Donna Jo Napoli weaves intricate narratives that explore the depths of human emotion and relationships, often through a unique lens. Her background as a linguist informs her precise and evocative prose, bringing a distinct richness to her storytelling. Readers are drawn to her profound empathy and her ability to craft characters that resonate long after the final page. Napoli's work invites contemplation on the complexities of life, presented with both sensitivity and intellectual rigor.
The story revolves around a young Japanese girl who discovers a playmate outside her new home, an American girl enjoying the snow. Despite their language barrier, the girls bond through their shared love for winter fun, illustrating the theme that friendship transcends linguistic differences. Their joyful interactions highlight the beauty of connection and the universal language of play.
In this insightful exploration, Donna Jo Napoli delves into the concepts of argument and predicate, presenting them through a practical lens. She emphasizes clarity and understanding, making complex ideas accessible. Napoli's approach encourages readers to engage with these foundational elements of language and logic, fostering a deeper appreciation for their significance in communication and reasoning.
A riveting and dramatic story of two devoted sisters, Italian citizens, who must survive in WWII Japan. In 1940, when Simona is eight and her sister, Carolina, is five, their father becomes the cook to the Italian ambassador to Japan, and the family leaves Italy for Tokyo. The girls learn perfect Japanese, make friends, and begin to love life in their new home. But soon Japan is engaged in a world war. In 1943, when all Italians in Japan are confined to internment camps as enemy aliens, Papà and the girls are forced to part, and Simona and Carolina embark on a dramatic journey. Anyone who aids them could be arrested for treason. All the sisters have is each other: their wits, courage, and resilience, and the hope that they will find people who see them not as the enemy, but simply as children trying to survive. In this gripping, deeply moving story, Donna Jo Napoli gives readers an unforgettable and authentic new perspective on World War II.
An introduction to some of the most prominent beings in the ancient Greek pantheon.
The story follows fifteen-year-old Roberto, who escapes from a German labor camp after two harrowing years. Back in Italy, he grapples with the desire to reunite with his family while feeling compelled to aid those suffering from the war. Joining the resistance, Roberto embarks on perilous missions to smuggle weapons and information to rebel fighters. Each assignment brings him closer to home but also increases the risks he faces. The narrative explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the struggle for survival amidst conflict.
After being taken by German soldiers from a local movie theater along with other Italian boys including his Jewish friend, Roberto is forced to work in Germany, escapes into the Ukrainian winter, before desperately trying to make his way back home to Venice
Set in the South in 1899, this novel brings to light the struggles faced by Italian Americans amid rampant racism. Based on a true story, it delves into the personal and societal challenges the characters endure, exploring themes of identity, prejudice, and resilience. The narrative captures the essence of a community fighting for acceptance while highlighting the broader implications of discrimination in a turbulent historical context.
In a poignant tale of resilience, a young girl embarks on a journey to survive and reunite with her family amidst daunting challenges. This companion to Hush delves into themes of perseverance and the bond of family, showcasing the emotional struggles and growth of the protagonist as she navigates a harsh world. Award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli crafts a compelling narrative that highlights the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Hers is the most famous portrait in the world. Here, in prose as rich as the high Renaissance, is Mona Lisa's tale: a story of passion, intrigue, loss, and, most of all, love. Elisabetta longs for romance, though she thinks she is too plain. Then, on a fateful visit to glittering Florence, she catches the eye of the great Leonardo da Vinci, and falls for a boy named Giuliano de' Medici. It is a dangerous time to be involved with a Medici. As tragedy and chaos threaten their happiness, Elisabetta faces the bittersweet truth of love.
YOUNG XING XING IS BOUND. Bound to her late father's second wife and daughter. Bound to a life of servitude as a young girl in ancient China, where a woman is valued less than livestock. Bound to be alone, with no parents to arrange for a suitable husband. Xing Xing spends her days taking care of her half sister, Wei Ping, who cannot walk because of her foot bindings, the painful tradition for girls who are fit to be married. Even so, Xing Xing is content to practice her gift for poetry and calligraphy, and to dream of a life unbound by the laws of family and society. But all of this is about to change as Stepmother, who has spent nearly all of the family's money, grows desperate to find a husband for Wei Ping. Xing Xing soon realizes that this greed and desperation may threaten not only her memories of the past, but also her dreams for the future.
