



In this autobiographical story, Rita Carelli revisits her childhood memories of living among the Enauenê-Nauê people in Mato Grosso, a state in central-western Brazil known for its vast Indigenous territories and biodiversity. Through the eyes of her younger self, readers discover new customs, traditions, and ways of life. One aspect of village life particularly captures Rita’s attention: the distinct roles assigned to boys and girls. Torn between the activities expected of girls and her desire to join the boys in their games and adventures, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges assumptions about gender, belonging, and cultural norms.
Written by Rita Carelli and inspired by her own experiences among Indigenous communities, the story offers an authentic and nuanced portrayal of cross-cultural encounters. My Enauenê Family gives young readers a rare opportunity to engage with Indigenous perspectives through the eyes of a child navigating questions of identity, difference, and belonging.
The illustrations by Anabella López combine painting and collage techniques to create richly textured scenes filled with details of Enauenê-Nauê daily life, including traditional houses, body art, and communal spaces. The visual narrative expands the reader’s immersion in the village, while the book is complemented by texts from anthropologists Betty Mindlin, one of Brazil’s leading researchers of Indigenous cultures, and Ana Paula Rodgers, whose work focuses on Indigenous peoples and cultural heritage. Their contributions provide valuable context and enrich the reading experience.
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Highly Recommended: Children’s Book

Children’s book


(Brazilian section of IBBY)

Children’s book
