The Orphan Singer
By Emily Arnold McCully
Scholastic, $16.95
ISBN 0439192749

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Hitting a high note with readers

An inspiring rags-to-riches story, Emily Arnold McCully's newest book The Orphan Singer brings the culture and societal boundaries of 18th century Venice to life through the eyes of a young girl and her family. McCully tells the story of a baby girl whose poor but devoted parents send her away to the Pieta ospedalo, a Venetian orphanage, so that she can realize her destiny.

Catarina, as the baby comes to be called, possesses a unique gift, an angelic singing voice that is apparent even before she can speak. As her older brother sings to her in her cradle, the baby sings back in melody. Her parents, the Dolcis, are heartbroken that such a talented child should be confined to a life of poverty. Realizing that their social status would never allow for the baby's training, the Dolcis choose instead to give up their daughter so that she might live a full and successful life, and perhaps achieve musical fame.

In the 18th century, the Pieta was one of four ospedali, or welfare institutions, that supported orphaned and abandoned girls. Girls of the Pieta studied chorus and orchestra and were renowned for their talents. Especially gifted students performed under the direction of a hired maestro, such as Vivaldi, an instructor at the Pieta for many years, and were treated like royalty throughout Venice.

McCully's heart-warming story of a family's struggle to provide for their children and the life-changing choice they make to give up their young daughter plays on the reader's heartstrings. Although they have sent their daughter to live as an orphan, the Dolcis do not forget about her. Indeed, they visit her every chance they have. Her older brother Antonio walks past the orphanage every day for years, singing the songs he sang to young Catarina as a baby.

Ultimately, Catarina does achieve fame, but only after showing true strength of character. When faced with the decision of whether to visit the ailing Antonio or uphold the rules of the ospedalo, Catarina leaves the orphanage grounds, fully knowing that her career as a singer may be over. By her actions, Catarina teaches us that love and compassion are far more important than material success.

An insightful look at the history of the Venetian welfare system and an incredible story of the strength of human devotion, The Orphan Singer will hit a high note with young readers everywhere.