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Have you thought about living abroad? Maybe teaching for a semester? Now imagine teaching English to middle-schoolers in a foreign country.

When Brian applies for an English teaching job in Italy, middle school isn't his first choice. But to be placed within the Pezzoni family, that's where he must go.

Initially, Brian isn't happy about the job, but over time, he becomes increasingly engaged with the students. He comes up with an unexpected but brilliant way to get them to focus. It involves a mysterious statue--salvaged from the rubble of a deadly earthquake.

Meanwhile, Brian begins a tentative friendship with Nora, an Italian teacher at the school. He admires her gentle manner and teaching style. She seems to reciprocate his feelings, but their affection for each other is sometimes confounded by cultural misunderstandings and personal history. Will Brian find a happy ending with the beautiful teacher?

Brian's experiences in and out of the classroom will teach him about the wonders and warmth of Italy-and the surprising wisdom of middle- schoolers.