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

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, c...