The Beauty of Tears
by Lucy Appadoo
Twelve-year-old Roberto Morandi and his siblings work hard to keep their family afloat as their parents, Maria and Giovanni, struggle to survive financially in post-war Italy. When the financial stress threatens their parents’ marriage, a family friend, Salvatore, becomes their saving grace. However, a sudden turn of events leads to death and deception, placing their survival further at risk. When a villain tries to destroy the Morandis and all they’ve worked for, Roberto and his family must fight for their lives against a predator determined to kill.