"The King of Mulberry Street" by Donna Jo Napoli (Book Thoughts

Donna Jo Napoli has become one of my favorite juvenile fiction authors.  (Thank you, Courtney Rene http://ctnyrene.blogspot.com/)

When I open a book, I want the author to transport me to the time and place of the story.  I want the author to show me how to live and breathe the same way as the characters in the book and maybe teach me something along the way.  Ms. Napoli has succeeded in doing those things with every book I've read so far.

The King of Mulberry Street follows nine year old Beniamino's journey from Naples, Italy to New York in 1892.  When he reaches Ellis Island, he takes the name, Dom Napoli.

This is no romantic story about an immigrant family coming to America.  Dom, an Italian Jew, is alone, penniless, and living on the streets.

When I was young, I remember the older women of my family sitting at the kitchen table and drinking coffee.  They spoke of another relative that came from the other side when he was only a boy.  I had so many questions, but back then, children were seen and not heard.  By the time I was old enough to ask, nobody was alive that knew the story. This book is like sitting at the feet of that relative and hearing the story we all want to know.

Ms. Napoli leaves nothing out.  We get a taste of the good, the bad, and the in-between.  I laughed and cried and wondered and marveled at the bravery of our ancestors.   Their ambition, motivation, and sometimes just plain survival is what made this country an amazing place of opportunity.

"The Smile" by Donna Jo Napoli (Book Thoughts)

First of all, I need to thank my good friend Courtney Rene, for recommending I read this author's books.

The "Mona Lisa" is one of DaVinci's most famous painting.  It's also a mystery.  Who is the young girl?  Why is she smiling?

"The Smile" is the tale of 15 year old Elisabetta.  Elisabetta will soon be betrothed to one of Florence, Italy's nobles.  She hopes her future husband will be young and romantic instead of an old widower a fate many of the young girls her age have accepted.

The author tells of Monna Elisabetta's life in Renaissance Italy.  Her everyday life, dreams of romance, and heartbreaking losses are intertwined with Leonardo DaVinci (who promises to paint her someday), the Medici Family (whose reign of importance is on the verge of collapse) and beautiful, artistic 15th century Florence (which is going to change drastically).

Like Ms. Napoli, I was never fond of history while I was a student, but am fascinated by other cultures and their stories.  Donna Jo Napoli merges culture and fascinating facts in her fictional stories.  She entertains us while piquing our curiosity to learn more.

I'm looking forward to devouring another of her books.