Roots of freedom. Ecofeminism and Children’s literature in Bianca Pitzorno’s Clorofilla dal cielo blu

Abstract

Ecofeminism is a movement that intertwines the struggle for gender equality with environmental advocacy, highlighting the
deep connection between nature and women, who have traditionally been associated with its care. This article examines ecofeminism
(Gaard, 1993) in children’s literature, focusing on how ecological and social justice issues are portrayed in works aimed at
younger audiences.
Particular attention will be given to Clorofilla dal cielo blu by Bianca Pitzorno (Beseghi, 1992; Casella, 1994; Pitzorno, 1995;
Barsotti, 2006), first published in 1974, a story that blends these themes through the journey of a young protagonist who explores
the natural world and questions power structures (hooks, 2020b; hooks, 2023).
The article explores how children’s literature can help shape an ecological and critical consciousness (Gaard, 2009), emphasizing
the role of books in raising awareness of gender equality and sustainability among young readers.