About the Author

Melanie Little is an award-winning short-story writer, essayist and book reviewer. Canada's national newspaper has stated that she "could very well become the Alice Munro of our generation." This is her first novel and her first book for young people. She lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Reviews

(starred review) Set in Medieval Spain at the time of the Spanish Inquisition, Melanie Little's novel in free verse, The Apprentice's Masterpiece, makes for a powerful reading experience... Little tells her tale with concise, evocative words that lend a certain beauty to the story--yet it is not a tale of beauty. Rather, the mistrust, corruption and brutality of the Inquisition are laid bare... The economic, yet evocative, nature of Little's writing helps the reader to gain some understanding of such things as the horror of people being burnt at the stake, the hopeless depression of life as a slave on a galley ship, and the brutality of a medieval siege upon a city. Although this is not subject matter to be enjoyed, mature readers will enjoy Little's masterful use of language... Our modern day world continues to be shaped by religious persecution and conflict, and so readers will likely recognize some of the 21st century in this book set in the 15th century. [An] extremely well written and intriguing book. Highly Recommended.--Gregory Bryan"Canadian Materials" (05/16/2008)

The brief narrative poems are small gems of insight and emotion, plunging readers into experiences of civil unrest, suspicion, and governmental abuse tht disturb and resonate with contemporary connections.--Mary Arnold"VOYA" (06/01/2008)

The subject and history are enthralling ... What will hold readers are the facts of daily life: what it was like to be young when there were spies everywhere, looking for "secret Jews, and heretics / Such monsters must burn."--Hazel Rochman"Booklist" (06/01/2008)

This riveting story is peopled by flesh-and-blood characters and replete with horrific historical detail. The challenging format renders it most appropriate for strong readers.--Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle Sch"School Library Journal" (07/01/2008)

Finalist, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction Finalist, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction

(starred review) The Apprentice's Masterpiece, makes for a powerful reading experience... extremely well written and intriguing... Highly Recommended.--Gregory Bryan"Canadian Materials" (05/16/2008)

(starred review) Set in Medieval Spain at the time of the Spanish Inquisition, Melanie Little's novel in free verse, The Apprentice's Masterpiece, makes for a powerful reading experience... Little tells her tale with concise, evocative words that lend a certain beauty to the story--yet it is not a tale of beauty. Rather, the mistrust, corruption and brutality of the Inquisition are laid bare... The economic, yet evocative, nature of Little's writing helps the reader to gain some understanding of such things as the horror of people being burnt at the stake, the hopeless depression of life as a slave on a galley ship, and the brutality of a medieval siege upon a city. Although this is not subject matter to be enjoyed, mature readers will enjoy Little's masterful use of language... Our modern day world continues to be shaped by religious persecution and conflict, and so readers will likely recognize some of the 21st century in this book set in the 15th century. [An] extremely well written and intriguing book. Highly Recommended.--Gregory Bryan"Canadian Materials" (05/16/2008)
The brief narrative poems are small gems of insight and emotion, plunging readers into experiences of civil unrest, suspicion, and governmental abuse tht disturb and resonate with contemporary connections.--Mary Arnold"VOYA" (06/01/2008)
The subject and history are enthralling ... What will hold readers are the facts of daily life: what it was like to be young when there were spies everywhere, looking for "secret Jews, and heretics / Such monsters must burn."--Hazel Rochman"Booklist" (06/01/2008)
This riveting story is peopled by flesh-and-blood characters and replete with horrific historical detail. The challenging format renders it most appropriate for strong readers.--Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle Sch"School Library Journal" (07/01/2008)
Finalist, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction Finalist, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction
(starred review) The Apprentice's Masterpiece, makes for a powerful reading experience... extremely well written and intriguing... Highly Recommended.--Gregory Bryan"Canadian Materials" (05/16/2008)