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Mozart in the Future

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Mozart in the Future by Author Tania Maria Rodrigues-Peters

When parents expectations overwhelm two little gifted and talented boys, dreams and magic occur to bring none other than a very young musical genius by the name of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from the past and three centuries into the future where he meets Max.

Without pressure from parents to practice the piano, Mozart and his newfound friend, Max spend time together frolicking and doing all the typical things most boys do. Each helps the other; both learn to appreciate their talent and Mozart learns how his music will impact and effect the world in the future.

Author Tania Maria Rodrigues-Peters book, Mozart in the Future carries the reader on a light-hearted and wonderful adventure and shows that although it is important to work hard to develop one's talents and abilities, it is also important that one takes time out to relax and simply have some fun.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author of "Slinging Stones..."
Former Co-founder& Director of Parents Focused on Education

Mozart in the Future by Tania Maria Rodriques-Peters is a fun book to read. The story begins in present day with a young man named Max. Although very talented, Max is also just a kid who needs to play like any other kid. However, his mother keeps insisting that he practice the piano more. She loves her son, she is proud of his talent and wants him to be the best he can be on the piano. Unfortunately, all the practicing takes a toll on Max and he becomes sick. His doctor prescribes complete rest. While resting, Max has an unusual experience. Thanks to a beautiful woman, The Spirit of Music, Mozart comes to visit! Mozart is the same age as Max and the two boys enjoy each other's company as they do all sorts of things together. However, Mozart eventually wants to go home - and they have no idea how to get him there. That is when the real adventure begins! Tania's passion for the subject was very obvious as I read the book. Facts about Mozart are woven into the story in such a way that it makes learning natural and enjoyable. I didn't feel like I was "studying" about Mozart, instead I was having fun reading about two boys from two different time periods getting to know each other. Imagine Mozart seeing a television, MP3 player or cell phone for the first time. Sledding, riding the bus, or trying Sachertorte are all new experiences for Mozart. Mozart in the Future is told in its own unique style of story telling. There is a timeline of the author's life instead of the typical bio. The story of the Sachertorte is included in the back and is accompanied with a recipe so that you can try your own. The delightful illustrations by Pedro Caraca are simple, yet enhance the telling of the story.
Mozart in the Future is available in the author's native language, Portugese, as well as German, Spanish, and English. This review is based on a review copy provided by Carston Peters of Rodrigues-Peters in exchange for review. All reviews are my own opinion and without guarantee of either like or dislike.

I turned to the first page of "Mozart in the Future," written by Tania Maria Rodrigues-Peters and before I knew it, I had finished the book. This book is a wonderful story to share with children who are working hard to achieve their dreams--athletically, musically or academically--because it will motivate them to see it through.

This fun fast paced story discusses a "brief" childhood friendship between young Mozart and an equally talented young musician named Max. They both long to be "normal" little boys outside playing with friends but aren't allowed to have any fun. Mozart's dad prevents him from playing with the other boys as does Max's mother forcing them to only focus on playing the piano. Although he is not allowed to play, Mozart holds his love for music getting lost in his desires as he plays each key. Max on the other hand, starts to dislike music and becomes physically ill from the stress his mother has him under. These talented young men never met outside of their nightly dreams when one day, seeing Max's love for music lessen, the Spirit of Music intervenes bringing these boys together in reality.

The boys meet and Max introduces Mozart to a new world--the 21st Century. Mozart in return gives Max more than he could ever give him--he gives him back his love for music. These boys, two worlds apart, needed each other to get where they needed to go in order for their futures to occur. This is a great story in that a lot of us get lost on our journey forgetting the purpose of what we initially set out to do. This book will encourage children and teens to stay focused and continue on their course. Ms. Rodrigues-Peters achieved what she set out to do in this story--to encourage young hearts to dream and believe.

Highly recommended for all school aged children. It gives them permission to dream...

Mozart in the Future by Tania Maria Rodrigues-Peters is a wonderful children's book that would work for a great read-aloud to have discussion and even writing prompts related to the book. As a teacher of third graders, there are many ways that this book could be a great reading event for my students. Due to the fact that the book has been translated and there are some punctuation variations, it might make it a little difficult for some younger readers, but most elementary readers at the third grade level and above could catch on to the differences and still enjoy the book as an independent read.

The storyline is thought-provoking and having worked with many families over the years, one often wonders who is more driven, the child with the special ability or the parent who wants to see their child make it to the top in the field. How many parents are trying to get a second chance at something by living it through their children? In recent years I've seen many families that have their children so scheduled into organized sports and/or lessons that the kiddos don't have time for imaginary play or "just plain fun." So the "push" that Max, the main character feels from his mother, is not something unknown to many children. This book could be just the thing for parents to share some fantasy AND discuss their child's goals and dreams.

Author Tania Rodrigues-Peters finds a very clever way to bring Mozart (as a boy) into the future and the visit with Max proves to be beneficial to both boys. Personally, I found the storyline delightful and the interchange between the characters a lot of fun. The humor in the story brings many smiles throughout the reading. This fantasy about Mozart as a boy just may bring readers into learning more about this famous composer, but that isn't the purpose. I often have music by Mozart playing in my classroom and Mozart in the Future will add more to the learning of my students via a very fun and enjoyable book.

The book begins in a small village in Vorarlberg where we meet Max one of the main characters who loves to play the piano, along with his mom and dad, a sister, too. This family has a similar lifestyle as mine, the love of gardening, cooking and preserving food. Right away Tania reveals to us the family dynamics of a laid-back father, a strict mother who strongly desires for her two children to be successful in music and a four year old sister who adores her brother.


The main characters, Max and Mozart meet one another and develop a beautiful exchange of friendship. Young readers will stay captivated as the plot flows along in today's world with TV, cell phones, elevators and escalators. The boys seem to need each other and the spirit of music inspires them both. This wonderful book written by Tania is a powerful love story of music and a fun adventure filled with imagination and inspiration for all young musicians and music teachers to read.


I was so impressed with Tania's detailed descriptions with her writing skills! Page 44 reads:

" Max takes him to a room where the piano is. Mozart runs to it like a person who has not had a drink for days and suddenly sees a jug of water."


If you are a creative person in need of inspiration to continue with your composing and practicing of your instrument or if you find yourself performing in front of crowds of family and friends with joy and strength from your heart and just need a reminder of refreshment to keep dreaming, creating and shining brightly for all to see, then I highly recommend this great book to you. It is definitely one that I will want my piano students to have in their library. You will want to find out if Mozart can return to the past when the future is in his mind! I love music and I love this book! 5+ *****

There's a Torte recipe at the end of the book that you will enjoy, too!

What a wonderfully fun story--Mozart in the Future is not just for children who are interested in music! Written by Tania Maria Rodrigues-Peters, with beautiful illustrations by Pedro Caraca, the story can help children and parents realize and find a balance of activities in their lives.

I love children's books that take special care to provide appropriate and complementary covers, artwork and format. Indeed Mozart in the Future does that extremely well. For instance, instead of boring quotation marks for dialog, every line that shows somebody talking begins with a musical note - Isn't that Cool? And the young Mozart is simply precious, in my opinion.

Then you will meet The Spirit of Music, who comes first to Max, as a beautiful woman dressed in yellow, whose violet eyes and hair match! Max is a young boy who loves learning how to play the piano, but also wants to play with other children. However, his mother believes he is the next Mozart and must constantly practice! Until Max becomes ill and the doctor orders complete rest. It was during this time that The Spirit visited!

Because she actually knew Mozart when he was a young boy--and guess what? Mozart had a very strict father who demanded the same thing from him--constant practice! And Mozart had never had an opportunity to have a friend or play, just for the fun of it!

Until The Spirit of Music brought Mozart into the future!

Can you imagine what two small boys might get into when they meet for the first time, having had no time to play, or have a close friend? Can you imagine what Mozart, especially, must have been thinking when he saw all the magical inventions that were now available? Well, you really don't have to imagine--Tania Maria Rodrigues-Peters, in Mozart in the Future tells us about Mozart watching TV for the first time, about his seeing an escalator, etc.

But Mozart has a whole life of creating beautiful, wonderful music! How is he going to get back home, into his own time?

You know what? I was having just as much fun reading this book, as you and your children will have! Yes, this is a perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas for any child, from say, 6 to 96! Bring a little music into the lives of your children... You're going to love this one, just as much as I did! Don't let this one go without checking it out!

G. A. Bixler