A FESTA FOR LUANA

Luana is excited to visit her grandparents in Brazil.

She and her parents arrive from the U.S. just in time to observe Festa Junina—a monthlong harvest celebration—with their extended family. When Grandpa introduces Luana as his “American granddaughter,” she suddenly feels uncertain about her Brazilian identity. And after she sees her cousins dressed in ornate outfits, she feels out of place and searches for ways to make her plain American dress more Brazilian. As she adds “pretty little details” to her dress, she listens as her grandparents share memories and finds meaning in the small things she notices, from the spices her grandmother cooks with to the scraps of fabric and paper she gathers as her aunts decorate. In the end, Luana creates a festooned dress that reflects both her American and Brazilian roots. She helps her family start a new Festa Junina tradition and realizes that though she is bicultural, she truly belongs. This heartfelt journey celebrates the beauty of embracing multiple cultures and the joy of finding one’s place within a loving family. Earthy, impressionistic illustrations rendered in colored pencil and soft pastel bring to life the festivities and Luana’s gregarious family members, who vary in skin tone. Luana’s aunt uses a wheelchair.

A delightful story of cultural connection and belonging.