Wading
Through Research Wading
Through Research 
Section I:
There are numerous well-known and highly acclaimed children's book authors in the United States. Many of their books can be found in classrooms, libraries, stores, and homes all over the United States. These books cover a wide variety of topics pertaining to children and their experiences, and they attempt to promote some message or value to both children and adults.
Through my research, I would like to learn more about what inspires these individuals to become children's book authors. I would like to learn about a few specific authors who have really made a name for themselves in children's books, and how they have pursued this genre as opposed to novel writing, non-fiction writing, and so on. I would also like to discover the backgrounds of these authors and whether or not writing was, for them, a career or just a hobby. I would also like to learn about the publishing process and how much artistic control the authors maintain over their books.
I feel that this research would be of much interest to all individuals who enjoy writing, whether for their livelihood, or just for entertainment. I think that the information will be useful to those pursuing an education or career focused on writing because they can learn about one outlet in which they can use their skills. I also think that focusing on children's literature is an interesting way to look at the publishing industry, and I feel that that information will be of use to those already in the field as well as those looking to enter the field. I feel that readers of a national newspaper or magazine will find this information helpful.
Section II:
Print Sources from UNC libraries:
Beckett, Sandra L. Transcending Boundaries: Writing for a dual audience of children and adults. New York: Garland Publishing, 1999. Call # PN1009. A1 T69
Beckett, Sandra L. Reflections of Change: Children's literature since 1945. Westport, CN: Greenwood Press, 1997. Call # PN1009. A1 R425
Swinger, Alice K. Children's Books: A legacy for the young. Bloomington, IN: Phi Delta Kappa Education Foundation, 1981. Call # Z1037.S97
Non-print Source:
A Visit With Eve Bunting. Videocassette. Boston: Houghton Mifflin-Carion, 1991. Call # 22
Section III:
Brennan, Geraldine (1999, Dec. 31). "Potter's Imaginary Ancestors; Children's books of the century." The Times Educational Supplement [Online], Issue 4357, 574 words. Available: Lexis-Nexis [2001, May 25].
Jones, Malcolm and Jeff Giles and David Gates (2000, Dec. 11). "Books of Wonder." Newsweek [Online], p.70, 1870 words. Available: Lexis-Nexis [2001, May 25].
Morris, Holly J. (1999, Nov. 20). "Mad About Harry? Try Diana; Bestsellers; Ask Dr. Hip; Top Picks." US News and World Report [Online], vol.127, no.21, p.80, 709 words. Available: Lexis-Nexis [2001, May 25] (2001, July 17).
"Children's Books." Publisher's Weekly [Online], p.192, 5546 words. Available: Lexis-Nexis [2001, May 25]. (2001, April 23).
"Children's Books: Children's Bookbag." Publisher's Weekly [Online], 100 words. Available: Lexis-Nexis [2001, May 25]. Thompson, Bob (1999, April 4).
"The Real Bedtime Story." Washington Post [Online], p.W16, 3075 words. Available: Lexis-Nexis [2001, May 25].
Section IV:
Eleanor Estes
http://www.edupaperback.org/pastbios/Estesele
This site discusses her life and how she became a writer. It gives information about her Moffats series as well as her book The Hundred Dresses. Source: Educational Paperback Association
Kevin Henkes
http://www.carolhurst.com/authors/khenkes
This provides a biography of this author/illustrator whose works include Julius the Baby of the World and Words of Stone. Source: Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site
Michael Coleman Dot Com
http://www.michael-coleman.com
This site contains a time line of how Coleman became an author as well as other biographical information. It includes a question and answer section and information about Coleman's newsletter and most recent works. Source: Michael Coleman Dot Com
Lynn Reid Banks
Includes biographical information about her and how she became a writer. Focuses on her work, The Indian in the Cupboard, but talks about others as well. Source: Lynn Reid Banks
Maurice Sendak
http://www.falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/sendak
Discusses his life and his drive to be an author. Includes biographical information as well as information on his famous works, especially Where the Wild Things Are. Source: Carol Gregory and Inez Ramsey
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Offers information about the children's publication industry as well as providing information and recent news about some of the most noted children's book authors of the day. Source: SCBWI
Section V:
Individuals have been learning about the numerous and lucrative business opportunities that are being taken advantage of through the use of Internet sites for some time now (2). This newfound knowledge has brought about a great deal of controversy regarding the use of Internet domains. These domains are simply web addresses or sites which people use to stake their claim on a portion of cyberspace. The names are crucial to a successful business though, because that is how customers will identify the company on the web. If certain names are used for more than one company, the customer can be confused, and that eventually leads to trouble for the company that desires their business (3). In fact, there have been numerous suits filed due to the fact that more than one individual or group desires to use, or is already using, the same domain name. Everyone has been asking who has the authority to make the decisions and declare the rules regarding this issue, but despite some answers, the controversy still builds (3). On September 30, 1998, the contract, which was made between Network Solutions and the United States government, expired (3). Before its expiration, two proposals were in the works as to how to handle the situation following the September date. One proposal was by the Council of Registrars, while the other was by the U.S. Department of Congress. Both proposed new systems of dealing with domain names, and both advocated other means of dispute settlement besides law suits. However, there were certain aspects of both that were deemed by many to be unfair (3). In Novemmber of 1999, Network Solutions Inc. and The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers made a deal with The Department of Commerce that in fact changed the future of the domain name system (2). The deal maintained that NSOL would pre-pay ICANN $1.25 million in return for control of the database that contained previously registered domain names NSOL continued to receive six dollars for each name registered by a competitor, and that money was used to keep the deal in tact. Both groups worked to make it possible that the settlement of disputes over domain names could be dealt with online (1).
Notes:
(1)Dix, Nancy and Allyn Taylor. "Cyberspace Names Receive Limited Protection in US." IP Worldwide. July 1996. The New York Publishing Co., 1996
. (2)"Players Finally Strike Domain Deal." Internet News-Business News Archives. 4 Nov. 1999, 1999. Also available online: InternetNews.com.
(3)Razzano, Pasquale and Bruce M. Wexler. "US Battles International Coalition Over New Domain Name System." IP Worldwide. May 1998 / June 1998. New York Publishing Co., 1998.
Web Sites:
Who Can Stake a Name in Cyberspace?
http://technoculture.mira.net.au/hypermail/001.html
Contains information as to the rights surrounding domain names, as in who should have them and so forth. Source: Michael Leventhal Attorney at Law
Network Solutions Take Domain Disputes Online
Discusses using Internet instead of courtroom to handle disputes over domain names. Source: Clint Boulton (InternetNews.com staff)
Eminent Domain Name
Discusses lengthy Internet lawsuit between Kremen and Cohen. Includes how Kremen blamed NSOL for the problem regarding their claims to a certain domain name. Source: Forbes.com (Jon Swartz)
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