A Ceiling Made of Eggshells

I was surprised to find that Gail Carson Levine (Ella Enchanted) wrote a historical fiction novel, yet was willing to give it a try.

Let’s just say my weekend to-do list is still waiting for me because I spent my time reading.

Loma loves listening to her Bela’s bedtime stories, learning how to cook and spending time with her niece and nephew as she anticipates the time when she will marry and have her own children.

But when the plague takes Bela, Loma’s Belo realizes her potential, takes special interest in her education and decides she should travel with him and her Papá when they go meet with the King and Queen of Spain.

Loma is excited about the opportunity – good Jewish girls stayed home. They never traveled. But will any family be willing to arrange a marriage with her with such an untraditional upbringing?

And what will happen to all the Jews in Spain? Will Loma and her Belo and Papá be able to save them?

A Ceiling Made of Eggshells by Gail Carson Levine is a beautiful story of love, sacrifice and a last-minute scramble to save family and find a new life.

Highly recommended for ages 8 and up.

Parent note: This book takes place during the Spanish wars with the Moors and the Inquisition. Slavery, torture and extortion are mentioned and described, yet in an age-appropriate way. Some sensitive children may need to skip those parts of the book.