Anna Maria's Gift (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))
A Stepping Stone Book(TM) Series
What’s inside...
When Anna Maria's father, a famous violin maker, dies, she is sent to live in the Pieta, an orphanage in Venice. Though she misses her father, she knows he will always be with her, as long as she has the beautiful violin he crafted for her. The Pieta is also a renowned music school whose teacher is composer Antonio Vivaldi. As his star pupil, Anna Maria's violin becomes the target of another orphan's jealousy, leading it to be thrown into the canals. With help from her teacher and friends, she searches Venice to find it, but it seems hopeless. Will she ever recover her father's violin? The book is part of the Stepping Stones History series, reissued with a fresh look and added content, and is designed to be kid-friendly and Common Core ready.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Anna Maria feels when she receives the violin? Can you relate to her emotions?
What are some challenges Anna Maria faces and how does she overcome them?
Why is music important to Anna Maria, and what role does it play in her life?
How do the relationships in the story evolve? What can we learn from them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the book to set a comfortable tone. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Anna Maria and her experiences, without fear of judgment. Highlight the impact of perseverance and friendship as demonstrated in the book to instill these values in your child. Use examples from the book to connect lessons learned to real-life situations your child may face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Anna Maria faces significant challenges after the loss of her father, but she continues to persevere and grows through her experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of overcoming obstacles and not giving up, even when faced with difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Value of music and creativity
Explanation: Through Anna Maria’s journey, music serves as a powerful form of expression and healing, helping her connect with others and herself.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore artistic endeavors as a way to express emotions and cope with life's challenges.
Example Lesson: Building and maintaining friendships
Explanation: Anna Maria develops friendships that are supportive and nurturing throughout the story, highlighting the importance of human connection.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of forming meaningful relationships and how to be a good friend in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Determination and hard work
Explanation: Anna Maria's dedication to mastering the viola shows children that dedication and practice are key to success.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to apply themselves in their studies or any other areas they are passionate about, understanding that effort leads to improvement.