A Portrait of Pia — Marisabina Russo

Thirteen-year-old Pia doesn't know her father, but she desperately wants to meet him. So she sends a letter to his home in far-off Italy. After she mails that one little letter, Pia's world turns upside down. But as she explores art, poetry, and New York City--and even makes her way to Italy to meet her mysterious papà--her world starts to right itself.

    

In this powerful and heartfelt story, Pia tries hard to forgive and love her imperfect family, and along the way she blossoms into a wise and worldly young woman.