Nathalie Bernard is crowned the winner of the prestigious Chateaubriand Prize 2025
The Chateaubriand Prize, often considered one of France’s greatest literary distinctions, was recently awarded to Nathalie Bernard for her captivating novel *The Guardian of the Forest*. Presented by the Hauts-de-Seine Department, this prestigious prize highlights excellence in children’s literature and recognizes the talent of socially engaged authors. Indeed, the laureate, through her work, addresses such important themes as the environment, social justice, and the importance of the voices of younger generations in addressing contemporary issues.
Nathalie Bernard and *The Guardian of the Forest*: A powerful and moving story
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 garnering increasing acclaim. This story revolves around Diana, a 13-year-old girl, who is confronted with the tragic murder of her brother Silvio. He was the guardian of the Amazon rainforest, a crucial role in the fight against the illegal deforestation that threatens this precious ecosystem.
The themes addressed in the book are not only topical, but also reflect a universal struggle. The defense of the Amazon rainforest thus becomes a symbol of resistance against the destructive forces of the forestry industry. Through Diana’s perspective, the author raises an essential question: that of youth engagement in environmental issues, as well as the power of mobilizations through social media.
- The novel’s lessons and their resonance with the world today. As the pages turn, Nathalie Bernard’s narrative extends beyond Diana’s personal story, plunging us into the heart of the environmental struggle. The young protagonist fights to save her forest, a reflection of 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 mobilization: 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 raising the issue of our individual responsibility towards our planet. Praised for its poignant prose, the book offers an immersion into an often-ignored reality: contemporary environmental challenges. 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 young people’s awareness of literature by involving them in an active process of reading and reflection. It 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 authors and an enriching dialogue between writers and middle school students.
Sur le meme sujet
This year’s prize winner, Nathalie Bernard, received the award at a ceremony held in the park of the Maison de Chateaubriand. The event brought together elected officials, representatives of the educational community, and middle school students, creating a truly enriching experience.
The Educational Journey Around the Prize
The process surrounding the Chateaubriand Prize is as complex as it is enriching. Middle school students participate in:
In-class readings: The selection of works is presented to the students, allowing them to discover new literary horizons.
Debates and discussions: Students engage in discussions that foster critical thinking and the analysis of the works.
- Cultural visits: The 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 often, figures from the literary world participate in the activities to motivate the students and instill in them a love of books. This initiative helps make the Chateaubriand Prize a true celebration of literature and knowledge, while allowing young people to actively participate in the cultural world around them. Element
- Importance Classroom readings
- Promote an appreciation 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 | Engaged middle school students: a truly participatory jury |
| For the 2025 Chateaubriand Prize, participating middle school students came from a variety of schools, bringing a wealth of perspectives. This year, five classes were particularly highlighted: the special education unit for young people with disabilities at the Empro in Suresnes, 8th graders from the Saint-Justin middle school in Levallois-Perret, and other prestigious middle schools. | Each class had the opportunity to delve into the literary world of several contemporary authors, strengthening their critical thinking and literary appreciation skills. This format transforms the Chateaubriand Prize into an immersive experience, paving the way for fruitful exchanges between generations: |
| Saint-Justin Middle School | Sophie Barat Middle School |
Sur le meme sujet
Chateaubriand Institute Labels
French-speaking school in Rome
The middle school students also had the chance to meet Laurine Roux, whose book *Le Souffle du puma* (The Breath of the Puma) is among the shortlisted authors. These interactions foster discussions about literature and the environment, and strengthen the social awareness of young readers. The impact of this initiative goes far beyond simply awarding a prize: it prepares young people to become informed members of society.
- Final Conclusion: A Promising Future for Children’s Literature
- Nathalie Bernard, winner of this prestigious prize, is not only a rising star in literature, but also an example of commitment and a voice for young people. Her work, through impactful stories like *The Guardian of the Forest*, invites a collective awareness of the challenges of our time. The Chateaubriand Prize, as an event, continues to forge links between education and literature, guaranteeing a promising future for generations to come. Supporting children’s literature also allows us to discover these emerging talents while cultivating a taste for 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.
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