THE REPRESENTATIONS OF BLACK GIRLS IN THE BOOKS “AMORAS” AND “MEU CRESPO É DE RAINHA”

Abstract

This article presents the results of a research whose objective was to analyze the representations of Blackgirls in books of African and Afro-Brazilian literature, focusing on the most worked works in Early Childhood Education. The investigation continues the research “The Black girl in Afro-Brazilian children’s literature” carried out in 2021-2022, deepening the analysis of literary works that aim to understand how such representations contribute to the strengthening of a positive image of the Black girl, challenging the stereotypes and prejudices historically present in children’s literature. This is a qualitative research that adopts as a method the analysis of the representations of Black girls in the books “Amoras”, by Emicida, and “Meu crespo é de rainha”, by bell hooks. The theoretical framework is based on social studies of childhood and ethnic-racial relations. The results demonstrate that the analyzed works offer positive representations of Black girls, challenging the negative stereotypes often perpetuated in children’s literature. The characters in these works stand out for valuing Black identity, promoting self-acceptance, and foresting empowerment, creating narratives that encourage self-esteem and celebrate deviersity. The research also highlights that the inclusion of African and Afro-Brazilian cultural elements and the appreciation of ancestry contribute to inclusive and anti-racist educational practices. It concludes that bringing visibility to the importance of African and Afro-Brazilian literature in early childhood education is a crucial step in addressing racism, sexism, and adultcentrism, issues that remain deeply rooted in Brazilian society.