Loma lives in the Jewish quarter of Alcalá de Henares in 15th-century Spain, where her grandfather is a trusted adviser to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. She wants to marry and have children, but her grandfather recognizes her brains and diplomatic skills and enlists her to assist in his negotiations with the royal family, forcing Loma to postpone her dreams.
Initially, Loma is grateful for the opportunity to help her grandfather, but the older she gets, the more she longs for independence. As the Inquisition looms nearer, and under growing pressure to convert to Christianity, Loma must make the most difficult decision of her life. Can she follow her dreams and help save her family?
Gail Carson Levine, the award-winning author of Ella Enchanted, brings the struggles of the Spanish Inquisition to life in this incredible tale of honor, adventure, and sacrifice. The Book Selection Committee was especially moved by the richness of the world the author created and the way she deftly addresses the struggles of the Inquisition era in an age-appropriate way.
This book is perfect for fans of Secrets of the House of Delgado and The Girl with the Secret Name.
October 16, 2025