Rosa by Starlight

Orphaned at age four, Rosa Mundi has been raised by her aunt and uncle, cruel people who have dampened her spirit over the years by locking her in her room at night and proving more interested in promoting their artificial lawn business than caring for a child. Her only friend is Balthazar, an enigmatic, helpful black cat. Now 11, she’s taken by her aunt and uncle to Venice, where they plan to expand their business. Upon arrival, they abandon Rosa at a hotel run by a family that only speaks Italian. Short on funds and alone in a foreign country, Rosa must find a way to fend for herself. But when the street cats of Venice come to her aid, she discovers an innate power and a new sense of belonging. McKay (The Swallows’ Flight) employs dream logic and surrealist imagery reminiscent of Roald Dahl to blend fairy tale whimsy with aching portrayals of adolescence. Over-the-top characters, lush descriptions, and casual incorporations of magical elements buoy the sometimes fraught scenarios that Rosa finds herself in as she contends with street thieves, unfamiliar customs, and the realities of being brought up by neglectful relatives. Main characters are white and Italian. Ages 8–12. Agent: Molly Ker Hawn, Bent Agency. (Aug.)