"A Different Shade of Iowa: An International Adoptee's Journey in a Small Midwestern Town."

For years, I've carried the story of my journey from the vibrant, bustling heart of Brazil to the quiet, red-bricked streets of Mount Vernon, Iowa. Growing up, Mount Vernon was my whole universe, a place of sledding on Press Hill, basketball at the park, and long summer days where the only rule was to be home when the streetlights came on. It was a town that taught me everything about community, connection, and what it means to truly belong.

Now, I'm ready to share that story with you.

I'm thrilled to announce my new short story, "A Different Shade of Iowa: An International Adoptee's Journey in a Small Midwestern Town." This book is a tribute to the place that shaped me, the people who raised me, and the unique journey of finding your identity in the most unexpected of places.