Anna Maria's Gift

Illustrated by Robert Papp

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!

  • FINALIST
    Bank Street Child Study Children's Book Award
Janice Shefelman’s love of children’s books from an early age led to careers as a teacher, a librarian, and a writer. Her first book, A Paradise Called Texas, was a Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee. Since then she has written dozens of children’s books. She lives in Austin, Texas.

About

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!

Awards

  • FINALIST
    Bank Street Child Study Children's Book Award

Author

Janice Shefelman’s love of children’s books from an early age led to careers as a teacher, a librarian, and a writer. Her first book, A Paradise Called Texas, was a Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee. Since then she has written dozens of children’s books. She lives in Austin, Texas.

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Every May we celebrate the rich history and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Browse a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators that we think your students will love. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

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