ACeilingMadeofEggshells Format: Library

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.

• Jewish Historical Fiction: Experience the final, perilous years of Jewish life in Spain through the eyes of Loma, a young girl caught between tradition and the turmoil of a changing world.
• The Spanish Inquisition: As danger mounts, Loma travels with her grandfather into the courts of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, where one wrong word could mean disaster for her people.
• A Powerful Family Saga: Torn between her desire for a family of her own and her duty to her grandfather, Loma must make choices that will define her future and her people's history.
• A Story of Sacrifice: Perfect for young readers who love immersive, character-driven historical novels, this tale explores the immense courage required to stand for what you believe in, no matter the cost.

Gail Carson Levine's first book for children, Ella Enchanted, was a Newbery Honor Book. Levine's other books include Ever, a New York Times bestseller; Fairest, a Best Book of the Year for Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal and a New York Times bestseller; Dave at Night, an ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults; The Wish; The Two Princesses of Bamarre; A Tale of Two Castles; Stolen Magic; The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre; Ogre Enchanted; and the six Princess Tales books. She is also the author of the nonfiction books Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly and Writer to Writer: From Think to Ink, as well as the picture books Betsy Who Cried Wolf and Betsy Red Hoodie. Gail Carson Levine and her husband, David, live in a two-centuries-old farmhouse in the Hudson Valley of New York State.