"Take Me With You"

I picked up this book on a whim while at the library with my grandson. It was in the children's section and looked interesting. Carolyn Marsden, the author, got the idea for this story from hearing an Italian friend (Daniella Cinque) describe her childhood growing up in a convent in Naples for unwanted girls after World War II. The story itself centers on two young girls who have grown up in just such an institute and have been best friends. Pina is a beautiful blonde while Susanna is a "mulatta" which probably means her father was a black American G.I. When families come looking for a child to adopt, they both hope to be adopted but it turns out there are complications in both their cases that might be barriers to adoption. Susanna believes Pina is more "adoptable" because of her blonde hair and the fact that she fits into a more traditional Italian regional look. So....what happens, are they adopted? You'll have to read it to find out and it's a quick read -- only took me a few hours to satisfy my curiosity!

pazt