Beautiful Way

<p>Eighth-grader Natalie Stevens has never had a friend who lived next-door. So when the Bellavia</p><p>family moves there Natalie can hardly contain her excitement especially since Patrizia the</p><p>oldest of the Bellavia kids is also in eighth grade.</p><p>Charged with helping Patrizia become familiar with her new school Natalie gladly takes on the</p><p>assignment sure that the two will become immediate friends. She does not even consider they</p><p>might be very different from one another or that Patrizia's weight Italian name and traditions</p><p>might make her the target of the school bully.</p><p>From the moment the girls meet Natalie finds herself on an emotional journey. Family life at the</p><p>Bellavia household is steeped in tradition. From their food to a Friday night family custom to</p><p>even praying the rosary and other components of Patrizia's Catholic faith Natalie finds she is</p><p>constantly questioning and learning. This experience serves as a catalyst to Natalie developing an</p><p>interest in art where she must decide if others' opinions matter enough to stifle her new passion.</p><p>Together the girls help each other face down their individual obstacles lift each other up learn</p><p>compassion for Patrizia's bully and bring together a community.</p>