When eleven-year-old Tereza transfers to a prestigious private school in Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil’s largest and most internationally known cities, she gradually realizes that she is the only Black student in her class and one of the very few in the entire school. As she navigates subtle acts of exclusion, loneliness, and everyday racism, she seeks refuge in books, imagined stories, and unexpected friendships that help her understand her experiences and find her voice.
In her debut novel, Tathyana Viana offers a sensitive and compelling portrayal of structural racism through the eyes of a young protagonist. By focusing on the small, often invisible forms of discrimination that shape everyday life, the narrative transforms Tereza’s personal journey into a powerful reflection on identity, belonging, and resilience.
The book’s visual project, created by Amanda Lobos, enhances the emotional depth of the story through vibrant, expressive illustrations. Colors, graphic elements, and visual metaphors mirror Tereza’s feelings of displacement and confusion, while the design itself reinforces the novel’s themes. Even the title plays a narrative role: the word only appears visually tilted backward, subtly reflecting the protagonist’s sense of not fully belonging.
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