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12-year-old boy launches book at Foz International Book Fair
Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie Grellmann
João Emanuel da Cruz presents debut work at the 21st edition of the literary festival
Writer João Emanuel da Cruz, 12, presented his first work, *The Birth of Fireflies*, at the 21st International Book Fair of Foz do Iguaçu on Thursday, September 3. The book originated from stories the boy told his mother while she was asleep; she wrote them down and they developed the story together.
João has an autism diagnosis and already has five other books completed besides the work launched at the event. According to his mother, Marli Conceição da Mãe, the son began sharing these narratives during his early reading lessons, and she recorded every detail he recounted.
The mother emphasizes that family support and the school community were essential for her son's development as a writer. João studied in the municipal school system and now attends the state education network.
The fair's honorary ambassador, Waldson de Almeida Dias, met João during a reading talk for scouts. Upon learning of the boy's desire to become a writer, he advised him to read extensively to improve his writing. Waldson purchased a copy and took another as a gift, noting that João serves as an inspiration for other children to show that they also have stories to tell.
The young author receives readers at the booth of the Municipal Department of Education, in Praça da Paz, where he signs books sold during the event. The fair runs until Sunday, September 6, with musical, theatrical, workshop, and lecture programming. Children and teenagers under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
The 21st International Book Fair of Foz do Iguaçu is organized by the Municipality of Foz do Iguaçu and the Cultural Foundation, with support from Itaipu Parquetec, Marco das 3 Fronteiras, and Associação Onças do Bem.
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