The Staircase

Ann Rinaldi

Jun 2002 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

How could Lizzy Enders's father abandon her at a girls school run by nuns? She's surrounded by Catholics--but she's Methodist! Shunned by the other boarders, Lizzy befriends a wandering carpenter named José, who with just three tools--and unflagging faith--builds an elaborate spiral staircase in the new chapel in mere weeks. When he disappears without a trace, Lizzy realizes that the way she sees things is not always the way they are.
Inspired by the legend of the "miraculous" staircase in the Chapel of Loretto in Santa Fe, Ann Rinaldi skillfully blends the mystery surrounding the staircase's builder with the daily trials of a spunky thirteen-year-old girl growing up in the 1870s.

Ratings and reviews

it was a very great book i would recomend it for anyone who loves to read historical fiction it was one book i wont forget with interesting things happening every where you look. it was very cool to see how life could be for a young girl who had to experience something new it taught me a few things and made me look at some things differently. she really got this book in good perspective i loved it!

This is a well thought out read that follows the mind of a disheartened young girl perfectly. You experience her troubles and triumphs with young Lizzy and revel in the mysterious setting that portrays the book so well. Great read would recommend for anyone who would like to experience something magical.

About the author

ANN RINALDI is an award-winning author best known for bringing history vividly to life. A self-made writer and newspaper columnist for twenty-one years, Ms. Rinaldi attributes her interest in history to her son, who enlisted her to take part in historical reenactments up and down the East Coast. She lives with her husband in central New Jersey.