On Friday November 21, 2025, NOG member Elisa Melo Franco Santos will defend her PhD project ‘Unruly Pictures: Queering Children’s Literature under Dictatorial Regimes in Brazil (1964-1985)’.
In her disseration, Melo Franco Santos shows that the picturebooks reflect the social, political, and cultural contexts of their time and place. They are not neutral and can express political and social critique, even when they seem apolitical at first. By questioning social norms and resisting authoritarian values, the books provide space for reflection and acts of resistance.
According to Melo Franco Santos, using queer theory was essential to reach these conclusions. This approach focuses on what is usually overlooked, and reveals how picturebooks explore uncertainty, rebellion, and hope in ways that resist dominant ideas. By paying attention to everyday politics, this research brings a fresh perspective to the study of children’s literature under authoritarian regimes.
Melo Franco Santos demonstrates how the picturebooks she examined break with traditional storylines and character types. The books suggest new ways for people to connect, for example. They also often offer happy endings that do not necessarily align with the values of the authoritarian regimes. At the same time, she points out that the books show exclusion and vulnerability.
Details PhD Defense
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 14:15-15:15h.
Location: Hybrid. Live: Senate Hall, Utrecht University Hall, or click here to attend online.
Title: Unruly Pictures: Queering Children’s Literature under Dictatorial Regimes in Brazil (1964-1985) and Argentina (1976-1983)
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Sandra Ponzanesi & Prof. Dr. Edoardo Balletta (University of Bologna)
