Raised by the World

A moving and intimate portrayal of parenting from an anthropologist raising her children in the Amazon

When anthropologist Francesca Mezzenzana first arrived among the Runa, an Indigenous group in the Ecuadorian Amazon, she was immediately struck by the children. Runa children are not the center of constant adult attention, yet they are extraordinarily responsible, caring, and attuned to the world around them. They roam independently through forests and rivers. They share freely with younger siblings. They help their parents and neighbors without being asked. What was the secret to raising such generous, self-assured kids?

Years later, this question takes on new urgency as Mezzenzana returns to the Amazon with her Runa husband and their newborn son. She soon finds herself caught between her long held assumptions about what good parenting should be—that children must be always happy, endlessly protected, and shaped primarily by their parents to flourish—and the Runa way of her new family. Raising her children across cultures, she embarks on a journey to understand what’s possible when children are treated not as isolated individuals at the center of their families, but as beings profoundly shaped by the world they inhabit.

Part memoir, part sweeping cultural exploration, Raised by the World invites us into a radically different understanding not only of parenting but also of our children’s potential to become capable, independent, and good stewards of the world around them.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs