Daughter of Venice

Napoli, Donna Jo (2003). Daughter of Venice. New York: Laurel Leaf.

Summary:  Set during the Renaissance, Daughter of Venice tells the adventures of 14-year-old Donata, who feels trapped in her wealthy family's palazzo and longs to explore beautiful Venice before she is made to move to a nunnery, the fate she expects with dread. She manages to find an escape by disguising herself as a poor fisherboy and makes daily jaunts into the city.  Her experiences change her more powerfully than she had anticipated.

Additional comments:  Daughter of Venice's strong-willed and courageous female protagonist is based on a true historical figure, who challenged unbending gender roles to achieve her education.  Donata's relationship to her family, especially her twin sister, her domineering father, and her protective brothers, will also intrigue readers.