ROCHESTER, NY—Toys are “the tools of serious fun.” They have the power to inspire, educate, comfort, heal, empower, and more. They also can oppress and harm, whether physically or psychologically. In a special, double issue, the American Journal of Play moves beyond the theory of play to focus on the play objects themselves. Guest edited by Greta Pennell, professor emeritus of teacher education at Indianapolis University and member of the International Toy Research Association, the issue focuses on the possibilities and potentialities of toys—while also addressing concerns around safety, representation, environmentalism, and more.
Pennell, in a guest editor’s note, writes, “…toys are far more than mere playthings or simple commodities in the market. They are integral to our lives, to our understanding of ourselves in relation to friends, family, and the larger community. The papers, interviews, and book reviews in this issue focus attention on the role of toys in the face of pandemic-related shutdowns, prejudices, exclusion, and marginalization, and the existential threats of war. They offer new perspectives and challenge us to think deeply about the role of toys in our world. I hope that this special issue launches future research that addresses and embraces the power of toys in all their many forms.”
The complete issue of the American Journal of Play can be read freely online. Additional interviews and articles include:
- Art Play and War Toys: An Interview with Brian McCarty
- The History of the Toy and Games Industries Seen through a Jewish Lens: An Interview with Stephen Jacobs
- The Impact of Childhood Toys and Play on Adult Skills, Interests, and Life Opportunities: An Autoethnographic Analysis by James R. Pennell
- Therapeutic Play: Adult Puzzling and Hard Times by Anne D. Williams
- The Journey of Loose Parts across Educational Landscapes and History: The Role of Materials, Relationships, Space, and Time in Children’s Loose Parts Play by Ozlem Cankaya, Jamie Leach, and Kadriye Akdemir
- Cultural Legitimization: The Evolution of Authorship in Board Games in Europe and the United States (1845 to 1984) by Vincent Berry and Annie Xiang
- Frozen in Time: Teaching Imperialism Through Lead Toys in Interwar America by Anne Boyd
- The Therapeutic Power of Synthetic Relationships with Dolls by Emilie St-Hilaire
- Virtual Toys: The Mediatization of Play on YouTube by Bhoomi K. Thakore
- Playing around on Zoom: The Intersection of Imaginary Play with Technology by Rebecca Horrace
About the American Journal of Play
The American Journal of Play is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary publication that serves as a forum for discussing the history, science, and culture of play. Published three times each year by The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, the Journal includes articles, interviews, and book reviews written for a broad readership that includes educators, psychologists, play therapists, sociologists, anthropologists, folklorists, historians, museum professionals, toy and game designers, policy makers, and others who consider play for a variety of reasons and from various perspectives.