Isabelita senzapaura
(Fearless Isabelita) Book not yet available in English
Summary:
After the death of her mother, Isabelita sets off on a long journey with her dad, a famous explorer, in search of a precious treasure. But neither one can imagine that this time it will be Isabelita who makes a great discovery: the greatest treasures are not always the most precious things, and at times they come to those who know how to observe and wait.
Edited by: Centro MeTRa - Università di Bologna (Italy)
Comment:
Isabelita senzapaura (“Fearless Isabelita”) is a beautiful unconventional adventure story with an unconventional protagonist. Isabelita is a sensitive and curious girl, who loves drawing and recording her thoughts in a notebook. Thanks to her ability to listen to all living beings, and to her openness to novelty and diversity, she will discover the treasure, but she will also decide to keep it secret. The series “Belle, astute e coraggiose” (Beautiful, cunning, and courageous) includes 12 volumes published between 2010 and 2012, all written by Beatrice Masini and illustrated by Desideria Guicciardini. Masini tells the stories of brave and intelligent girls, who subvert the canons of codified literary genres (e. g. adventure, mythical, historical narratives), and succeed in accomplishing various kinds of adventures without resorting to violence, and improving their lives. In several cases, the open ending leaves unlimited choices to protagonists and readers alike. Although some books are better than others from a stylistic point of view, altogether they are a pleasant and engaging read, as well as a source of empowerment and inspiration for girls. The only sore note is that the peritext is a bit too girly. As a matter of fact, these stories could and should also be read by boys in order to avoid falling into the false equation that gender-sensitive literature is only for girls.