A Ceiling Made of Eggshells - by Gail Carson Levine (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In A Ceiling Made of Eggshells, Newbery
Honor-winning author Gail Carson Levine tells a moving and ambitious story set
during the expulsion of Jews from Spain, about a young Jewish girl full of
heart who must play her own role in her people's epic history--no matter the
sacrifice.

Surrounded
by her large family, Loma is happy living in the judería of Alcalá de Henares,
Spain, and wants nothing more than to someday have a family of her own.

Still, when
her intimidating grandfather, her Belo, decides to bring her along on his
travels, she's excited to join him. Belo has the ear of King Ferdinand and
Queen Isabella, and Loma relishes her adventures with him, adventures that are
beyond the scope of most girls of the time. She soon learns just how dangerous
the world is for the Jews of Spain, and how her grandfather's influence keeps
their people safe.

But the
older Loma gets, the more she longs to realize her own dreams--if Belo will ever
allow her to leave his side.

Review Quotes

"Heart pounding and heart wrenching in equal measure." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Infusing her title with historical details about costume, food, and customs, Newbery Honoree Levine (Ella Enchanted) deftly conveys the obstacles facing the Jewish community under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.... Loma memorably navigates tumult and danger, bravely taking control of her destiny." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Levine skillfully juxtaposes the larger religious battles taking place in Spain with Loma's dreams for her future. This story of adventure and bravery under unstable circumstances will appeal to mature readers who enjoy historical fiction and tales of courage." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Inspired by family history, Levine's latest novel offers a fascinating portrayal of Loma as a shy, conciliatory, intelligent child whose unusual upbringing leads to broad understanding and insights into power. The first-person narrative uses details of daily life to bring the period more sharply into focus for readers, while the appended author's note offers further information. A well-researched historical novel from an accomplished storyteller." - Booklist

"Rich descriptions in Paloma's first-person narration make for an immersive experience of her palpably precarious situation." - Horn Book Magazine

"Loma is a girl very much of her time and place in valuing family and faith above all, and her honest voice, transparent frustrations, and growing agency make for a satisfying character arc against a dark yet intriguing slice of history." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books