Otávio Júnior's children's literature:

poetical views about the periphery

Abstract

It is known that contemporary children's literature has been gaining new plots and characters that dialog with diversities. From this perspective, the text discussed herein presents an analysis of two books that bring the periphery as the main scenario of poetic experiences, namely: O Chefão lá do Morro (2020b) and O garoto da camisa vermelha (2020a) both written by Otávio Júnior and illustrated by Angelo Abu. The books present some sensitive topics that involve peripheral communities, but distanced from media stereotypes and, at the same time, full of poetry, hope and respect for the culture and people who live in these locations. Therefore, the literary art of the works materialized by the language and illustrations and the potential for human formation of these readings were analyzed. The analyses made it possible to realize that these books can be read and worked on in any context because they present a narrative that sensitizes, enchants, and instigates different sorts of readers. It is also clear the creativity of the author in provoking the readers to reread the text and themselves as well, paying special attention to the deconstruction and reconstruction of views on the favelas. Thus, Otávio Júnior's importance in the current literature scene stands out, especially for presenting his art with sensitive and hopeful eyes.