Global literature for young people: critical issues and social responsibilities

This chapter examines the state of the field in global literature through the social responsibilities of readers, bookmakers, and influencers. Global literature is defined as any book set in a global culture outside of the reader's own culture, including international literature. The complex issues include balancing the possibilities and dangers of reading global literature; the cultural locations of readers in relation to a book; availability, accuracy, authenticity and representations within texts; and the adults who influence what and how children read. The value of global literature is based in encouraging open-mindedness and transforming the world views of readers.