The Children’s and Young Adult Informational Book as a Contemporary Medium for Fostering Historical Literacy: The Case of Mariza Decastro’s 2194 Days of War and 2651 Days of Dictatorship.

Abstract

This study investigates the role of informational books for children and young adults in cultivating historical literacy, using Mariza Decastro’s books 2194 Days of War and 2651 Days of Dictatorship as case studies. Employing qualitative content analysis, the paper examines key elements essential for the development of historical literacy, such as structure, thematic diversity, documentation, narrative, temporal handling, and visualization. The functional and innovative combination of these elements significantly contributes to stimulating readers' interest and encouraging young people to view the past critically. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the purpose of these books is not merely to convey information, but to cultivate a critical and emotionally engaged relationship with history, fostering historical consciousness and the skills required to interpret and understand historical progression.