Falcon in the Glass
Written by: Susan Fletcher
Renzo is an apprentice learning to blow glass and earn his own place among the best glass makers in mediaeval Venice. But he only has two weeks to prove that he can do all of the required steps or be left as a drudge waiting on others in the shop for the rest of his life. What he doesn’t know is that there are things, and people more important than blowing glass into a beautiful goblet or bowl. While trying to save himself and his family, he must decide whether or to save others. His understanding of the problem will make readers ask if they would take such chances for strangers.
Fifth grade readers will enjoy this look into the dark and mysterious canals of Venice. They will also be enthralled by the early process for making glass and the hard work and extreme heat required.
The story shows what happened to people who lived on the fringes of society at that time. It is a most sobering look at how orphans were left to fend for themselves as outcasts in an earlier time.
The dialogue and action make the story fast paced and engaging for grade 5 readers, as well as those younger and older. For classroom or home use, this book makes a fantastic read aloud option for children from grades 3 – 9.
Extras: End pages give information for readers wanting more information about blowing glass, old Venice during the Renaissance or the annual Carnivale that continues even today. Readers can also meet the author and get more extras by going to: KIDS.SimonandSchuster.com
TITLE: Falcon in the Glass- AUTHOR: Susan Fletcher
- PUBLISHER: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2013
- REVIEWER: Elizabeth Swartz
- FORMAT: Hardcover/300p
- ISBN: 978-1-4424-2990-1
- GENRE: Historical Fiction
- LEXILE: 660
