Literature in the 1950s reflected the conflict between idealized visions of prosperity and conformity with underlying doubts, as works explored themes of conformity, self-help, and science fiction. Popular books included The Lonely Crowd, The Affluent Society, The Organization Man, Atlas Shrugged, I, Robot, and The Martian Chronicles, while children's literature featured titles like Ginger Pye, The Door in the Wall, Rifles for Watie, and Miracles on Maple Hill. Authors like Norman Vincent Peale and Fulton J. Sheen offered messages of self-determination.

1. Literature was very important in the 1950’s, as it “reflected the conflict of self-satisfaction with 50's Happy Days and cultural self-doubt about conformity and the true worth of American values.” LITERATURE OF THE 1950’S

2. Some authors such as Norman Vincent Peale and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen gave people the hope to control how their lives would end up.

3. Conformity was a popular topic in many books of the 1950’s, such as: The Lonely Crowd By David Riesman The Affluent Society By John Kenneth Galbraith The Organization Man By William H. Whyte Atlas Shrugged By Ayn Rand

4. Science fiction became popular with books like: I, Robot By Issac Asimov The Martian Chronicles By Ray Bradbury

5. And some bestselling children books included… Ginger Pye By Eleanor Estes The Door in the Wall By Marguerite de Angeli Rifles for Watie By Harold Keith Miracles on Maple Hill By Virginia Sorenson