Rome, 1896. The young Maria Montessori is shaken when she first encounters the small 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 a state of complete apathy. This is one of the greatest moments of happiness for her and the beginning of an unparalleled brilliant career in pedagogy. However, when she falls in love with a colleague, she is faced with the most difficult decision of her life. In this book, Laura Baldini outlines the significant milestones in the life of Maria Montessori, the teacher who challenged the traditional teacher-centered system, opposed centuries-old educational practices, and thus sparked an educational revolution that continues to change the world for the better. The author crafts an exquisite portrait of a true pioneer, combining biography with fiction and illuminating her human, feminine side. "With the fictional biography of Maria Montessori, Laura Baldini introduces readers to a role model of her time with sensitivity and objectivity."  Thüringer Allgemeine "A novel that reads pleasantly and illuminates the story of an exceptional educator."  Italien Magazin Cover design and design: © Studded Betrayal (Christina Dimitra)