Issues that facilitate awareness on sustainability in “A chave do Tamanho”, by Monteiro Lobato

Abstract

This study used an example of children’s and young adults’ literature, by Monteiro Lobato, to discuss the theme of sustainability, with potential applications to learning environments, in and beyond schools. In order to reach said goal, the research analysed sustainability issues present in A chave do Tamanho, which is included in the collection of O sítio do picapau amarelo, written by Monteiro Lobato. The theoretical part of the study describes historical and conceptual aspects related to sustainability, resulting from the analysis of documents pertaining to international Conferences, organized by the United Nations (UN) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), aiming to discuss environmental issues, current expectations and, especially, future generations’ expectations. This focus, presented in the present study, is a part of a Master’s thesis, in Scientific and Technological Education, developed by this article’s first author, who currently conducts research in it. This qualitative research includes the analysis of issues in A chave do Tamanho, that are adequate to this study’s goals since they describe the relations between humans, environment and nature, presented through the adventures and antics of the main character, Emilia. Children’s and young adults’ literature, such as the work used in this study, has the potential to raise
the audience’s awareness, particularly that of children and youths, on environment and nature, thanks to its ability to promote different ways of thinking and understanding environmental features, by highlighting issues linked to sustainability.