Paloma (Loma) and her wealthy Jewish family live in a juderías, a segregated neighborhood where Jews are forced to reside in late 15 ^th -century Spain. Loma is 7 when her grandmother dies of plague and her grandfather, Belo, impressed by Loma's cleverness, begins taking her on his travels. Over the next ten years, Loma gains a deepening understanding of her grandfather's efforts to protect Jews in Spain: Belo uses his wealth and connections with powerful Christians, including King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, to do favors in exchange for the Jews' safety. This includes collecting taxes from Jewish communities to support Spain's war against the Moors. Safety is nonetheless tenuous and some Jews choose to publicly convert, risking torture and death if they are caught still secretly practicing Judaism. As she gets older, Loma grapples with deep disappointment when her dream of marrying and having children is denied so she can continue supporting her grandfather in his work, while her brother's conversion puts their family at greater risk. When Belo and Loma learn that all Jews will be forced to convert, leave Spain, or be killed, their entire community is in peril. This fascinating, thoroughly researched novel unfolds at a measured pace, offering a detailed tapestry of Loma's family and community and Loma's growing maturity across the story's 10-year span. (Ages 10-13)

In A Ceiling Made of Eggshells, Newbery Honor-winning author Gail Carson Levine tells a moving and ambitious story set during the expulsion of Jews from Spain, about a young Jewish girl full of heart who must play her own role in her people’s epic history—no matter the sacrifice.

Surrounded by her large family, Loma is happy living in the judería of Alcalá de Henares, Spain, and wants nothing more than to someday have a family of her own.

Still, when her intimidating grandfather, her Belo, decides to bring her along on his travels, she’s excited to join him. Belo has the ear of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, and Loma relishes her adventures with him, adventures that are beyond the scope of most girls of the time. She soon learns just how dangerous the world is for the Jews of Spain, and how her grandfather’s influence keeps their people safe.

But the older Loma gets, the more she longs to realize her own dreams—if Belo will ever allow her to leave his side.