Diverse Children's Book/Media Reviews

Column Editor: Dr. Sun Young Lee

Manuscript Submission Deadline: January 15

Manuscript Requirements

Kansas English seeks children’s book/media reviews to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in elementary education through the use of children’s literature and mass media. We define diversity in the broadest range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs. Given the changing nature of literacy in the digital world, we are looking for reviews about both children’s books and mass media (ex. documentaries, films, etc.). Each review should feature book(s) or media addressing the broadly defined diversity, equity, and inclusion and be 300-500 words in length. including:

1. A relevant title

2. A brief abstract (up to 50 words) and 3-5 keywords (review KE archives for examples)

3. The book’s year of publication and author

4. Textual information (e.g., character, conflict, plot, setting, theme)

5. How/why the book/media will appeal to elementary readers and/or their teachers

6. How the book could be included in the elementary curriculum

7. Possible challenges that might arise from teaching the book/media

8. A description of what you like best about the book/media

Submission Requirements

Submit your manuscript to Column Editor Sun Young Lee at SunYoung.Lee@wichita.edu, following the instructions below:  

Include the following information in the body of your email:

1. Full names, affiliations, email addresses, and brief bios of all authors

2. Title of submission

3. Statement that the manuscript is original, has not been published previously in other journals and/or books, and is not a simultaneous submission.

4. Statement disclosing your use of generative AI (artificial intelligence) in composing your manuscript, for example:

   1. I did not use generative AI in the creation of this manuscript.

   2. I used generative AI to (include any/all of the following as appropriate):

      • Summarize literature

      • Formulate ideas

      • Organize ideas

      • Produce drafts of texts

      • Revise and/or refine the text

      • Any other use not specified in this list

   3. If you used generative AI, you must also include a statement of use in the manuscript itself, at the end.

   4. You should err on the side of more disclosure/transparency, rather than less.

   5. Please note that generative AI may not be listed as an author.

Attach the manuscript as a single attachment to your email, ensuring that all manuscript requirements are met. 

•      Abstracts and key words should be included in the manuscript itself, not as another attachment (i.e., there should only be ONE attachment in your email to the Column Editor). 

During the academic year, look for a confirmation email from the Column Editor within 2-3 business days. If you do not receive an email confirming receipt of your submission, please resubmit.