Madonne, bambine e nuove regine. Icone femminili nelle serie biografiche italiane per l’infanzia e l’adolescenza (2002–2022)

Biographies for children and adolescents enrich young people’s imagination with symbolic meanings that contribute to identity formation. In contemporary biographical narratives centred on female figures, icons of exceptional metaphorical strength emerge, highlighting the evolving role of women in society. This study explores the transformation of this gendered imaginary by focusing on female icons cast as protagonists in illustrated biographies for young readers. I examine three pioneering biographical series published between 2002 and 2022: “Sirene” (EL), “Donne nella Scienza” (Editoriale Scienza), and “Jeunesse Ottopiù” (rueBallu), all of which are recognised for their high editorial quality. Building on an analysis of iconographic representations in these biographies, I identify two types of female icons. One derives from the Western cultural tradition with its enduring iconography of the Madonna and Child, which inspires secular reinterpretations. The other stems from contemporary culture, exemplified by Emily Dickinson and Marilyn Monroe as modern-day queens whose images are replicable and commodified. The presence of these iconic figures in biographical narratives underscores the interconnectedness of women’s collective destinies, drawing on a multilayered imaginary that contributes to young readers’ growth.