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K-Gr 2 The Dolcis sadly recognize that they are too poor to nurture baby Nina's superb vocal talent so they make the ultimate sacrifice-they leave her at the ospedalo (a choral school for orphans). Renamed Catarina, the girl fulfills all expectations with her magnificent voice but her exuberant pranks present a disciplinary challenge. As she grows and learns, the entire family makes regular, anonymous visits. In the midst of her stellar rise to fame, however, her brother falls gravely ill and young Catarina must make her own ultima...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Marbleized borders set off this Venetian tale set early in the eighteenth century. The Dolcis, poor, loving parents, have two children, both of whom show musical talent early on. Because of their poverty, young Antonio is destined to be a basket maker, but the Dolcis determine to do otherwise for their musically precocious infant daughter Nina. They leave her at an ospedalo, a Venetian welfare institution, where, as a foundling, Nina will secure an excellent...Log In or Sign Up to Read More