«I Exist Too!» (Psyche Books) is a book by journalist Eleonora Molisani dedicated to children aged 6 to 13 and DSA Friendly. It tells the story of minor myths to better understand the problems related to current affairs, but it is also a book that relates children and adults, creating an opening to dialogue. It will be presented in Naples at the bookstore I'm Here on February 24th at 11:00 together with the writer Francesca G. Marrone.
Can politics be done with a children's book? Today more than ever. Molisani's volume indeed celebrates minor myths, ancient tales often overlooked, which hide in the shadow of the more known and recognized ones. Young readers will be transported into a fascinating world, full of extraordinary creatures, incredible stories, unforgettable adventures. Cronus, Hecate, Pelops, Eurynome, Amphion, Hestia, Adonis, Iris. Each of the eight chapters presents a mythical creature and its story, followed by a reflection on current major themes, those that are always said should be discussed in the family from childhood; brought into primary and secondary schools; be part of the educational baggage of the third millennium, but which are not yet talked about enough.
The violence against women and minors; the value of hospitality; respect for diversity; inclusion and equal opportunities; free choice and consent; the new concept of couple and family; the risks of the globalized world based on image and social networks; environmentalism; the value of loyalty in friendship and sports; the importance of study and culture to nourish our conscience. The new millennium calls us to be citizens aware of economic and social transformations, climate change and new global emergencies, like wars and mass migrations. From our homes, to school desks, to Parliament: these themes should be shared with the new generations as soon as possible, and should transform into new laws that ensure rights and equal opportunities for all. 'I Exist Too!', in addition to stimulating imagination, curiosity, creativity, is an invitation to know and appreciate the beauty of so many stories of our cultural tradition and, at the same time, the immeasurable and timeless value of diversity which, since always, is synonymous with evolution and progress.
Eleonora Molisani has been dealing with current affairs and books for various national publications for 30 years. She is a teacher of journalism, communication and new media, Italian and critical analysis at the Mohole School in Milan, where she also curates the literary review Parolibere. She has collaborated in the editing of school and essay books for Garzanti and McGraw-Hill. She published the anthology of stories 'The Hole I Have in My Heart Has Your Shape' (2014, Priamo & Meligrana), the novel 'Collateral Affections' (2019, Giraldi) and the collection of poems 'Romanticide, Love Spoems and Other Misfortunes' (2021, Neo). She participated in the anthologies 'Coffee Break' (Prospero), 'Letters to the Father' (Morellini), 'Reboot-Love Letters to Milan' (BookaBook), 'Modern Interstices' (Il Margine), 'Hearts in Kabul' (Graphe) and 'We are not Alone, Eight Stories of Female Solidarity' (Galaad). She curates the book column 'Atrocious Voices' for the online portal 'Writers at Home'.