This book was about a poor family who had a daughter who could sing. However the only way that she could receive the proper education that she needed was to be given to the school that only takes orphans so she could learn to sing and possibly help the family in the future. Then she became a famous singer and helped her family gain a lot of wealth and helped take care of them for the rest of her life since they did that for her.

I wanted to love this book because of it's musical focus. I didn't, but it was still an enjoyable read, and beautifully written. The story is heartwarming if a bit cliche', and I did learn about 18th century Venetian orphanage/conservatories. Baby' don't sing harmony :) ( )

A hauntingly memorable book worth rereading and sharing with children and adults. May be especially interesting for music lovers and those who have traveled to Venice. ( )

Too long for storytime, but a sweet, interesting story of a poor family who cannot give their little girl singing lessons, so gives her to the orphanage were she gets musical training and becomes a star. The family keeps track of her and comes to all her concerts. ( )

This is a beautiful story of a poor family in Italy. They have a daughter and recognize her talent to sing but can not afford to foster that talent so they put her up to be an orphan at a music school called the Pieta. The girl's talent is recognized and she becomes a great singer. The family visits weekly but can not tell her who they really are. Ultimately the girl has to decide what she wants.
The pictures are really beautiful and the story is heartbreaking but good!

http://www.balkinbuddies.com/mccully/index.html