Nathalie Bernard is crowned winner of the prestigious 2025 Chateaubriand Prize
The Chateaubriand Prize, often considered one of France’s greatest literary distinctions, recently awarded Nathalie Bernard for her captivating novel *The Guardian of the Forest*. Awarded by the Hauts-de-Seine Department, this prestigious prize highlights excellence in children’s literature and recognizes the talent of committed authors. Indeed, the winner’s work addresses such important themes as the environment, social justice, and the importance of the voice of younger generations in the face of contemporary issues.
Nathalie Bernard and The Guardian of the Forest: A Committed and Poignant Tale
Nathalie Bernard, born in 1970, has already proven herself as a talented novelist, particularly in the field of children’s literature. Her latest work, *The Guardian of the Forest*, published in 2023, is receiving growing admiration. This story revolves around Diana, a 13-year-old girl, who is confronted with the tragic murder of her brother Silvio. Silvio was the guardian of the Amazon rainforest, playing a crucial role in the fight against illegal deforestation that threatens this precious ecosystem.
The themes explored in the book are not only topical, but also reflect a universal struggle. The defender of the Amazon rainforest thus becomes a symbol of resistance against the destructive forces of the logging industry. Through Diana’s lens, the author raises a vital question: the engagement of young people in environmental issues, as well as the power of mobilization through social media.
The lessons of the novel and their resonance with today’s world
Throughout the pages, Nathalie Bernard’s narrative is not limited to Diana’s personal story; it immerses us in the heart of ecological struggles. The young protagonist fights to save her forest, reflecting the challenges faced by those who defend nature today. Through her story, Bernard offers a profound reflection on:
- Deforestation: a scourge with disastrous consequences for the environmental balance. The power of youth: Diana embodies the growing demands of new generations for a more sustainable future.
- Social mobilizations: the novel shows how voices can unite to bring about significant change. By winning the Chateaubriand Prize, Nathalie Bernard not only honors her work but also contributes to sparking a debate around the responsibility we each bear towards our planet. The book, praised for its poignant prose, allows us to immerse ourselves in an often-ignored reality: contemporary environmental issues. The Chateaubriand Prize for Middle School Students: A Springboard for Children’s Literature
- Created by the Hauts-de-Seine Department, this prize aims to raise awareness of literature among young people by engaging them in an active process of reading and reflection. This represents a unique opportunity to unite young readers around works that resonate with their daily lives and concerns. Both the prize and the award ceremony are designed as a celebration, including meetings with the authors and an enriching dialogue between writers and middle school students. This year’s winner, Nathalie Bernard, received the award during a ceremony held in the grounds of the Maison de Chateaubriand. This event brought together elected officials, representatives of the educational community, and middle school students, making for a truly enriching experience.
The Prize’s Educational Journey
Sur le meme sujet
The process surrounding the Chateaubriand Prize is as complex as it is enriching. Middle school students participate in:
Class Readings
: The selection of works is submitted to the students, allowing them to discover new literary horizons.
Debates and Discussions
: Students engage in discussions that foster critical thinking and analysis of works.
- Cultural Visits : Students have the opportunity to visit iconic sites such as the Maison de Chateaubriand and the Institut de France.
- This educational journey is guided by passionate teachers, and literary figures often participate in activities to motivate students and instill a love of books. This initiative contributes to making the Chateaubriand Prize a true celebration of literature and knowledge, while allowing young people to become actively involved in the cultural world around them. Element Importance
- Classroom readings Promote an awareness of literature
Meetings with authors
| Inspiration for middle school students | Dialogues with academics |
|---|---|
| Intellectual and cultural enrichment | Cultural visits |
| Experiential learning | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmmjlOF24lw |
| Involved middle school students: a truly participatory jury | For the 2025 edition of the Chateaubriand Prize, participating middle school students came from a variety of schools, bringing them a wealth of perspectives. This year, five classes were particularly highlighted: the educational unit for young people with learning difficulties at Empro in Suresnes, the 9th graders at Collège Saint-Justin in Levallois-Perret, and other prestigious middle schools. |
| Each class had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the literary world of several contemporary authors, strengthening their critical and literary appreciation skills. This format makes the Chateaubriand Prize an immersive experience, paving the way for fruitful exchanges between generations: | Saint-Justin College |
Sur le meme sujet
Vincent Van Gogh College
Chateaubriand Institute Labels
Francophone School in Rome
- The middle school students also had the opportunity to meet Laurine Roux, whose book *The Breath of the Puma* is part of the selection. These interactions foster discussions about literature and the environment, and strengthen young readers’ social awareness. The impact of this initiative goes far beyond simply awarding a prize: it prepares young people to become enlightened actors in society. Final Conclusion: A Promising Future for Children’s Literature
- Nathalie Bernard, winner of this prestigious award, is not only a rising literary star, but also an example of commitment and a voice for young people. Her work, through powerful stories like *The Guardian of the Forest*, encourages a collective awareness of the challenges of our time. The Prix Chateaubriand, as an event, continues to forge links between education and literature, ensuring a promising future for generations to come.
- Supporting children’s literature also allows us to discover these emerging talents while cultivating a love of reading and culture. Celebrating Nathalie Bernard and her novel is thus part of a collective commitment to addressing the challenges of today’s world with sensitivity, relevance, and passion.
Post Comment