Sara Sterner, a PhD student in literacy education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction received the prestigious Children’s Literature Assembly research award. Each year, the organization gives a grant for original research addressing significant questions related to the field of children’s literature.

Sterner’s research dissertation, “A post-intentional phenomenological exploration of reading of whitely” examines how literature for young people has served as a platform that promotes whiteness and white cultural norms. She hopes her research can help disrupt this practice and promote inclusivity in children’s and adolescent literature.

“It is crucial to break down this barrier [of predominantly white literature] to promote equity-based literacy practices,” says Sterner.

Learn more about the doctoral program in literacy education.