Trips, rainy days, and no-screen time: Brazilian author Sabrina Lira explains how to make books part of school break—without pressure.
School vacation usually means a packed schedule: travel, playdates, and rest. Still, author Sabrina Lira—owner of História Sem Fim bookstore in Campos do Jordão, Brazil—argues that reading can fit right in, adding calm and strengthening family connection.
She also runs a free storytelling initiative, “O Dom de Cada Um”, in schools and institutions. For Lira, a good book changes the tone of the day. “A good book can turn a vacation afternoon into something different, fun, and unforgettable for everyone,” she says.
How to encourage reading during break
Her first tip comes before the first page: choose wisely. “It’s important for parents to check whether the language matches the child’s age—and, above all, respect their interests,” she advises.
Next, give kids real agency. Lira suggests taking them to a bookstore and letting them browse with their hands: hold the book, flip through illustrations, learn what the story is about—“even smelling the book can become a magical moment,” she notes.
Reading can happen anywhere: at home, at a hotel, or on a rainy day when plans change. The key, she says, is to create presence—disconnect from your phone and truly “travel inside the story.”
In an increasingly digital world, Lira adds that reading opens horizons, boosts imagination, and helps children work through feelings. A practical idea is to talk after each chapter, encouraging kids to share what the story made them feel.
Book picks for every age
For Lira, reading shouldn’t be a seasonal habit—and vacation time can help build consistency for teens and adults too. She shared titles to keep the momentum going.
For children, she suggests “The Little Prince” (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry), “O Diário de uma Princesa Desastrada” (Maidy Lacerda), “Do Dia para A Noite” (Bobbie Goods), and “Dias Quentes” (Bobbie Goods).
For adults, she points to popular summer reads: “A Última Carta” (Rebecca Yarros), “The Psychology of Money” (Morgan Housel), and “Beleza Oculta” (Lucinda Riley).
Who is Sabrina Lira
Born in São Paulo, Sabrina Lira began writing short stories at 15 as an outlet for emotions—something she later understood as part of depression. She says art has long helped her navigate real life, from childhood hours in the kids’ library to the classics she read as a teen.
After three years at the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPEL), she returned to Campos do Jordão, where she grew up, and chose independent publishing. In 2021, she founded História Sem Fim – Livraria de Autora inside Sans Souci, where she sells her books, signs copies, and tells her children’s fable to underprivileged kids.
Lira has six published books and plans to release a new title in the first quarter of 2026.
Service info
História Sem Fim Bookstore (História Sem Fim – Livraria de Autora)
Address: Sans Souci Patisserie — Avenida Dr. Januário Miraglia, 3,260, Vila Jaguaribe, Campos do Jordão (SP), Brazil
Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Updates: @livrariahistoriasemfim
Photo: Carlos Moreira
