A importância de Monteiro Lobato para a construção da literatura infanto juvenil brasileira

Abstract

This work addresses the relevance of Monteiro Lobato in the formation of Brazilian children's literature, highlighting his pioneering contribution in the creation of stories and characters that won over young audiences and encouraged the habit of reading among children and adolescents. The research, of a bibliographic and qualitative nature, investigates the author's literary historiography and critical analyzes of his impact, in addition to the controversies surrounding his works. Lobato was responsible for transforming children's literature in Brazil by incorporating elements of folklore, such as Saci, and by dealing with educational and cultural themes in an engaging and accessible way for young readers. His ability to mix fantasy and reality created literature capable of dialoging with society's dilemmas, encouraging critical thinking in new generations. However, his work also faces criticism, especially regarding the reproduction of racial and cultural stereotypes, such as the representation of the character Tia Nastácia. Such criticisms generate debates about the role of literature in maintaining social stigmas and the importance of a critical reading of the works of renowned authors. Furthermore, the controversies surrounding Lobato's political ideas, which were expressed in some of his texts and public positions, fuel discussions about the limits of art and the relationship between the author and his works. Despite the controversies, Monteiro Lobato's importance for the formation of the children's reading public and his contribution to the development of Brazilian children's literature are unquestionable, since he introduced a literary model that unites fantasy, national culture and education. His work continues to influence generations of readers and writers, being considered essential for understanding the process of building Brazilian children's and youth literature, with a relevance that persists to this day.