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Welcome to ancient Greece as only genius storyteller Laura Amy Schlitz can conjure it.

In a warlike land of wind and sunlight, “ringed by a restless sea”, live Rhaskos and Melisto, spiritual twins with little in common beyond the violent and mysterious forces that dictate their lives. A Thracian slave in a Greek household, Rhaskos is as common as clay, a stable boy worth less than a donkey, much less a horse. Wrenched from his mother at a tender age, he nurtures in secret, aided by Socrates, his passions for art and philosophy. Melisto is a spoiled aristocrat, a girl as precious as amber but willful and wild. She’ll marry and be tamed - the curse of all highborn girls - but risk her life for a season first to serve Artemis, goddess of the hunt.

Bound by destiny, Melisto and Rhaskos - Amber and Clay - never meet in the flesh. By the time they do, one of them is a ghost. But the thin line between life and death is just one boundary their unlikely friendship crosses. It takes an army of snarky gods and fearsome goddesses, slaves and masters, mothers and philosophers to help shape their story into a gorgeously distilled, symphonic tour de force.

Blending verse and prose, this is a tale that vividly transcends time, an indelible reminder of the power of language to illuminate the over- and underworlds of human history. 

In Laura Amy Schlitz's heartwarming and insightful novel, "Amber and Clay," readers embark on a journey into the lives of two extraordinary characters – Amber and Clay – who share a profound bond despite their starkly contrasting backgrounds. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this story unveils the strength of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of literature.

Amber, a precocious and imaginative young girl, finds solace in books and dreams of becoming a writer. However, her family's dire circumstances often force her to confront harsh realities. On the other hand, Clay, a quiet and gentle boy from a wealthy family, battles his own internal struggles, including a troubled relationship with his father.

When Amber and Clay's paths cross at the local library, they discover a shared love for literature that transcends their differences. As they delve deeper into the worlds created within books, they find solace, understanding, and the courage to face their own challenges.

As the story unfolds, Amber and Clay embark on a series of adventures, both real and imagined. They encounter a mysterious circus performer, a kindhearted librarian, and a group of children who, like them, find solace and empowerment in the written word.

Through their shared experiences, Amber and Clay learn the importance of empathy, compassion, and resilience. They discover that even in the direst of circumstances, hope and beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.

"Amber and Clay" is a timeless classic that speaks to readers of all ages. Laura Amy Schlitz's captivating storytelling and rich character development create a poignant and unforgettable narrative that celebrates the transformative power of literature, friendship, and the human spirit.