the World Cup, the Olympics, and the fight for democracy
Zirin, Dave
Relies on fieldwork from the most dangerous corners of Rio to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., to expose how sports and politics have collided in spectacular fashion in Brazil's hosting of the World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.
Follows a day in the lives of two children and their families in Brazil, providing insights into the lifestyles, family interactions, foods, celebrations, schools, and other aspects of Brazilian culture.
Esperanca Garcia was a slave who lived on a cotton farm run by Jesuit priests in Brazil - until the day she was separated from her husband and older children and taken, with her two little ones, to be the cook in another household. There her life became much, much harder. In desperation, and with extraordinary courage, Esperanca wrote a letter to the governor describing how she and her children were being mistreated and asking permission to return to the farm.
Presents a discussion, in English and Spanish, of the Brazilian national soccer team, covering their history, achievements, famous players, and playing style, and includes photographs.