As her grandfather’s traveling companion across Spain, Loma gets a firsthand look at the superstitions, ceremonies, and sacrifices that governed daily life during a cataclysmic and dangerous time. Loma’s grandfather is one of the wealthy Jewish figures who uses his connections, money, and skills to help Jewish people and tries to prevent forced conversions to Christianity. This was the time of the Spanish Inquisition, during which the Jewish community was persecuted and ultimately exiled from Spain. As the title of Levine’s new novel suggests, Spain in the late 1400s was a perilous place for Jewish people. Readers watch as she navigates life as the granddaughter of a powerful Jewish leader. "Rich descriptions in Paloma’s first-person narration make for an immersive experience of her palpably precarious situation.Gr 5-8–Readers first meet Loma, a young Jewish girl living in late 15th-century Spain, when she is seven years old. "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 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) "Levine skillfully juxtaposes the larger religious battles taking place in Spain with Loma’s dreams for her future.
A well-researched historical novel from an accomplished storyteller." - Booklist 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. "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.
Loma memorably navigates tumult and danger, bravely taking control of her destiny." - Publishers Weekly (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. "Heart pounding and heart wrenching in equal measure." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) St Joseph's University (Brooklyn Voices Series).
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