From Another World

A parent would reach for this book when their child begins asking difficult questions about historical injustice, or when they notice their child struggling to bridge the gap between 'the way things were' and 'the way things should be.' It is a poignant choice for children who feel a deep sense of fairness and are ready to explore the legacy of slavery through a lens of compassion rather than just facts. The story follows a group of school children who encounter the ghost of a young girl from Brazil's past. Through their friendship with her, they learn about the harsh realities of the colonial era while discovering their own power to offer comfort and recognition to those forgotten by history. It is a haunting but ultimately hopeful tale that transforms a heavy subject into a lesson on active empathy. Written by a master of Brazilian literature, it provides a sophisticated yet accessible introduction to social justice for the middle-grade reader.