Historical Dictionary of Children’s Literature (review)

(although personal accounts are undeniably difficult to document, only 3 or 4 articles have a proper bibliography). Certain subjects, like psychological handicaps including autism, could have been addressed more thoroughly (neither of the two papers on this topic given at the seminar are part of the proceedings). Some of the abbreviations and medical terms could have been explained for the non-specialists. These matters aside, the positive aspects of this book largely overcome its flaws. The contributors are specialists who have a thorough grasp of their subjects, be it through research or personal experience. The book is lively, filled with concrete examples that are usually followed by more general reflections. Furthermore, the seminar was intended to cover all aspects of this vast subject, and it has successfully provided a sweeping coverage of almost every type of handicap (sensory impairment, mobility impairment, psychic impairment, invalidating sickness, handicaps due to accidents or persons born with disabilities). Above all, the fact that the seminar was held, that a reflection on the subject of handicapped children’s reading needs was conducted, is in itself remarkable. There seems to be a genuine realization, an initial pondering on the subject that might be continued through research projects that would go beyond examples of special achievements or individual life courses, and explore other facets of this problem. An article on the role of librarians as mediators would be welcomed, as well as a general article on the handicapped character in francophone children’s literature. The seminar and its proceedings have made the necessary material available for future synthesis, and have begun the work of addressing the issue of fully integrating the handicapped into our society. The authors acknowledge the numerous difficulties inherent in this undertaking, but it is a topic that concerns each and every one of us, and I am delighted to see that it is being addressed. Congratulations to Françoise HacheBissette and to her team! Marie-Ange Pompignoli, translated by Hasmig Chahinian, Bibliothèque nationale de France