Color Song

Gr 7 Up—In 1487 Italy, women's choices are few, but at the Santa Marta Convent, Maestra Humilita is a painter in her own right, who receives commissions from the wealthy and nobility. Giulia is brought to Santa Marta against her will, but as Maestra Humilita's apprentice, she finds happiness in convent life. Humilita creats a vibrant blue paint for a painting of Jesus' Passion. The color is named Passion Blue and its recipe kept secret. On her deathbed, Humilita bequeaths the recipe to Giulia, and now the novice must protect it from the new maestra and Humilita's jealous father. Giulia finds no recourse but to leave Santa Marta with the recipe and dress as a boy to find work as an artist's apprentice. Justine Eyre successfully voices the many characters. Teens who struggle with their own life choices will find Giulia admirable and heroic. Religious life, artists, secrets, love, loyalty, and romance combine for a captivating story.—Mary Lee Bulat, Harwinton Public Library, CT