Black Representation in Children's Literature: beyond A Bonequinha Preta and Menina bonita do laço de fita

Abstract

This article discusses black representation in children's literature, demonstrating the urgent need to consider the quality of texts that reach the classroom, opting for stories that can contribute to the development of a healthy self-esteem in black children. Considering that it is in early childhood education and the initial years of elementary school that children go through the phase of building their identity and that the books chosen by teachers can positively or negatively impact this process, the aim is to show that we need to go beyond A Bonequinha Preta by Alaíde Lisboa de Oliveira and Menina bonita do laço de fita by Ana Maria Machado. If we want narratives that promote an anti-racist education, it is necessary to make choices based on respect for ethnic-racial diversity. It is concluded that it is essential for teachers to reconstruct their pedagogical practices and be willing to address similarities and differences with dignity, proposing literary narratives that value and respect the culture, skin color, physical characteristics, and ancestry of black children, thus breaking stereotypes and prejudices.