'To see oursels as others see us': the imaging of children in a selection of Scottish children's historical fiction

British children's literature has an extensive and influential canon, in which historical fiction figures prominently. Scottish authors have contributed significantly to historical fiction for children, but the 'popular' image of Scottish children and their representation still appears marginal and stereotypical. This essay adopts a thematic approach to the narration of childhood, history and nation in Scottish children's literature and challenges the marginal place of Scottish children in literature. The roles of a child as survivior, catalyst, victim and role model are probed in relation to key historical events in which children are involved. Some texts presenting a more rounded and recognisable image of the Scottish child are highlighted and discussed