Ana Maria Machado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ana Maria Machado
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| Born | 24 December 1941 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 on December 24, 1941) is a famous Brazilian writer. She is best known for her wonderful children's books. Many people consider her one of the most important children's authors from Brazil. In 2000, she won the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal. This award is given for a writer's lasting contribution to children's literature. She also received the SM Ibero-American Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature in 2012.
Contents
Life and Career
Ana Maria Machado was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 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 and earned a special degree 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 the first bookshop in Brazil just for children's books. It was called 'Malasartes'.
Becoming a Writer
Ana Maria Machado began writing in 1969. She started writing during a time when Brazil had a military government. She felt that children's books, like poetry and songs, were a way to share important ideas. These ideas included joy, freedom, and respect for human rights.
Her story Menina Bonita do laço de fita (1986) is a lovely 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 sweet message about different groups of people living together.
In another book, 'Era uma vez um tirano' (1982), three children stand up to a ruler. This ruler had forbidden colors, thoughts, and happiness. Ana Maria Machado often uses humor in her stories. She trusts young readers to understand the deeper meanings.
Writing Style
Ana Maria Machado's writing often mixes real-life situations with amazing, dream-like elements. This style is sometimes called "magical realism". She uses language in a fun and clever way. She also plays with how stories are told.
For example, in 'História meio ao contrário' (1978), she flips the usual fairy tale ending. The story begins 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 magical journey helps Isabell understand the connections between generations. It helps her find her own path in life. For Ana Maria Machado, fantasy helps us see beyond what is real. It lets reality and imagination blend together.
Ana Maria Machado lives with her family in Rio de Janeiro.
Awards and Recognition
Ana Maria Machado has written over one hundred books. These books are for both children and adults. Her books have been published in 17 countries. She has won many important awards in Brazil. She has also received many international honors.
The Hans Christian Andersen Award is given every two years. It is the highest honor a writer or illustrator of children's books can receive. Ana Maria Machado won this writing award in 2000.
Selected Books
Here are some of Ana Maria Machado's notable 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
