Rome, 1896. Young Maria Montessori is shocked when she first encounters the little lethargic patients with intellectual disabilities at the psychiatric clinic. A chilling silence dominates the bare space, and the faces she sees are sorrowful.

Maria insists on giving toys to the children, and they awaken before her eyes from the phase of absolute apathy. This is one of the greatest moments of happiness for her, but also the beginning of an extraordinarily brilliant career in education.

However, when she falls in love with a colleague, she is faced with the hardest decision of her life. In this book, Laura Baldini outlines the significant milestones of Maria Montessori's life, the teacher who challenged the traditional teacher-centered system, opposed educational practices of centuries, and thus initiated an educational revolution that continues to change the world for the better.

The author composes an excellent portrait of a true pioneer by combining biography with fiction, illuminating her human, feminine side.

“With the biographical novel of Maria Montessori, Laura Baldini introduces readers to a role model of her time with sensitivity and objectivity.”  Thüringer Allgemeine

“A novel that is enjoyable to read and sheds light on the story of an extraordinary educator.”  Italian Magazin

Cover design and graphics: © Studded Betrayal (Christina Dimitra)