Ana Maria Machado facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ana Maria Machado
in 2017
Born	(1941-12-24) 24 December 1941 (age 83) Rio de Janeiro City, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Occupation	Writer, journalist
Alma mater	Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Period	1969–
Genre	Children's novels, magic realism
Notable works	Bisa Bia, Bisa Bel
Notable awards	Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing 2000

Ana Maria Machado (born 24 December 1941) is a famous Brazilian writer. She is known for her amazing children's books. Many people consider her one of the most important children's authors in Brazil. In 2000, she won the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal. This award is given for a lasting contribution to children's literature. She also won the SM Ibero-American Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature in 2012.

Life and Writing Journey

Early Life and Studies

Ana Maria Machado was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1941. She first started her career as a painter. She worked in Rio de Janeiro and New York City. Later, she studied Romance languages. She even earned a PhD in Paris. She also worked as a journalist for 'Elle' magazine in Paris. She also worked for the BBC in London. In 1979, she opened Brazil's first children's bookshop. It was called 'Malasartes'.

Starting to Write for Young Readers

Ana Maria Machado began writing in 1969. She was part of a group of writers who started during a time when Brazil had a military government. It was hard to express certain ideas freely. Children's literature, poetry, and songs were ways to share messages. These messages were about happiness, freedom, and human rights.

Her story Menina Bonita do laço de fita (1986) is a great example. It's about a white rabbit and a black rabbit who get married. They have many children with different fur colors. This book shares a lovely message about different groups of people living together.

In 'Era uma vez um tirano' (1982), three children stand up to a mean ruler. This ruler has banned colors, thoughts, and all happiness. Ana Maria Machado often uses humor in her stories. She trusts young readers to understand the deeper meanings.

Unique Storytelling Style

Ana Maria Machado's writing style is often called "magic realism". This means she mixes real-life situations with magical or fantastic parts. She also uses language and story structures in fun ways. For example, in 'História meio ao contrário' (1978), she flips a classic fairy tale around. Her story starts with "And if they didn’t die, then they are still alive today." It ends with "once upon a time."

One of her most important books is 'Bisa Bia, Bisa Bel' (1982). In this story, a girl named Isabell talks to her great-grandmother, Bisa Bia, who has passed away. She also talks to her own great-grandchild from the future, Bisa Bel. This becomes a magical trip. It shows the hidden connections between different generations. This helps Isabell find her own path in life. For Ana Maria Machado, fantasy helps us see space and time in new ways. It also lets reality and fantasy blend together.

Another brilliant book is ‘Palavra de Honra’ (2005). It tells the story of a wealthy family with Portuguese and Brazilian roots. The main character, Letícia, tries to put together her family's history. She uses old family items to understand her own story.

Ana Maria Machado lives with her family in Rio de Janeiro.

Awards and Recognition

The Hans Christian Andersen Award is a very important award. It is given every two years by the International Board on Books for Young People. It is the highest honor for a writer or illustrator of children's books. Ana Maria Machado received this award for her writing in 2000.

She has written over one hundred books. These books are for children and adults. They have been published in 17 countries. She has received many important awards in Brazil and other countries.

Selected Books

• Alice e Ulisses, (novel), 1983
• Tropical Sol da Liberdade, (novel), 1988
• Canteiros de Saturno, (novel), 1991
• Aos Quatro Ventos, (novel), 1993
• O Mar Nunca Transborda, (novel), 1995
• A Audácia dessa Mulher, (novel), 1999
• Esta Força Estranha, (biography), 1998
• Para Sempre, (novel), 2001

See also

In Spanish: Ana Maria Machado para niños