O papel da leitura na (re)construção da identidade da criança migrante: o exemplo de Pássaro que voa, de Claudio Hochman

Abstract

This paper proposes a reflection on the role of reading as a tool for resilience and identity reconstruction when facing the psychological challenges raised by migration. After a qualitative investigation into the opinion of a small group of child psychiatrists and psychologists regarding the contribution of reading to the grief process inherent to migration, in the light of their responses, the children’s book Passaro que voa was analyzed. This title was chosen based on two criteria: being a recent publication in Portugal and being available in public libraries local to the area where the study took place — and, therefore, being available to the regional population free of charge and in an equal manner. Almost all of the themes identified by the professionals as relevant to the migrant child — such as identity issues, respect for differences, social exclusion, losses, longing, grief, and hope — are present in this literary work. We believe that this and other similar books, by approaching disruptive topics and validating feelings of loss, fear, and unfamiliarity — may contribute to the creation of a more empathetic and truly intercultural society.