  | Undrowned child Author: Lovric, Michelle | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
In 1899, Teodora and her parents go from Naples to Venice, Italy, which suffers a series of violent natural disasters, where she has adventures involving mermaids and an ancient prophecy.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 6.00 Points: 17.0 Quiz: 145485 | Reading Counts Information: Interest Level: 6-8 Reading Level: 6.40 Points: 24.0 Quiz: 54888 | |
Common Core Standards
Grade 4 → Reading → RL Literature → 4.RL Key Ideas & Details
Grade 4 → Reading → RL Literature → 4.RL Craft & Structure
Grade 4 → Reading → RL Literature → 4.RL Integration & Knowledge of Ideas
Grade 4 → Reading → RL Literature → Texts Illustrating the Complexity, Quality, & Rang
Grade 5 → Reading → RL Literature → 5.RL Key Ideas & Details
Grade 5 → Reading → RL Literature → 5.RL Integration & Knowledge of Ideas
Grade 5 → Reading → RL Literature → Texts Illustrating the Complexity, Quality, & Rang
Grade 6 → Reading → RL Literature → 6.RL Key Ideas & Details
Grade 6 → Reading → RL Literature → 6.RL Craft & Structure
Grade 6 → Reading → RL Literature → 6.RL Integration of Knowledge & Ideas
Grade 6 → Reading → RL Literature → 6.RL Range of Reading & Level of Text Complexity
Grade 6 → Reading → CCR College & Career Readiness Anchor Standards fo
Grade 7 → Reading → RL Literature → 7.RL Key Ideas & Details
Grade 7 → Reading → RL Literature → 7.RL Range of Reading & LEvel of Text Complexity
Grade 7 → Reading → RL Literature → 7.RL Integration of Knowledge & Ideas
Grade 8 → Reading → RL Literature → 8.RL Key Ideas & Details
Grade 5 → Reading → RL Literature → 5.RL Craft & Structure
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (07/01/11)
School Library Journal (08/01/11)
Booklist (06/01/11)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 06/01/2011 In 1899, 11-year-old Teo is thrilled to visit Venice at last but alarmed to discover that the city is in grave danger and that she has a vital role to play in the impending crisis. An ancient villain is rebuilding his powers and gathering his minions. Meanwhile, Teo joins forces with Renzo, a local boy, and others who are determined to protect Venice, including mermaids, dolphins, ghosts, nuns, cats, the city’s children, and a magical book. This is well-grounded in its lovingly described historical setting and ends with a 14-page section commenting on how the city in the novel intersects with Venetian history and what aftifacts can be seen today. Although the narrative offers plenty of adventure scenes, including some rather grisly ones, it frequently bogs down in lengthy, detailed sections of backstory explaining the many individuals and sets of characters involved. The climactic scene leaves the door open for a sequel set at a later date. - Copyright 2011 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 08/01/2011 Gr 5–8—Fantasy and historical fiction blend meticulously in this richly imaginative novel. Set in 1899, it's an intricately woven tale about rescuing Venice from impending demise. Teodora Gasperin, 11, miraculously survived a drowning accident that left her an orphan. She was adopted by two scientists who are attending a conference in Venice to find a way to save the city from sinking into the sea. While there, Teo is accidentally hit on the head by an extraordinary book, The Key to the Secret City for the Children of Venice, when it topples from a bookstore shelf, thus beginning her adventures. The book speaks to her, leading her on a quest to rescue the city from evil Bajamonte Tiepolo. After the accident, Teo is visible only to children, and she has extraordinary powers. As she tries to unlock the mystery to save the city, she deals with clever mermaids, some of whom add humor to the adventure. After a bumpy start, Renzo, a chauvinistic young Venetian, becomes her good friend and joins in her search. Lovric has included intriguing twists and turns on almost every page, with vampire eels and villains galore. Teo is a wonderful but unassuming heroine, and Venice itself is a thrilling character. The combination of imagination, thorough research, and evocative prose renders this an exceptional read that will not relinquish readers from its grasp. Happily, a sequel is already planned. This is Lovric's first contribution to literature for the young, and it is a gem.—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ - Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
