Susan Stan Children’s Literature Research Grant

Apply for the Grant

About the grant

 

We are now accepting applications for the Susan Stan Children's Literature Summer Research Grant. The application must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 17, 2026, to be considered.

The summer research grant winner will receive $2,000 to cover travel and living expenses to Central Michigan University's Clarke Historical Library to conduct research in the Clarke’s Lucile Clarke Memorial Children's Library, especially its international children’s literature resources.

Applicant qualifications:

  • You live in the U.S. or Canada.
  • You possess either a master’s or doctoral degree, or you are currently enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian master’s or doctoral program.
  • You are available to carry out your research at the Clarke Historical Library on the CMU campus between May 1, 2026, and September 1, 2026.

Read about the Clarke’s collection of children’s literature

This summer research grant honors Dr. Susan M. Stan (1946-2018), a distinguished scholar of international and multicultural children's literature and a generous supporter of the Clarke Historical Library. Dr. Stan eagerly shared her vibrant passion for international children’s literature. She taught as an English professor at Central Michigan University; edited resource books, including The World Through Children's Books (Scarecrow Press, 2002); and presented at national and international children's literature conferences. In 2011, she received a Fulbright Fellowship to conduct research at the International Library for Children's Literature in Munich, Germany. Her last published book was Global Voices: Picture Books from Around the World (ALA Editions, 2014). Dr. Stan served as president of the United States section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). During her career, she also served as a juror for prestigious children's literature awards, including the Han Christian Andersen, Caldecott, and Batchelder awards.