Ana Rita Moreno do Carmo is an eleven-year-old girl, a student at the local elementary school in a small, bustling town in Brazil. She possesses the wide-eyed curiosity and boundless energy typical of her age, yet there's a spark in her eyes that hints at a deeper, more contemplative nature. Her hair, a cascade of dark curls, often frames her face in a wild, untamed manner, reflecting her spirited personality. Ana Rita's attire is simple yet vibrant, often consisting of colorful dresses that her mother lovingly sews, paired with worn-out sneakers that have seen many adventures across the neighborhood streets and nearby forests.

Ana Rita dreams of becoming a renowned scientist, inspired by the stories of great inventors and explorers she reads in the school library. Her passion for discovery drives her to collect rocks, leaves, and insects, meticulously cataloging them in a notebook she keeps hidden under her bed. However, her path to this dream is obstructed by her family's financial struggles, which often pull her away from school to help at home or in her father's small grocery store.

Despite these challenges, Ana Rita remains undeterred. She spends her free time at the library, absorbing knowledge and participating in science fairs with homemade projects that astonish her teachers and peers. Her persistence pays off when she wins a regional science competition, earning a scholarship that promises to ease her family's burdens and bring her closer to her dream.

The joy of her achievement is tempered by the ongoing conflicts in her life. Her parents' frequent arguments about money and the future weigh heavily on her, yet she finds solace in her scientific pursuits, which not only offer an escape but also a way to contribute to her family's well-being. As Ana Rita navigates these challenges, her journey is a testament to the resilience and hope that define her character.

Her unique quirk is her habit of speaking to her collected specimens as if they were friends, a practice that endears her to those who understand her passion but puzzles others. This trait, along with her unwavering determination, paints a picture of a young girl poised on the brink of a remarkable journey, one that she will shape with her own hands and heart.