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Initiative conceived by a public school student from Fortaleza seeks to expand opportunities for young literary talents, promote inclusion, and show that children can also occupy prominent spaces in the Brazilian cultural scene
The information was disclosed by Diário do Nordeste in a report highlighting the inspiring journey of Davi Moura, a student from the municipal public network of Fortaleza who, at 12 years old, already has significant achievements in literature. Besides having published two books, the young writer now leads a project that aims to take other young authors from Ceará to the São Paulo Book Biennial, which will take place from September 4 to 13 this year.
In a scenario where many children still struggle to access reading and cultural production, Davi shows that dreams can take shape from an early age. More than publishing books, he wants to pave the way for other young authors to have the same opportunity to present their works at one of the largest literary events in Latin America.
A student at Johnson School, located in the Luciano Cavalcante neighborhood in Fortaleza, Davi built his relationship with literature at a very young age. However, his vision went beyond personal achievement. After participating in the São Paulo Book Biennial in 2024, he decided to turn an individual experience into a collective project.
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On that occasion, the boy brought an independently produced handcrafted work. However, upon experiencing the event, he realized that many other children also deserved space to showcase their talents.
“To show these children and teenagers that it is possible,” summarizes Davi when explaining the motivation that drives the initiative.
Project aims to take new young writers to the São Paulo Biennial
The plan conceived by the student foresees the participation of seven other young writers from Ceará in the next edition of the São Paulo Book Biennial. For this, the organizers are seeking sponsors and partners who can make the trip possible for the authors and their guardians.
According to the invitation letter sent by the Brazilian Book Chamber (CBL), responsible for organizing the event, the program will include book launches, discussion circles, storytelling, cultural presentations, and activities focused on diversity, accessibility, and youth protagonism.
Moreover, the participation of the children represents a unique opportunity to promote their work in an environment recognized nationally and internationally.
The president of the Rogaciano Leite Institute, Helena Roraima, highlights the project’s relevance. According to her, the presence of young authors from Ceará at one of the world’s main literary events demonstrates the initiative’s transformative potential.
For Helena, the work developed in Fortaleza goes beyond regional boundaries. At the same time, it contributes to important discussions about education, inclusion, citizenship, and human development.
Inclusive Childhood expands the reach of children’s literature
Alongside preparations for the Biennial, Davi is also involved in creating the Inclusive Childhood project. The proposal brings together actions aimed at strengthening literature produced by children and adolescents.
The project inspired two recommendation projects. One is being processed in the Fortaleza City Council initiated by councilor João Aglaylson (PT). The other is under consideration in the Legislative Assembly of Ceará authored by state deputy De Assis Diniz (PT).
The proposal foresees the acquisition of three works for the libraries of public schools in Fortaleza:
- “Connection,” by Davi Moura;
- “The Day Fernando Had Bad Luck,” by João Sasaque;
- “Brazilian Inclusion Law,” by Tião Simpatia.
Additionally, the program suggests that the Municipal Education Department establish partnerships with publishers, authors, and cultural institutions. This way, access to reading can reach an even larger number of students.
According to Helena Roraima, the presence of books written by children in schools creates identification and strengthens interest in reading.
She also highlights Davi’s already impressive curriculum. The young author participated in the Ceará International Book Biennial, the Brasília Book Fair, and was selected for the Bologna Book Fair in Italy, considered one of the most important in the world in the children’s segment.
Inclusion, sustainability, and diversity are among the central themes
The project brings together different authors and addresses themes considered fundamental for the civic formation of new generations.
Davi explains that his book “Connection” works with concepts related to regionality, sustainability, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Tião Simpatia’s work addresses the Brazilian Inclusion Law. Meanwhile, João Sasaque’s book presents reflections on neurodiversity through the story of a pre-teen seeking acceptance and friendship.
João, who will make his debut at the São Paulo Book Biennial, says that his main character, Fernando, dreams of becoming popular at school. However, he faces various challenges along the journey.
According to the young writer, writing allows exercising creativity, developing imagination, and transforming ideas into stories capable of inspiring others.
Literature transforms lives and creates new opportunities
The project also includes the participation of the writer, musician, and art educator Tião Simpatia, considered the godfather of the initiative.
Born in the interior of Ceará, Tião learned to read at the age of 15 through cordel literature. Therefore, he sees writing as a powerful tool for social transformation.
Currently, besides working as a writer, he also holds the position of Secretary of Culture and Tourism of Aiuaba, a municipality located in the Sertão dos Inhamuns.
According to Tião, one of the main future goals of Inclusive Childhood is to encourage public managers to create permanent policies to promote reading and the publication of works produced by children and teenagers.
The expectation is that more municipalities will adopt initiatives similar to those in Fortaleza. In this way, new talents can emerge in different regions of Ceará and Brazil.
While the search for financial support continues, Davi, João, and the other participants keep alive the hope of representing the state at the São Paulo Book Biennial in 2026.
More than a trip, the project symbolizes an opportunity to show that talent has no age. Furthermore, it reinforces that literature can open doors, generate inclusion, and transform life stories.
In the end, the message left by the young authors is simple and powerful.
João recommends that every child read a lot to develop imagination. Meanwhile, Davi sums up his advice in two words capable of inspiring any dreamer:
“Just go.”
Do you know any child or teenager with a talent for writing who deserves more opportunities to showcase their work to the world?
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