*WINNER* The Effects of Soviet Occupation on East German Children’s Literature

Abstract

The Soviet occupation of East Germany during the Cold War affected East German children’s literature. There were a variety of rules placed on the types of books that were allowed to be published and read by children. During the beginning, many authors strongly adhered to these rules and many children’s books were simply translations from the Soviet Union. However, as time passed East German children’s authors gradually evolved to writing more complex stories that better reflected children’s life in East Germany, as well as integrating various social criticisms better geared for adults. Because of the censorship enacted under Soviet occupation, children’s literature became an important vehicle in portraying criticisms of the Soviet occupation in East Germany.