MY FIRST BOOK
Raji, My Family
A story of immigration, resilience, courage, and love
A work that captures the essence of the fight for life and the search for love in the face of adversity, showing how the connections we build can become our greatest source of strength and hope.
The book has already been presented at important cultural venues such as the Barcelona Books and Roses Fair, the Murcia Book Fair, the José Hierro Public Library in Usera (Madrid), the Casa do Brasil (Madrid) and the Madrid Vegan Market.
Synopsis
“Raji, My Family: A Story of Immigration, Resilience, Courage,
and Love”, by Alan Leites, stands out not only for its intimate
and moving narrative but also for its ability to explore universal
themes through a deeply personal lens. The book touches on
animal adoption, multispecies family bonds, speciesism,
resilience, life in Brazil, spirituality, and animal rights
advocacy. The author skillfully uses his voice to delve into
topics such as cultural identity, veganism, LGBTQ+
experiences, and economic and social marginalization,
seamlessly weaving these themes into the everyday life
lessons offered by his beloved four-legged son.
Alan and Rajiʼs story is a celebration of loyalty, empathy, and
unconditional love that transcends the barriers between
beings. It is a powerful and uplifting testament to the deep
connection between species and the transformative power of
love in any life. In summary, Raji, My Familyis a work that
captures the essence of the struggle for life and the pursuit of
love in the face of adversity, showing how the connections we
form can become our greatest source of strength and hope.
Raji, My Family has been presented at:
- Madrid (20 December 2024): Dolce & Vegana
- Barcelona (23 April 2025): Books and Roses Fair (Sant Jordi)
- Madrid (25 September 2025): José Hierro Public Library
(Usera) - Murcia (3 October 2025): Murcia Book Fair (La feria bonica)
- Madrid (28 November 2025): Casa do Brasil
- Madrid (14 December 2025): Madrid Vegan Market
Reader Reviews
“Today I present to you the book of a great person, who has managed to moisten eyes with tenderness and love for animals, and putting yourself in their place is beautiful”
“This book is a hug; it is intimate and comforting, it breaks the reader-writer barrier, and generates that feeling of warmth that is difficult to describe. It is not easy to convey emotions so accurately through words, but Alan Leites has this talent. I loved it :)))”
“This is a love story. He is the context and the reason. One of those loves that we know exists because stories bear witness to it”
“This book is a true story that makes us reflect, from the deepest part of ourselves, on the desire to better oneself every day. It is incredible how Alan’s skin becomes our own: lines full of teachings from the heart and valuable cultural details”
“This narrative is a beautiful and complicated autobiographical story of the relationship between two friends, or rather father and son, of different species”
“Raji, Mi Familia by Alan Leites is a work that touches the heart and invites us to reflect on the connection between all living beings. It is a beautiful reminder that, in the diversity of our stories, there is always room for empathy and transformation”
Alan Leites
Alan Leites (Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1978) is a Brazilian writer, journalist, and academic with experience in university
teaching and as an instructor in social projects in underprivileged communities of Rio de Janeiro, focused on inclusion and access to education. Based in Spain since 2020, he has collaborated as a volunteer teacher, giving Spanish classes to refugees and asylum seekers, promoting education
as a tool for integration and citizenship.
His academic background includes a Degree in Journalism from Universidade Estácio de Sá (Rio de Janeiro), a Postgraduate Specialisation (two-year programme) in Communication and Image from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), and an Official Masterʼs in LGBTIQ+ Studies from the Complutense University of Madrid, providing an interdisciplinary foundation that enriches his approach to communication, cultural studies, and social analysis.
As a writer, he is the author of Raji, My Family: A Story of Immigration, Resilience, Courage and Love (2025), presented at cultural venues such as the Books and Roses Fair (Sant Jordi), the Murcia Book Fair, the José Hierro Public Library in Usera (Madrid), the Casa do Brasil (Madrid), and the Madrid Vegan Market.
Biographies
Raji
Raji is a Brazilian immigrant dog living in Spain since 2022. Born on March 11, 2009, under the sign of Pisces, in the city of Niterói (Rio de Janeiro), he was adopted shortly after weaning and has since embarked on a journey with his multispecies family, collecting stories of resilience and unforgettable moments along the way. Raji loves drinking coconut water, snacking on every treat imaginable, going on walks, receiving endless belly rubs, and falling asleep in his cozy bed to the sound of songs by Maria Bethânia.
Nicknames: Rajito, Raijnho, and Little Grandpa.
Baleia
Baleia is a Spanish dog who was found and
rescued on a roadside. Sheʼs estimated to be around 4 years old (about a year and a half at the time of her rescue). After suffering abuse, the universe brought her to her new family, and thankfully, she is now 100% recovered. Baleia loves carrots, running through the countryside, making new friends, getting head pats, watching the street from the balcony, and chasing flies around the house.
Nicknames: Baleita, Baleia the Earthquake, Little
Electric Flea.
Soundtrack
You can now listen for free on Spotify to the playlist “Raji, My Family.” A carefully curated selection of songs inspired by the book, lovingly chosen by Alan Leites for this project.
Or scan this code using your phone’s camera through the search tool in the Spotify app.
Partners
We believe in collaboration as a path towards collective growth and wellbeing. That’s why we dedicate this space to introducing the companies, small businesses, and individuals who support our literary project while also contributing to the health and wellbeing of animals.
