An Italian Adventure

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Author(s)

Gaia B Amman

Publisher Name

Kuki Publishing

Genre(s)

Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Issues

Age Range

12+

Release Date

October 10, 2015

ISBN13

978-0996805179

ISBN10 or ASIN

“Astute and affecting…” — Kirkus Reviews

Italy, 1987. One discovery. Two outcasts. A summer that changes everything.

Bound by secrets and a shared sense of belonging nowhere, two unlikely allies must find the courage to exist beyond expectations.

Lee (Leda Balni) is a devout prepubescent tomboy whose carefully ordered world is shaken on the eve of her First Confession. When her nemesis, Nico—a Sicilian transplant as aggressive as he is lost—foists an abandoned adult magazine on her, it triggers a firestorm of questions about an identity Lee doesn't yet have a name for.

Forced together by circumstance, these two outcasts must define and defend their budding identities in the face of adult hypocrisy and rigid Italian traditions. From the dusty streets of a small town to the quiet rebellion of a young heart, Lee begins a courageous struggle toward self-acceptance.

"Nonbinary Anne of Green Gables meets The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood."

An Italian Adventure is a poignant, humorous, and deeply moving "Own Voices" journey. The first volume of The Italian Saga, it is a celebration of resilience, found family, and the pursuit of happiness.

Based on a true story.

Perfect for fans of:

Coming-of-age stories with high emotional stakes
Queer historical fiction & "Own Voices" narratives
80s/90s nostalgia and themes of found family

User reviews

1 review

Overall rating

5.0

Writing Style

5.0(1)

Plot

5.0(1)

Characters

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An Italian Adventure - Engaging book that promotes self reflection and empathy

March 16, 2026 (Updated: July 14, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

An Italian Adventure is a meaningful but entertaining story about a nine-year-old girl named Leda (aka Lee) who is trying to figure out her place in the world. Lee’s journey through family dynamics and growing up in Northern Italy in the 1980s is both funny and heartfelt, but what makes the story really special is how it gently explores questions of identity, self-expression, and understanding others.

I'd personally recommend this book to young readers because it encourages empathy and self-reflection. Lee faces situations that challenge her assumptions and force her to think about who she wants to be, which can help kids recognize that it’s okay to question themselves and the world around them. The story also highlights the value of friendship, resilience, and finding support in unexpected places, lessons that are especially important for children learning to navigate social and personal challenges.

The book is meaningful because it shows that growing up is not just about fun adventures, but also about discovering your own voice and learning to respect the differences in others. It’s written in a way that is relatable for kids, with humor, vivid descriptions of Italian culture, and authentic emotions, making it a story that sticks with readers long after the last page.

Good Points

- Encourages empathy and understanding of others

- Shows the importance of self-discovery, especially in our younger years

- Relatable and engaging main character

- Vivid cultural setting that broadens perspectives

- Teaches valuable life lessons about friendship and family