Anna Maria loves her father more than anything in the world. When he dies, she must go to Venice to live at the Pieta, a home for orphaned girls. Before he dies, however, he presents her with a violin he himself has made. He says it will speak to her with his own voice.

The one bright spot in Anna Maria's life at the Pieta is violin class with the great Vivaldi, and she soon becomes his best pupil. Then Paolina, a jealous classmate, throws Anna Maria's violin into the Venetian canals. Anna Maria resolves to do two things: find her violin and hate Paolina forever.

Janice Shefelman has written a sweet story about friendship in this book based on some historical facts. Young girls will sympathize with Anna Maria's sorrows, but will also learn the importance of forgiveness.

Jennifer Minicus is a former teacher currently living in Ridgewood, NJ.