FALCON OF THE GLASS

An older middle grade historical set in the 1400s on the glass blowing island of Murano in Venice. Renzo, a young boy trying to successfully make a name for himself as a glass blower despite the death of his father, is forced to balance work as a drudge in a glassworks and to study without any help for an upcoming skill test. One late night he discovers a mysterious girl named Letta and her falcon hiding in the glassworks. And in trying to protect Letta and the other bird children she travels with, Renzo finds himself in danger from the authorities and the assassin who murdered his father. Tested almost to the breaking point, can glassblowing protect Renzo's loyalties to his lifelong dream, his family, and Letta?

"A heartfelt and mesmerizing drama. Fletcher sure knows how to spin a tale enriched with vibrant characters and an authentic setting, and how to give it resonance beyond either alone." -- The Horn Book