This middle-grade novel takes place in Pittsburgh in 1952-53. The protagonist is Franny, a young girl of imagination, curiosity, and stubbornness. While recovering from polio, she begins a correspondence with a flea named Fleabrain
Venice, Italy 1592 - Donata Mocenigo daughter of the city's noble families, leads a life of wealthy privilege constrained by the strict rules of etiquette a young noblewoman must observe - So Donata comes up with a daring plan to escape the palazzo and explore Venice.
When German prisoners of war are brought to her Arkansas town during World War II, twelve-year-old Patty, a Jewish girl, befriends one of them and must deal with the consequences of that friendship.