Alsup, Wessel-Powell book published
In June 2025, Purdue University Press published a new book co-edited by College of Education faculty members Janet Alsup and Christy Wessel-Powell.
Publication Title
First Opinions, Second Reactions
A Collection of Innovative Online Reviews of Literature for Children and Young Adults
Editors
Edited by Janet Alsup and Christy Wessel-Powell
Publisher
Purdue University Press
Publication Date
June 2025
About the Book (from the publisher)
First Opinions, Second Reactions: A Collection of Innovative Online Reviews of Literature for Children and Young Adults features selected pieces from the journal First Opinions, Second Reactions, which reviews children’s and young adult books. The journal, and this book, consist of reviews of books written by scholars of children’s and Young Adult (YA) literature, followed up with responses from those who share the books with their intended audiences—children and teens. The editors have selected twelve issues classified under four thematic categories (social and political issues; diversity and inclusion; identification and empathy; and genre study) to represent the depth and breadth of publication since the journal’s founding. Also included are ideas for classroom activities that engage with these works.
About the Editors
Janet Alsup is a professor of English education at Purdue University, where she has been a faculty member since 2000. She is a former department head in Purdue’s College of Education as well as a former high school teacher. She has authored, coauthored, or edited six books, including A Case for Teaching Literature in the Secondary School: Why Reading Fiction Matters in an Age of Scientific Objectivity and Standardization. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in English and literacy education.
Christy Wessel-Powell is an associate professor of literacy and language education at Purdue University, where she has been a faculty member since 2016. She regularly publishes articles, book chapters, and book reviews focused on children’s literature, literacy, equity, and teacher education. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy and elementary education. Prior to her career in academia, she was a K–2 classroom teacher.