Set in the late 1800's/early 1900's, this is a mystery about a foundling (an abandoned baby that was found and adopted). Annika grew up happily in Austria until age 11 when a series of events occured that would alter her life. An elderly woman moves in with a neighbor, an elegant woman arrives as her long lost mother, and a gypsy boy Zed and his horse Rocco develop a complicated relationship with Annika. All of these combine to form a great story of intrigue, family and friendship. How will Annika's life turn out? Who's telling the truth? And what about all of those jewels????
Read and see!
I think that girls would especially like this book, ages 9-12
RATING: ****
LLL
PS: Author Eva Ibbotson has written many other kid's books, like The Secret of Platform 13, Which Witch, Dial-a Ghost, and Island of the Aunts.