Children and adolescents living in the Sertão do Pajeú region (Pernambuco) discuss children's rights and make demands in a new book from Editora Caixote.

Given the great diversity of childhood experiences in our country, what are the priorities for children in each location and lived reality? One would expect to find unique characteristics within each group we listen to, and indeed, we do, but also many universal demands. After all, a place that is good for experiencing childhood is a good place for everyone to live. It was based on this premise and driven by this curiosity that authors Gabriela Romeu, Isabel Malzoni, and Odília Nunes began researching the book Criança que é criança (no sertão). This work serves as a manifesto of essential rights, created in collaboration with children and adolescents living in the Pajeú Valley, in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco.

Criança que é criança (no sertão) is an illustrated non-fiction book distinguished by the poetic quality of the children's voices heard throughout the process. Non-fiction (or informational) books are excellent catalysts for questions and can foster dialogue during reading sessions. By exploring the lives of children in the sertão (the semi-arid hinterland), the book invites urban children to reflect on their own realities and discuss the rights they wish to advocate for within their own contexts.

More than simply empowering young audiences, the book seeks to create opportunities for their demands to be truly heard. In an adult-centric society, where children’s voices often go unheard regarding the solutions to problems affecting them or the daily challenges they face, this initiative aims to amplify their calls for rights, fostering broad, meaningful listening and lifting them out of a position of marginalization. This book continues a project by Editora Caixote focused on listening to children and producing collective texts with and for them. It follows Para crescer e ser feliz ("To Grow and Be Happy"), a manifesto on rights created with children living in the favelas of Maré, Rio de Janeiro, and published in 2025.

As with the first book, the rights championed by the children and young people were decided collectively and then illustrated, each one by a different artist (representing a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, and artistic styles). Unlike the participants in the first book, however, those involved in Criança que é criança (no sertão) do not face challenges such as state and urban violence or a lack of space. Yet, they too call for more recreational areas, transformative education, and adult attention, and much more besides.

The project involved 100 children and young people living in the Pajeú region, alongside artists Amilton, Amma, Bárbara Quintino, Caio Ananias, Chico Santos, Denilson Baniwa, Fernando Vilela, Josias Marinho, Larissa de Souza, Letícia Graciano, Mariana Zanetti, and Rosinha.  

Technical Information:

40 pages

20,5 x 30 cm

Brochure with  just jacket

Weight: 0,5

ISBN: 978-65-86666-80-9