The Search for WondLa

Illustrated by: Tony DiTerlizzi / Read by: Teri Hatcher

For Ages: 10 and up

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New York Times bestselling phenomenon Tony DiTerlizzi begins a new fantastical series.

In this first of a trilogy, Eva9, an eleven-year-old girl, has been raised in isolation on what appears to be an alien world. When her underground sanctuary is destroyed, she sets out on a journey to discover the truth of her origins and the planet she is learning to call home. Written with Tony DiTerlizzi’s penchant for the weird, The Search for WondLa pays homage to classic literature as it chronicles one girl’s exploration of a world that is both foreign and familiar.

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Book details:

Simon & Schuster Audio |
ISBN 9781442334304 |
September 2010 |
Grades 5 and up

$19.99 List Price

Available for immediate download

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Praise

“I was knocked out by Tony DiTerlizzi's novel... everything is described so thoroughly and fully that I felt like I was there. I think Tony's extraordinary visual sense comes though here with words. Spiderwick was amazing; this goes so much further.-- Joan Kindig, Associate Professor at James Madison University”

SEE ALL PRAISE (5)

“I was knocked out by Tony DiTerlizzi's novel... everything is described so thoroughly and fully that I felt like I was there. I think Tony's extraordinary visual sense comes though here with words. Spiderwick was amazing; this goes so much further.-- Joan Kindig, Associate Professor at James Madison University”
“* The abundant illustrations, drawn in a flat, two-tone style, are lush and enhance readers’ understanding of this unique universe...DiTerlizzi is pushing the envelope in his latest work, nearly creating a new format that combines a traditional novel with a graphic novel and with the interactivity of the computer. Yet, beneath this impressive package lies a theme readers will easily relate to: the need to belong, to connect, to figure out one’s place in the world. The novel’s ending is a stunning shocker that will leave kids frantically awaiting the next installment.”

– School Library Journal, starred review
“There is...wonder aplenty in this tense, chase-filled journey to engage young readers, plus twists for adult fans of Twilight Zone--styled stories. The bond between Eva and her friends is well drawn, and Otto, happily, is more than just a human in alien form. DiTerlizzi's evocative, detailed pen illustrations, which have a retro Star Wars vibe, and interactive maps online, unlocked via Augmented Reality, contribute to a sense of adventure as Eva dives into the unknown.”

– Publisher's Weekly
“Imaginative, accessible technologies combine with fanciful creatures to create perpetual wonder in this fast-moving narrative.”

– BCCB
“Reminiscent of Arthur C. Clarke.”

– New York Times Book Review

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1: ALONE

Eva Nine was dying. The tiny scarlet dots on her hand mirrored the glowering eyes of the snake that had just bitten her.

Sitting down on the prickly ground of dead brown pine needles and small cones, she felt the curdled coil of nausea wind its way up her throat from her stomach.

She dropped the sweaty handful of moss that she had scooped up from the forest floor.

“Kindling,” her Omnipod had instructed her earlier in its chirpy voice. “Find a flammable substance such as dry twigs or moss to begin your fire.” The large gathering of boulders Eva had found had seemed like... see more

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Reading Group Guide

A Reading Group Guide to

The Search for WondLa

by Tony DiTerlizzi

Discussion Questions

1. What is a family? What elements make a family? Does color, size, or shape make a difference in what a family consists of? Is it possible for a robot to be a family member?

2. Was Muthr a good mother to Eva? Was she able to teach Eva life lessons? Did she have a loving spirit? How does a robot show love?

3. Muthr believed computer technology was omniscient. Was Muthr correct in her beliefs? Give examples from the book to verify your answers.

4. Muthr had a list of six basic survival skills for humans: 1. Trust technology 2. Signal others 3. Find shelter 4. Create fire 5. Procure food and water 6. Know first aid. How did these skills help or hinder Eva’s survival in the “real world”? Given her experience, did Eva find the list was in correct order for survival? Explain your answer.

5. Lewis and Clark, John Audubon and Charles Darwin, are all greatly admired people who captured “new” creatures, observed them, killed them, and dissected them all in an attempt to understand them. Are Zin, Besteel, Queen Ojo and the taxidermist any different from them?

6. As Eva begins her journey, she meets a cerulean named Rovender. Is there any significance to his name? As an adult, Rovender views his relationship to Eva very differently than Eva views their relationship. How do they view the see more