Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Luana, a young Brazilian American girl with dark hair and brown skin, takes pride in her cultural heritage; her "heart sings in English and Português, red, white, blue, and verde e amarelo." Luana is eager to visit her grandparents in Brazil--she arrives just in time to celebrate Festa Junia. Luana's cousins, wearing bright festival dresses, giggle at her American accent and she does not feel Brazilian in her plain Fourth of July dress. As her family prepares for Festa Junia, Luana collects "pretty little details" to embellish her simple dress, but acquires something far more valuable along the way. Oliva's vivid pastel and colored pencil illustrations blend relaxed strokes of warm cinnamon and maroon, lush emerald and juniper, and vibrant plum and orchid. Endpapers depict journal pages scattered with doodles, stickers, and taped photographs, illustrating Luana's anticipation of her trip and the new memories she will treasure. Pastro seamlessly integrates Brazilian Portuguese words, which are easily decipherable from context clues for readers not familiar with the language. Back matter offers a supportive glossary in addition to an author's note on Festa Junia and a cake recipe for bolo de fubá. VERDICT A rare representation of the Brazilian celebration Festa Junia, this tender story of identity and belonging will linger in the hearts of readers.--Emily Brush
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
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. (author's note, glossary, recipe for bolo de fubá [cornmeal cake])(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
