Collins, Pat Lowery. Hidden Voices: The Orphan Musicians of Venice. 2009. 345p. Candlestick, $17.99. (978-0-7636-3917-4). Ages 12+:
In the early 1700s a teenage girl suffers from her unrequited love for another girl in the Ospedale della Pieta, an orphanage renowned for its extraordinary musical program. Although the love is not referred to specifically as being lesbian, there is a reference to Anetta looking more comfortable in trousers and her explanation to Luisa that, because of her feelings for Luisa, she understands the love of a man for a woman or a woman for a man. Luisa also becomes impatient with Anetta’s adoration and needs her to stop. The unique setting, vivid musical themes, and sharply realized characters make this book well worth reading.

–Nel Ward