A Festa for Luana

A Festa for LuanaA young Brazilian American girl navigates the concept of belonging when she celebrates the Brazilian Festa Junina festival with her family in this remarkable picture book about embracing all aspects of one's identity. Pretty little details can help tell the story of who I am. Luana has been counting down the days until she can visit her grandparents in Brazil. She's just in time for Festa Junina, a vibrant celebration where people dance, eat, and

A young Brazilian American girl navigates the concept of belonging when she celebrates the Brazilian Festa Junina festival with her family in this remarkable picture book about embracing all aspects of one's identity.

Pretty little details can help...
tell the story of who I am.

Luana has been counting down the days until she can visit her grandparents in Brazil. She's just in time for Festa Junina, a vibrant celebration where people dance, eat, and dress up in all sorts of colors!

But Luana feels...different. Her clothes are too plain, and her cousins comment on her American accent. She doesn't feel Brazilian. Luckily, with a little help from her family and a new tradition, Luana learns that every part of her story is important, and she belongs after all!

Author: Joana Pastro
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: 05/27/2025
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.89lbs
Size: 11.15h x 8.43w x 0.19d
ISBN: 9781665924795
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.6
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 555137 / Festa for Luana


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 03/01/2025 pg. 61
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2025
Booklist 05/01/2025 pg. 98
Shelf Awareness 05/23/2025

About the Author
Joana Pastro is the award-winning author of Bisa's Carnaval, Lucas and the Capoeira Circle, and LillyBelle: A Damsel NOT in Distress. Much like Lucas, sometimes she loses her ginga. Luckily, she's always been able to get it back. Originally from Brazil, Joana lives in Georgia with her husband, her three extremely creative children, a rambunctious Morkie, and a needy Maltipoo. Visit her at JoanaPastro.com.

Duda Oliva is a Latin American illustrator from Brazil who is deeply inspired by impressionism and magical realism. His art tells stories that hope to empower, comfort, and surprise people through folklore, nature, and South and Central America imagery. In his free time, he can usually be found in museums, parks, or hanging out and drawing with his friends. You can find more of his work at DudaOliva.com.