Congress of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) 2026; Paris, France

Conference: Latin American Studies Association Conference (LASA) 2026; Paris, France
May 26 – 30, 2026 

Presentation: Valentes Migrantes: la contribución de la literatura infantil y juvenil frente a la crisis migratoria 

REPORT:

The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) 2026 Congress, held in Paris from May 26–30, 2026, was highly relevant to my academic and professional development. I presented my paper on Wednesday, May 27, from 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at FIAP (International Center of Reception and Meetings), in the London Room, as part of the panel "Complejidades del movimiento y las identidades de niños, niñas y jóvenes migrantes." My presentation was titled "Valentes Migrantes: la contribución de la literatura infantil y juvenil frente a la crisis migratoria."

The paper I presented was developed from the research I submitted for my Ph.D. comprehensive examination, which I presented to my department on September 19, 2025. My primary goal in presenting this work at LASA was to receive constructive feedback, comments, and suggestions that will strengthen the manuscript as I prepare it for publication.

My paper examined two children's books: Valentes: Histórias de Pessoas Refugiadas no Brasil, by the Brazilian authors Aryane Cararo and Duda Porto de Souza, and Migrantes, by Issa Watanabe. The paper explores how these works go beyond the conventions of traditional children's and young adult literature by addressing the experiences of refugees with sensitivity and complexity. I argue that these books serve as important educational and literary tools, helping both children and adults better understand the challenges, struggles, and resilience of refugees around the world.

One of the most valuable aspects of this panel was its interdisciplinary nature. While my research approaches migration and childhood through the lens of children's and young adult literature, the other panelists came from the fields of Sociology and Anthropology. This interdisciplinary exchange provided new perspectives on migration, childhood, and identity, enriching my understanding of the topic and offering new ideas that will be valuable as I develop my dissertation over the next three years of my Ph.D. 

In addition to my own panel, I attended another session related to my research interests. In particular, the panel "Cultura, representaciones e identidad desde la infancia y juventud," held on Thursday from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at FIAP, was especially meaningful. The presentations explored issues related to childhood, youth, identity, and cultural representation, creating opportunities for productive discussions about children's and young adult literature and its diverse representations across literature and other forms of artistic expression.

Overall, participating in LASA 2026 allowed me to present my research to an international audience, receive valuable interdisciplinary feedback, expand my academic network, and engage with current scholarship directly related to my dissertation topic. The conference significantly contributed to my professional development and will positively inform both my future research and publication plans.