Interplay of Indigenous Representation and Ecological Issues in Children's Picture Books: An Ecocritical Analysis
Date
2022-12
Authors
Mazurek, Animate
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Abstract
This thesis examines children’s picture books authored by Indigenous creators
published between 2012 and 2022 through an ecocritical lens. This study applies ecocritical theory to analyze three picture books addressing ecological issues about water availability, reservation land, and Indigenous food and recipe loss. This analysis demonstrates that Indigenous creators provide actionable lessons to young readers. They do so by portraying culturally accurate Indigenous relationships with nature through their visual, verbal, and peritextual narratives. I argue that by presenting accurate portrayals of Indigenous characters and their connections with nature in modern settings, these picture books encourage young readers to take action in order to protect the environment.
Description
Keywords
indigenous representation, environmental justice, ecocriticism, picture books, children's literature
Citation
Mazurek, A. (2022). Interplay of indigenous representation and ecological issues in children's picture books: An ecocritical analysis (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.