Bartolome: The Infanta's Pet: A Dog's Life in the Infanta's Court

Commended for itstreatment of disability, this is abeautifully written historical novel with a gripping plot, in which being different ultimately makes an already strong boy even stronger 17th-century Madrid is not a kind place for a dwarf like Bartolome, and his family has to keep him hidden in a small back room. His dream is to be able to read and write, and when he hears that a dwarf like himself works in the King's court, he is heartened, knowing that he could have the chance to make something of himself, too. Then a plan goes awfully wrong, and the king s little daughter, the Infanta, sees Bartolome and wants to have him as her "human dog." Life in the royal palace is scary and humiliating until Bartolome discovers the artist s studio. Colorful, gripping, and written with real warmth, this is an inspiring story of courage and hope."