Author: Tony DiTerlizzi
Publication Date: September 21, 2010
Genre: Middle Grade Science Fiction
Copy provided by: Andersons
Summary (via Amazon):When a marauder destroys the underground sanctuary that Eva Nine was raised in by the robot Muthr, the twelve-year-year-old girl is forced to flee aboveground. Eva Nine is searching for anyone else like her, for she knows that other humans exist, because of an item she treasures—a scrap of cardboard on which is depicted a young girl, an adult, and a robot, with the strange word, “WondLa.” Tony DiTerlizzi honors traditional children's literature in this totally original space age adventure: one that is as complex as an alien planet, but as simple as a child's wish for a place to belong.
Breathtaking two-color illustrations throughout reveal another dimension of Tony DiTerlizzi's vision, and, for those readers with a webcam, the book also features Augmented Reality in several places, revealing additional information about Eva Nine's world.
Why I read this: C'mon - it's Tony DiTerlizzi! Why wouldn't I read it???
Plot: A mix almost of the Wizard of Oz meets Alice in Wonderland, but set in the future on a planet far away. I can't even describe it right - but it was great. Full of adventure and discovery!
Characters: Eva is a curious girl and I would be too if I had grown up stuck indoors, only learning about the outside and never seeing it for myself. I definitely love her sense of adventure and her courageous heart.
Muthr is a great character as well - a robot who has to care for the young Eva and is very much like a real mother to her.
Rovender reminds me a bit of Jar Jar banks - just in my head of what he would look like. He's an explorer of sorts that runs into Eva and helps her the best he can. He's the guiding figure in the book and is a great help to Eva.
Relatability: Definitely seems to have bits of sci-fi pieces that I've seen in movies and other books. Eva is a character anyone can relate to - wanting to do something she is told not to. Then, when she is able to do it, it is for a reason other than her own wants.
Cover Commentary: I love it. Tony is a genius at art and it almost gives it a Star Wars type look.
Rating: 5/5 Roses 
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hmm...your Wizard of Oz/Alice in Wonderland/in the future comment makes me curious about this :)
ReplyDeleteI don't usually read middle grade but this looks pretty darn good.
From the summary I wasn't sure but when you describe it as a mix of Alice and Oz it makes me curious. Sci-fi isn't neccesarily my thing but the way you describe it I may have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteThis is the kind of book I loved as a kid and since I am still a kid at heart I've added it to my tbr pile.
ReplyDeleteI just picked this up at a charity auction this weekend, I'm so hyped!
ReplyDeleteLooking at the cover I agree, it does look very Stars Wars. Might pick this one up at some point.
ReplyDeleteSounds like my kind of book. And I love the cover!
ReplyDeleteFrom your description I really think my students would love this book. I will definitely be checking this out soon.
ReplyDeleteI love sci-fi! Defintely sounds like a book I'd read. :)
ReplyDeleteI normally dont read books of this genre but your review is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Tony is a genius at art :D
ReplyDeleteSounds good with lots of adventure.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely have to check this out, I have been reading so many MG novels lately. This sounds fantastic. Thanks for letting us know about it.
ReplyDeleteOh you had me at Wizard of Oz meets Alice in Wonderland! I HAVE to read this now!
ReplyDeleteI didnt even need to read past the Wizard of Oz meets Alice in Wonderland line to think it sounds great. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe plot sounds very interesting! Especially the way you described it!
ReplyDeleteI never read a sci-fi before.But I wish I could find one and read myself.But back to the future was a nice movie =)
ReplyDeleteI'm simply in love with the cover but the story line sounds so good as well. I also am feeling bad that I have never heard of Tony DiTerlizzi, when I probably should have.
ReplyDeleteSeahn
SOunds interesting. I do not know if I want to read this book, though. I like the cover, though.
ReplyDeleteThe Star Wars cover scares me a little (I work with a whole bunch of Star Wars obsessed employees, seriously we just had Long Island Jedi at the library doing a light saber show) but your description sounds great, and I love both Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard Oz so maybe I will give it a try anyway.
ReplyDeleteI never heard of this book. But it sounds really awesome form your Review. Two things things i love Alice in Wonderland, and sci-fi <3
ReplyDeleteWow, you really seemed to enjoy this one. I might check this out for an addition to my school library.
ReplyDeleteJust a guess, but WondLa = Wonderland?
ReplyDeleteV'ger, anyone?
This sounds like a really cute book. I'd like to have some books like this to give to my daughter when she's older :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this review! I love DiTerlizzi's illustrations, and this sounds like such a cute book.
ReplyDelete