Last fall, Marissa Moss introduced the first in her MIRA’S DIARY series, LOST IN PARIS. Mira, a 13-year-old girl who has unexpectedly inherited her missing mother’s ability to time-travel, finds herself in 19th century Paris.
This spring, in the exciting second book, HOME SWEET ROME, Mira’s quest lands her in 16th century Rome. There, she must disguise herself as a boy to gain access to important information about the Roman Inquisition. Mira must decide whether to save Giordano Bruno, a famous mathematician and thinker, or rescue her mother who has been trapped in time-traveling dilemmas. (from Sourcebooks)
Mira’s Diary: Home Sweet Rome
By Marissa Moss
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
April 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4022-6609-6
Hardcover/$12.99
Ages 9-12
source: publisher via netgalley
The fate of the past—and the future—rests in her hands.
In Mira’s Diary: Home Sweet Rome our favorite time travelling 13-year-old is back, and her next stop is 16th century Rome.
Written like a journal and illustrated with sketches, notes, and memorabilia such as postcards and ticket stubs, in Mira’s Diary: Home Sweet Rome, Marissa’s fun and engaging illustrations accompany a text rich with historical details and characters. Full of action, mystery, the sketchbook novel will thrill middle grade readers, while giving them a glimpse into a fascinating and tumultuous era.
Mira was prepared to travel the world to find her mother—but she never expected that she’d have to travel through time as well. When Mira’s search transports her to 16th century Rome, she befriends the famed painter Caravaggio and falls into his group of scientists and fellow artists. But Mira quickly realizes this is no place for forward thinkers and is soon faced with protecting her new friends from the evil Madame Lefoutre. Mira’s outmatched 5,000 miles (and 500 years) from home, but she’ll have to succeed if she ever hopes to be reunited with her mother.
My REview:
I love the diary-style format of the Mira’s diary series. It’s very visual and pleasing to the eyes, especially for the book’s intended readers (the middle grade kids). Plus, the story is very educative: a perfect blend of history and mystery and time travel. The descriptions of the book are well written and easily understood. I like how historical events, places and people are somehow incorporated in the story. Though it takes some time getting used to reading the wordy educative parts, but it’s also worth it. It’s actually balanced by its fast-paced storytelling. The thrilling part of the story where you have so many questions and you want to know the answers for the mystery right away is an additional plus points for the book. Home Sweet Rome is fun combined with learning, though it is not definitely a textbook.
It’s really good and appealing for middle grade readers.
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Win a paperback copy of Home Sweet Rome by Marissa Moss
(US/Canada only)
About the Author:
Marissa Moss has published over 50 children’s books and her illustrated Amelia series sold more than 2 million copies. Although she hopes to visit all the wonders of the world, right now she lives in the San Francisco Bay area where she can appreciate the Golden Gate Bridge from her window. Visit her www.marissamoss.com.
Note: Review copy given in exchange of an honest review:)
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