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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Read this with my 8 year old. Creative, entertaining and awesome that the protagonist is a clever, tough girl that hold the attention of a boy at that age where girls are so uninteresting.
Eva Nine (evidently pronounced "Ehvahnyne") has known nothing but her underground Sanctuary and her robot mother, Muthr, and is champing at the bit for some freedom and adventure. When her home is destroyed by a hunter and she's forced to flee, she's propelled into life and death situations and wonders if all her survival training has prepared her for the reality of life outside.
I admit that after hearing lukewarm reviews from friends I only picked this up because I was intrigued by --and thought I should check out-- the webcam interactivity (which I couldn't get to work). And then it took me quite a while to get into it. But once I did I found lots to recommend it. I liked it's vintage 1930's Art Deco style--the limited color palette and seemingly flat areas of color reminded me of the Book House illustrations (love those) and comic books. I liked the gutsy young heroine and the mix of cool science (Her clothing performs first aid and monitors her well-being, the Omnipod records and analyzes her surroundings, and of course, Muthr) and fantasy--surreal creatures, evil plants. Technology plays various roles here, from annoying hindrance to malfunctioning limitation to lifesaver. (This would be fun to discuss.) Often the real world turns out to be more useful than her educational devices in offering real experiences and learning. Another discussion--how well can we prepare for "real life"? School or experience the best teacher?
DiTerlizzi has written some great action scenes here, and some very memorable situations. The parallels between this book and the Wizard of Oz are unavoidable and intentional: spunky girl, the scarecrow-like Rovender, the evil water flower (poppies, anyone?), and her quest--in this case to find other humans. There turns out to be a direct connection to Oz. There will be a sequel, which will be welcome.
ps It did bother me that some of the illustrations at the chapter heads gave away too much of the upcoming chapter.
I admit that after hearing lukewarm reviews from friends I only picked this up because I was intrigued by --and thought I should check out-- the webcam interactivity (which I couldn't get to work). And then it took me quite a while to get into it. But once I did I found lots to recommend it. I liked it's vintage 1930's Art Deco style--the limited color palette and seemingly flat areas of color reminded me of the Book House illustrations (love those) and comic books. I liked the gutsy young heroine and the mix of cool science (Her clothing performs first aid and monitors her well-being, the Omnipod records and analyzes her surroundings, and of course, Muthr) and fantasy--surreal creatures, evil plants. Technology plays various roles here, from annoying hindrance to malfunctioning limitation to lifesaver. (This would be fun to discuss.) Often the real world turns out to be more useful than her educational devices in offering real experiences and learning. Another discussion--how well can we prepare for "real life"? School or experience the best teacher?
DiTerlizzi has written some great action scenes here, and some very memorable situations. The parallels between this book and the Wizard of Oz are unavoidable and intentional: spunky girl, the scarecrow-like Rovender, the evil water flower (poppies, anyone?), and her quest--in this case to find other humans. There turns out to be a direct connection to Oz. There will be a sequel, which will be welcome.
ps It did bother me that some of the illustrations at the chapter heads gave away too much of the upcoming chapter.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
I read this book in one sitting. The story builds on a common fantasy theme of journey and identity with a few innovative twists.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sometimes the writing was a bit confusing...and the ending was kinda......alright. Just kinda eh.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
"Oz has become a post-apocalyptic space adventure. Fans of these kinds of stories will want to pick up The Search for Wondla for their younger reader—and join in on the fun."
"Part Fantasy and part Sci Fi, Tony DiTerlizzi writes a story both magical and logical in explanation. DiTerlizzi world-builds around the protagonist and her fascinating companions as the story progresses, balancing travel-narrative with heart-thumping action sequences. He begins on a high-adrenalined note, a brilliant beginning to invest the reader and show off his writerly skills. The writing is clean, fluid, and the story unfolds with pieces slowly sliding into place while yet maintaining enough of a mystery for the series to sustain itself. (Yes, The Search for Wondla is book one.) The creatures and the gadgetry are well-presented, not underestimating the clever brains of middle-school readers. Indeed, the vocabulary in The Search for Wondla is not a 3rd grader’s level (bless him). [yes, I know this aspect will alienate several adults.] If you love Kate DiCamillo for her diction, you will love DiTerlizzi."
[...]
"The Search for Wondla would be a fun read for those TAG Readers whose curriculum includes Eco-Criticism (Natalya’s was fairly humdrum). Conversations about the interconnectedness of nature and the consequences of the destructive (domineering) spirits are woven into the adventure. It isn’t message-y, but appropriate to Eva Nine’s desire to not be alone, and to not be at constant odds with her environment and its inhabitants."
"Loss and loneliness and survival infuse the text, important ingredients in a journey quest and compelling adventure. The Search for Wondla will entertain readers of all ages, boy and girl alike."
L @ omphaloskepsis
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/2011/04/12/wondla/
"Part Fantasy and part Sci Fi, Tony DiTerlizzi writes a story both magical and logical in explanation. DiTerlizzi world-builds around the protagonist and her fascinating companions as the story progresses, balancing travel-narrative with heart-thumping action sequences. He begins on a high-adrenalined note, a brilliant beginning to invest the reader and show off his writerly skills. The writing is clean, fluid, and the story unfolds with pieces slowly sliding into place while yet maintaining enough of a mystery for the series to sustain itself. (Yes, The Search for Wondla is book one.) The creatures and the gadgetry are well-presented, not underestimating the clever brains of middle-school readers. Indeed, the vocabulary in The Search for Wondla is not a 3rd grader’s level (bless him). [yes, I know this aspect will alienate several adults.] If you love Kate DiCamillo for her diction, you will love DiTerlizzi."
[...]
"The Search for Wondla would be a fun read for those TAG Readers whose curriculum includes Eco-Criticism (Natalya’s was fairly humdrum). Conversations about the interconnectedness of nature and the consequences of the destructive (domineering) spirits are woven into the adventure. It isn’t message-y, but appropriate to Eva Nine’s desire to not be alone, and to not be at constant odds with her environment and its inhabitants."
"Loss and loneliness and survival infuse the text, important ingredients in a journey quest and compelling adventure. The Search for Wondla will entertain readers of all ages, boy and girl alike."
L @ omphaloskepsis
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/2011/04/12/wondla/
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
What a fun, fantasy - filled epic journey. looking forward to reading the next book.