Gender Stereotypes in Historical Biographical Novels for Children and Young Adults

Abstract

Biographical novels for children constitute an interesting case, as authors employ their creative imagination while combining history and factual descriptions to invite young readers to become part of a distant reality rich in social, anthropological and historical significance. This article focuses on the work of Greek writer Kira Sinou titled Anna and Theophano: Princesses Abroad (Άννα και Θεοφανώ, πριγκίπισσες στα ξένα, Κέδρος 2004) and her effort to narrate the life of significant feminine personalities of the Byzantine period in a “truthful” sense, so as to revive literary past-present dialogues. This article aspires to highlight the ways in which the author makes use of the narrative nature of historiography to reveal the Byzantine past to children and adolescents, attempting not only to underline the importance of timeless sociopolitical issues, but also to contribute to the shaping of children’s self-identity and attitudes by using gender stereotypes and critical literacy practices.