Lucas and the Capoeira Circle
Written by Joana Pastro
Illustrated by Douglas Lopes
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
A young boy who loves the Brazilian martial art of capoeira drums up his courage for a moving-up ceremony in this vibrant and inspiring book about never losing one’s inner spirit.
Tchik.
Tchik.
Tchik-Tchik-BOOM!
Lucas loves capoeira, the Brazilian martial art that combines music, dance, and acrobatics. He’s been practicing his moves all week for his batizado—his moving-up ceremony—where he’ll get his capoeira nickname.
But today, Lucas has…the nerves! Scared he’ll lose his ginga—his courage and rhythm—in the capoeira circle, Lucas plays his trusty tamborim for comfort. Then he remembers his Papai’s powerful words: your ginga lives inside of you. With a little help from his community, Lucas discovers that his courage is never too far away.
Primary ISBN: 9781665924771
Publication Date: September 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Brazilian/Brazilian American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Celebrations & Traditions, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Relationship: Siblings, Mental Health, Multilingual: Portuguese Featured Words, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Setting: Home Country, Sports
Setting: Brazil
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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