Michelle Ann Abate

Michelle Ann Abate is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the Ohio State University's College of Education and Human Ecology. Previously, she served as Associate Professor (2010–2013) and Assistant Professor (2004–2010) at Hollins University, and as Editor of Children’s Literature (2011–2013).

• Ph.D. in English, Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York (2004)
• M.Phil in English, CUNY (2001)
• B.A. in English, Canisius College (1997)

Her research focuses on gender and sexuality in children’s/YA literature, LGBTQ themes, cultural studies of U.S. literature, and intersections between conservative politics and youth media. Recent work has been featured in The Boston Globe, NPR's The Colin McEnroe Show, and The New York Times.

Key publication trends include analyses of violence in children's texts, queer representation, and gender performativity across fairy tales, historical fiction, and contemporary YA novels.

• Lambda Literary Awards Finalist
• Herta Freitag Faculty Legacy Award

She has received grants such as the Cabell Grant (2010) and Faculty Travel Grants (2005–2011). Her editorial roles include guest editorship for The Journal of Lesbian Studies (2011) and service on Children’s Literature (2004–2010).