Book: The Girl From Atlantis
Author: Richard Schenkman
Age: Middle Grade/MG
Release date: February 8th, 2010
Source: Author
My Summary:
Ever since Athena Crowley was young, she's always loved the water and had the natural ability to stay afloat. Yet, as she grows older, Athena can't remember life with her mother, who was lost in a terrible accident at sea. Luckily, she's always had her supportive and caring father, Robert, around.
But now, when Athena's father goes off on a business trip, eleven-year-old Athena finally discovers a reason for why she always hear an annoying buzzing sound whenever she plunges below the ocean water's surface: she can hear and talk with sea creatures. With a helpful sea turtle and an adventerous spirit, Athena embarks on a journey to Atlantis, and what she finds there may change her life completely.
Review: Sweet and fun, The Girl From Atlantis is perfect for a light, summer read for those of you who enjoy middle grade novels.
Athena is spunky and fearless, I'm definitely envious of the girl! She's adventurous, and she's always had a talent of working with sea animals, as well as an unusual natural ability in water. Her character was fun to follow (third person narrative), and I enjoyed reading about life in Atlantis. The reasonings for certain things (like how they cook underwater) were interesting, and actually made a lot of sense.
The novel starts from Athena as a toddler, so it isn't until around chapter nine that the book finally catches up to the main plot of the story. The Girl From Atlantis is fun, fresh, and a great story if you're feeling a different take on Atlantis and it's residents.
Highlights: I thought I had the ending guessed completely before I got there, and was a bit surprised to find that it didn't quite end the way I thought it would. But what I loved the most was how artwork was included with the story. The art brings the story to life, and added that extra spark.
Lowlights: The first however many chapters seemed a bit too much for building background with Athena and her father (as well as explanations about her mother). I was surprised by just how much of the story dealt with the story before going to Atlantis. I've also read better written MG novels, but I still really enjoyed the story.
Rating: 
I've never heard of this book before! It sounds cute. I'd love to check it out sometime for a quick read.
ReplyDeleteawww... this looks like such a cute book, lea!
ReplyDeletethis sounds adorable! And given that I tend to love background building books, I think I should definitely check this one out!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. Adorable cover.
ReplyDeleteNice review! I've never heard of this one before but it sounds like it's really cute. Plus I love the fact that artwork is included with the story.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun read. Might get this from the library if I ever see it there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the charming review, Lea! I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you could let your faithful readers know about the beautiful, entertaining website we've got for the book, at www.thegirlfromatlantis.com.
There are games, puzzles, downloads and more, and it's all free. Plus of course there are links to buy the regular version of the book at discount, as well as the exclusive limited edition available only at the site.
Once again... thank you very much!
This one looks really good!
ReplyDeleteLooks cute, although I wouldn't like the too many building chapters either. Thanks!
ReplyDelete~Alyssa
Teens Read and Write