The Louise A. Jackson Juvenile Western Book Collection contains one hundred and two Western children’s books from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as well as eight reference books on juvenile literature. These books represent early children’s book series and boys’ and girls’ adventure books. A sampling of the books represented in the collection include: Chicken Little Jane, Honey Bunch: Her First Trip West, Zigzag Journeys in the Occident, The Bobbsey Twins in the Great West, and The Boy Scouts in the Rockies. Entries for these titles, and the others in the collection, are available in the University Libraries’ online catalog and in federated databases like WorldCat.

Studying children’s literature focused on the American West can help unravel the cultural and historical tapestry of the region. These narratives illuminate how young minds’ perceptions of adventure, resilience, and cultural identity were shaped. Analyzing these tales provides a nuanced understanding of how the West was portrayed for younger audiences, offering insights into societal ideals, historical events, and the complex interplay of diverse perspectives. By acknowledging these nuances, the study contributes to a more comprehensive exploration of the American West’s multifaceted narrative, fostering an appreciation for its diverse heritage while encouraging a critical examination of historical contexts.

The collection of books was generously donated by former University of Wyoming professor and children’s writer Louise Jackson and was supplemented by a donation from retired University of Wyoming professor Barbara Chatton. Dr. Jackson has also committed to supporting the growth, curation, and research use of the collection through a significant bequest.

Toppan and its books are accessible to undergraduates and members of the public as well as to established scholars. If you would like to make use of any of the books from the collection, please make an appointment with the rare books curator, Mary Beth Brown, at mary.brown@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-2565.