CONFESIONS OF A YOUNG RUNNER
Christian loves to run! A boy who struggles with his father’s desires for him to play soccer because he actually loves to run. Why can’t
Christian’s dad support his son’s decision? How can I kid do well in school all the while exceling in sports? Overwhelmed by such conflicts the young man decides to write a journal to better understand his own feelings and comprehend what is happening in his life. Many children and adolescents have no one to talk to about their problems and at such times, a journal steps in as a best friend or a faithful confidant. A book that is fun and easy to read. A story very relatable to both boys and girls who are dealing with issues such as family disagreements, anxiety about main life events, and the coming of a first love. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of gender equality and the value of sports in kids’ everyday life and wellbeing.

FROM THE BOOK
“Yesterday I couldn’t speak to my mother. She works as a maid on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My dad doesn’t like that, but the money my mom earns helps a lot at home, so he only complains every now and then. You know, I was thinking: my dad doesn’t approve of my twin sisters playing soccer, he doesn’t like my mom to work… I think he’s a sexist. That’s the word, right? When I grow up I won’t be like him – no way. If my wife wants to work I will support her decision! If wasn’t for my mother job we wouldn’t even have money to buy school supplies and uniforms.”

THE AUTHOR
Shirley Souza has already published 45 books for children and young adults. In 2008 she won Brazil’s prestigious Jabuti Award for the book Caminho das Pedras and the Jóvenes del Mercosur Award
(Argentina) for the book Rotina (nada normal) de uma adolescente em crise – The (not) normal routine of a teenage girl in crisis.

THE ILLUSTRATOR
Fábio Sgroi was born in São Paulo in 1973 and has always liked to draw. He has a degree in industrial design and – besides illustrating and writing books – he travels the country teaching courses and giving workshops to teachers and students in schools throughout Brazil.