Books like From My Window

I haven't seen a picture book featuring the favelas of Brazil before, which makes this one unique. Most readers won't know what a favela is, but this is explained gently in the back matter--perhaps too gently since it addresses some of those challenging conditions faced by residents with a general statement. But even if readers aren't from a favela, many of them may live in neighborhoods where poverty, crime, and overcrowded conditions make life challenging, thus rendering this one relatable to their own lives. In the book, the narrator describes all the things that he can see from his window in his home. There are many buildings and people, and everyone seems busy, going about their daily tasks. He also dreams of the ocean and fresh air and green fields even while remarking on some of the violence below his window that makes it unsafe for him to venture out. The book closes by asking readers what they can see from their own windows. Created with acrylics and then completed digitally, the illustrations fill each page with blooming colors and life, effectively capturing the essence of such a vibrant place as well as some of its challenges. Readers will love knowing that the author started a permanent library for children in his favela and is sure that books saved him. Although I might wish for more details in the text, reading this book may encourage youngsters to learn more about poverty, favelas, and cherish the gift of literacy.