Child prodigies, venerable sages: the historical scientist in Colombian children’s and young adult literature

Children’s and young adult literature is often seen as a means to introduce this public to cultural discussions about science. This would aim to promote scientific careers and reduce gender gaps. The article shows how Colombian literary tradition has facilitated this goal by combining moral instruction and rational entertainment, portraying the historical scientist as a wise, gifted, and self-taught child misunderstood by society. This raises the question of whether this imagery addresses scientific careers and gender gaps.

Keywords:
Children’s and young adult literature; Historical scientist; History of science; Scientific vocations; Gender gaps