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Falcon in the Glass

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About The Book

A boy risks his life to save some very special children in this fantasy adventure rife with “moments of real beauty and mystery” (Kirkus Reviews), set amidst the rich backdrop of Renaissance Venice.

In Renaissance Venice, the secrets of glassblowing are guarded jealously. Renzo, a twelve-year-old laborer in a glassworks, has just a few months to prepare for a test of his abilities, and no one to teach him. If he passes, he will qualify as a skilled glassblower. If he fails, he will be expelled from the glassworks. Becoming a glassblower is his murdered father’s dying wish for him, and the means of supporting his mother and sister. But Renzo desperately needs another pair of hands to help him turn the glass as he practices at night.

One night he is disturbed by a bird—a small falcon—that belongs to a girl hiding in the glassworks. Soon Renzo learns about her and others like her—the bird people, who can communicate with birds and are condemned as witches. He tries to get her to help him, but discovers that she comes with baggage: ten hungry bird-kenning children who desperately need his aid. Caught between devotion to his family and his art and protecting a group of outcast children, Renzo struggles for a solution that will keep everyone safe in this atmospheric adventure.

About The Author

Photo by Robby Lozano, Ten23 Photography

Susan Fletcher is the acclaimed author of Journey of the Pale Bear; as well as the Dragon Chronicles, composed of Dragon’s MilkFlight of the Dragon KynSign of the Dove, and Ancient, Strange, and Lovely; and the award-winning Alphabet of DreamsShadow SpinnerWalk Across the Sea, and Falcon in the Glass. Ms. Fletcher lives in Bryan, Texas. Visit her at Susan Fletcher.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (July 29, 2014)
  • Length: 336 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781442429918
  • Grades: 5 - 9
  • Ages: 10 - 14
  • Lexile ® 660L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

"Falcon in the Glass has it all: sympathetic characters, fascinating details, high stakes, a hint of magic, excitement on every page. I couldn't put it down!"

– Gail Carson Levine, Author of Ella Enchanted, a Newbery Honor Book

"Falcon in the Glass is a spine-tingling adventure with a tender heart. Imagine dangerous secrets, cloaked assassins, and midnight rides through the murky canals of Venice. Do read it. You'll be glad."

– Karen Cushman, author of The Midwife's Apprentice, winner of the Newbery Medal

"Moments of real beauty and mystery. "

– Kirkus Reviews

"A well-constructed, intriguing novel."

– Booklist

"Historical fiction steeped in context...a solid selection."

– School Library Journal

Awards and Honors

  • South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominee
  • Oregon Spirit Honor

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More books from this author: Susan Fletcher