more things.  I am not sure where to draw the line in terms of symbolism.  I thought of only looking at non-fiction books... but I think I would like it more inclusive.  It will be tricky, however, to thoroughly dissect all fiction books that do not discuss war directly but clearly respresent it symbolically.  Plus, I need to determine how big of a role war needs to play in the text to be labeled as a war book.

These are just some things to think about!