Description

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In this celebration of Italian life and culture, seventeen-year-old Alessandra returns for the summer to Italy, where she grew up. Pressured by her parents into babysitting a rebellious twelve year old—ruining holiday plans with newfound American friends—Alessandra resigns herself to a tedious summer in Positano.

Her babysitting gig, however, turns out to be anything but boring! Not only does Alessandra fall for the handsome son of the Bertolucci family, renowned for their limoncello production, but when a body mysteriously turns up on the beach, the influence of organized crime in Positano becomes frighteningly real. As Alessandra is drawn further into an elaborate conspiracy, she must risk everything to protect herself, her family, and those she loves, and in the process finds herself—and her Italian heart.

About the Author

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Author of twenty-eight traditionally published books, Margo Sorenson spent the first seven years of her life in Spain and Italy, devouring books and Italian food. A former middle and high school teacher, Margo has won national recognition and awards for her books, including ALA Quick Pick Nominations, recommendations from Multicultural Review, and was named a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in YA Fiction.

Praise For…

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“A teenage romance as sweet and satisfying as a summer day on the Amalfi coast, with a dark twist to add to the page-turning mystery. Margo Sorenson has deftly captured the enigmatic moodiness of a tween... A delightful armchair excursion to the romantic heart of southern Italy! Brava!” —Dianne Hales, author of La Bella Lingua and the forthcoming La Passione: How Italy Seduced the World

“What an entertaining read! Torn between two cultures, seventeen-year-old Alessandra (or Alex) struggles with where she fits in, and who she really wants to be... The descriptions of the beautiful coastal locations and customs are gorgeous... I’ve never been to Italy, but now I’m ready to pack my bags and sit on a terrace sipping delicious lemon-flavored drinks. You’re sure to enjoy Secrets in Translation!” —Marcia Strykowski, 
Librarian, and author of Roller Boy and Call Me Amy

“Secrets in Translation is a perfect mix of travel, culture, romance, and mystery! The descriptions of the towns, restaurants, and the people allow the reader to feel as if they are traveling to Italy with Alessandra! The character deals with the pull between the loyalty of two cultures and coming of age. The story is intriguing and pulls the reader in leaving them wanting more. A fun and interesting book that teens are sure to love.” —Anita Celucci, Past President MA Library Association, Librarian, Westborough HS

“Utterly charming.” —Allison Hill, YA buyer at Vroman's Bookstore

“A great read that will leave you wanting to book a trip to Italy!” —Meradeth Houston, author of Someone Else's Soul and An Absence of Light

"If you like YA novels that transport you to sunny Italy where a young woman comes-of-age, this is a perfect beach read or one to savor as an armchair traveler in front of a cozy fire." —Laura Fabiani, Top 25 Canadian Book Blogger recipient, host of Library of Clean Reads