The people of fourteenth-century Florence, Italy, starving after years of bad weather and natural disasters, now face the Black Plague but twelve-year-old Maria is determined to survive. Includes historical note, glossary, and discussion questions.

Natasha Deen graduated college with a psychology degree, but her passion has always revolved around stories. She has written mysteries, action, historical, and fantasy novels for kids, teens, and adults. For her, one of the best things about being an author is the chance to slip into other times and worlds, and to be anything she can imagine through her characters. Natasha lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with her pets and husband. When she's not writing, she spends a lot of time trying to convince her animals that she's the real boss of the house. Visit her at www.natashadeen.com.