A Hero for WondLa: The Search for WondLa, Book 2

Book review by Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media
A Hero for WondLa: The Search for WondLa, Book 2 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Heroine's humanity anchors stronger sequel.

Tony DiTerlizzi Science Fiction 2012
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that A Hero for WondLa is the second book in a dystopian trilogy by Toni DiTerlizzi that imagines a world dominated by aliens. Those in power subject those without to cruel experimentation and torture, reminiscent of some of the uglier episodes in world history. This futuristic fantasy touches on some meaty themes that parents might enjoy discussing with kids.

Community Reviews

AquaHeart
AquaHeart Adult
May 24, 2021
age 10+

Favorite of the trilogy. Remains my favorite book ever for 7 years.

I got this book from a friend of mine on my 12th birthday. I'm 19 now. The fact that this kid's novel remains my favorite of all time should hopefully speak something about how much I adore just everything this book has to offer. The characters feel authentic, are very lovable, and make me feel pain when they're hurt and joy when they reconcile and heal. The environments are amazingly built, and it's really intriguing seeing the full scope of the plot unfold from the Eva's perspective. While this book starts pretty slow (similarly to the rest of the trilogy), once it picks up the pace it just never stops failing to amaze. Seriously, my words won't do this book any true justice. If you're into sci-fi and/or coming-of-age stuff, I think this is a must-read. (Read the first book first if you haven't though.)

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Jane B.
Jane B. Adult
February 24, 2018
age 9+

Worried about violence

This is a wonderful book, but not as well-done as the first book. I am a bit worried that my first grader read this along with Jane Eyre, and all the Jane Austen books. He is an avid reader, I am scared he might stumble across mature content.

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Eva Nine, raised in an underground home by a robotic mother, is rescued by the first fellow human she's ever met -- a young pilot named Hailey. He takes her to New Attica, a hidden human city led by Cadmus Pryde, who spearheaded the Human Repopulation Project. Eva is at first enthralled by the high-tech city and its hip citizens, but her growing unease turns to alarm as she discovers just how completely Cadmus controls the human population -- and why. With help from a newfound sister, Eva learns that her friend Rovender and other aliens are suffering through cruel experiments ordered by Cadmus. She frees them and flees the city, with Cadmus and his war machines in pursuit, in a desperate attempt to warn the aliens of Orbona to prepare for battle.

Is It Any Good?

In this second installment of the WondLa trilogy, author Tony DiTerlizzi dials up the action and adds rich layers of complexity to his futuristic fantasy. Questions about family and friendship take center stage, and the relationship between human Eva and alien Rovender keeps the fantasy grounded.

As in The Search for WondLa, Terlizzi's lovely illustrations do most of the heavy lifting in portraying the curious world of Orbona. His writing isn't especially vivid, but the fast-moving narrative is more absorbing here than in the previous book. Fans of the first book will find A HERO FOR WONDLA a rewarding installment -- readers new to the series will have a hard time catching up. A few illustrations in the book unlock special features on the affiliated website, which also features free downloads and games.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the role of technology in New Attica. How is it similar and different from today? Do Emote Attire or implanted Omnipods seem like possible extensions of popular technology today?

  • Eva Nine, eager to belong, willing turns herself over to the Gens for a complete makeover -- but she ultimately chooses a more difficult, solitary path. Talk about pressure to conform and how that can be a source of frustration -- or relief.

  • Do you think this trilogy's online tie-ins, including illustrations that unlock online content and interactive games, enhance the book?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love fantasy and science fiction

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