During the COVID-19 pandemic, seventeen-year-old Maurícia spends a few days with her unconventional Aunt Letícia and becomes intrigued by a group of amateur enthusiasts fascinated by extraterrestrial theories. Although skeptical, Maurícia is captivated by discussions about the so-called “Amazonian Stonehenge,” a mysterious circle of stones in Amapá, a state in northern Brazil. When aunt and niece travel to the region to visit the archaeological site, their differences in age, beliefs, and personalities are put to the test as they become involved in an adventure filled with discoveries, unexpected encounters, and questions about the origins of the peoples who once inhabited the Amazon.
Written by Marcia Kupstas, one of Brazil’s most prolific and respected authors for young readers, with more than 160 published books, Latitude Zero combines adventure, humor, archaeology, and contemporary issues in an engaging coming-of-age novel. Through Maurícia’s journey, the story explores the impact of the pandemic on a generation of teenagers, intergenerational relationships, environmental preservation, and the ongoing tension between development and the protection of cultural heritage.
A distinctive feature of the novel is its integration of real archaeological research. Inspired by the megalithic site known as the “Amazonian Stonehenge,” the narrative introduces readers to the work of archaeologists and the mysteries surrounding ancient Amazonian civilizations. The carefully conceived graphic design reinforces these themes through visual references to maps, milestones, and stone circles, creating a subtle dialogue between the story and the region’s archaeological heritage. A postface by archaeologist Michel Bueno Flores further enriches the reading experience, grounding the fictional adventure in scientific knowledge and historical context.
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