Synopses & Reviews
When Anna Maria's father, a famous violin maker, passes away, she is sent to live in the Pieta, an orphanage in Venice. Though she misses her father, she knows he will always be with her, as long as she has the beautiful violin that he crafted for her. Luckily, the Pieta is not just an orphanage—it's also a renowned music school whose teacher is none other than composer Antonio Vivaldi. When Anna Maria becomes his star pupil, another orphan's jealousy leads her to throw Anna Maria's precious violin into the canals. With help from her beloved teacher and new friends, Anna Maria searches Venice's bridges, streets, and canals, but it seems hopeless. Will Anna Maria ever find her father's violin? Can she ever be happy in Venice without it? This lyrical historical fiction story by Janice Shefelman perfectly captures the beauty of Venice, the joy of music, and how a bit of kindness can make a scary new place feel like home.
Synopsis
Reissued with a fresh look and added content, the Stepping Stones History series is kid-friendly and Common Core ready
When Anna Maria's father dies, she moves to an orphanage in Venice. Though she misses her father, she knows he will always be with her, as long as she has his beautiful violin. Luckily, the orphanage is also a renowned music school, with a teacher who is none other than composer Antonio Vivaldi. But when her violin is stolen, Anna Maria must search Venice's bridges, streets, and canals. Will she ever find it--and can she ever be happy in Venice without it? This lyrical historical-fiction story captures Venice, the joy of music, and how kindness can make a scary new place feel like home.
History Stepping Stones now feature updated content that emphasizes Common Core and today's renewed interest in nonfiction. Perfect for home, school, and library bookshelves
About the Author
JANICE SHEFELMAN's love for children's books from an early age led to careers as teacher, librarian, and writer. Her first book, A Paradise Called Texas, was a Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee. Since then she has written dozens of children's books, including the Step into Reading Young Wolf series. You can visit her on the Web at ShefelmanBooks.com