"Menina e Moça" is a novel written by Bernardim Ribeiro, one of the main authors of the Portuguese Renaissance, first published in 1554. The work is considered one of the earliest novels in Portuguese literature and combines lyrical and prosaic elements.

The story revolves around a young girl named Menina, who embarks on a quest for love and identity. She finds herself torn between life in the countryside and the desires of an idealized love, reflecting the tensions between traditional values and the pursuit of new experiences and feelings.

The novel is marked by poetic and descriptive language, where Bernardim Ribeiro explores themes such as nature, platonic love, youth, and the passage of time. The work serves as a critique of the society of the time, addressing the limitations imposed on women and the social conventions surrounding love.

Through dialogues and reflections of the protagonist, the author presents an introspective view of the female condition and the search for freedom and happiness. "Menina e Moça" is, therefore, a work that not only narrates a love story but also reflects on the challenges faced by women in their quest for autonomy and personal fulfillment. The work is considered an important contribution to Portuguese literature, reflecting the transition between the Middle Ages and modernity.