Molly and the Sword [Hardcover]

Robert Shlasko (Author), Donna Diamond (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2004 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

A courageous young girl learns -- and teaches -- valuable lessons on the road to triumph as violinist. The book tells of Molly's big opportunity. She is about to play her violin in a famous concert hall. But she's nervous -- so nervous that she's afraid to go on stage.

Years earlier, when she was very young, she had shown great courage in helping her family. Back then, an officer in an enemy army had saved her from harm. Now, at the concert hall, the officer reappears. Who is he? And can he help Molly regain her courage?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a wonderful read ... touches on bravery and the need to have confidence in ourselves and ... gender stereotypes...." -- Childhood Education magazine, Spring 2008

"...knows how to touch the heart of a child ... 7-12 (or even a precocious six-year old ... a sheer delight." -- The California Music Teacher magazine, Spring 2006 The California Music Teacher magazine, Spring 2006

"Fourth grade students found the book so appealing, they decided to ask [the author] to visit the school." -- Crescendo newsletter, The Music Educators Association, Winter, 2005

"Highly recommended." -- Crescendo newspaper, Toronto Musician's Association, Winter 2006 Crescendo newspaper, Toronto Musician's Association

"[Molly] proves her courage in a society still dismissive of female talent." -- Symphony magazine, September 2004 Symphony magazine, September 2004

From the Publisher

Molly's story is simply told but filled with subtleties that children will appreciate on different levels as they grow (from ages 7-12), helped along by 14 dramatic full-page illustrations. One example is the way a music teacher who doesn't accept girl students (the story takes place in the 19th century) becomes Molly's advocate.

Parents (and teachers) will appreciate one point in particular: There's no magic wand, rather it's "practice" that enables Molly to perfect her skill. But the book does highlight the magic of music.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Jane & St Pub Ltd (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974507741
• ISBN-13: 978-0974507743
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #755,497 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get ThisBook - It's great!, May 21, 2004

By 

Nancy Eder (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Molly and the Sword (Hardcover)

"Molly and the Sword" is a wonderful children's book. I bought it for my ten-year old niece, Anna, who lives in California. She read it and loved it, especially, she said, since she is now studying the violin. hearing that, I have mailed a copy to her violin teacher.

While this book is written for young people, it should be required reading for anyone who deals with children of this age, as it conveys many of life's valuable lessons told in a delightful and straight-forward manner. I was in tears at the end of it.