Rafael in Italy: A Geographical Reader

"Rafael in Italy: A Geographical Reader" by Etta Blaisdell McDonald is a story that whisks young readers away to Italy through the eyes of a 14-year-old Italian boy named Rafael. He encounters an American girl and her mother, together they explore Italian cities learning about the culture, landmarks, and people. The writing focuses on the beauty and energy of Italian life through the eyes of a young boy, inspiring children to learn about foreign lands in an accessible way. The story starts with a summer evening in Venice, where Rafael decides to go to the Piazza of St. Mark to join the festivities after seeing a star. He meets an American officer who tells him about Italy's history and inspires him to think about becoming a soldier. This chapter starts an exciting journey of cultural exploration.