The Search for WondLa, Book 1

Book review by Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media
The Search for WondLa, Book 1 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Artwork, great heroine elevate futuristic fantasy.

Tony DiTerlizzi Fantasy 2010
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 6 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 The Search for WondLa is the first book in a dystopian fantasy trilogy by Tony DiTerlizzi. It's the story of a girl named Eva Nine, who was raised underground by a robot but comes to the surface and searches for fellow humans as she tries to survive. A few violent scenes in may be upsetting to some readers, even through they're described briefly. A young animal is killed and then sliced up as meat, and another is abruptly killed and preserved as organs, nerves, and blood vessels for display in a museum. A major character dies and others are in nearly constant peril.

Community Reviews

Ellieshae
Ellieshae Adult
August 3, 2019
age 10+

I read this book as a kid and it was wonderful

This was the first book I had ever read of my own accord and I still love it deeply. However, younger children will have a difficult time dealing with the death of a main character near the end of the book. I reread this book in high school and it was still heart-wrenching. Of all three of the books, though, this is probably the safest for children. I'm not saying that the other two books have adult content necessarily but that the stakes are definitely higher. This book, when broken down to its basics, is a good story about a girl trying to find her place in a strange and confusing world after the life she knew was taken from her.

This title has:

Great messages
sweit
sweit Adult
August 29, 2018
age 9+

Timely Themes

This series deserves a rating higher than the 3 star rating given by the literary "expert" who provided the primary review. I would justify this statement based on the thematic content of the book. The book addresses themes that are timely for readers growing up today. Topics of focus include but are not limited to ecological responsibility, diversity tolerance, the meaning of consciousness, animal ethics, standing up against totalitarianism, bioethics, and the responsible use of technology. The writing may not be deserving of a Newbury award but I believe that there are other features by which the overall quality of a book might be judged. I would rather have my child read a book that challenges him to think critically about relevant issues that impact him and his peers, than have him read another impeccably crafted tearjerker about a boy and his dog. I joined this site just so that I could write this review. READ THIS BOOK!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Eva Nine has lived all her life in an underground Sanctuary, raised by a robotic Muthr. When a hunter attacks, 12-year-old Eva flees to the surface. Muthr trained her, with holograms and a useful Omnipod, to survive on Earth, but Eva is completely unprepared for the strange (and terrifying) plants and animals she finds. With the hunter Besteel hot on her trail, Eva befriends a water bear named Otto and Rovender Kitt, who guides her through Orbona. Eva treasures a scorched image of a girl with an adult and a robot and the letters "Wond LA," clinging to it as she searches for fellow humans. Besteel drives her to a maritime city, then to the capital and an audience with Queen Ojo. Her quest for answers finally brings her to far-off ruins.

Is It Any Good?

The Search for WondLa, the first in the WondLa series, starts strong, with a familiar character in a most unfamiliar setting. Eva is at the age where she's itchy to escape her mother's control but anxious about being on her own. The dramatic opening chapters and deftly portrayed relationship between Muthr and Eva sets the stage for a poignant adventure. Strong characters and intriguing themes, however, get bogged down in plodding writing. Action scenes are muddled, and the descriptions of this highly imaginative world fall short.

Luckily, the book features beautiful illustrations by author Tony DiTerlizzi, who also co-wrote The Spiderwick Chronicles. The detailed, moss-toned artwork compensates for the story's descriptive failings. Fans will enjoy plentiful extras, including a map of Orbona and a guide to the alphabet, as well as online content: Three illustrations in the book unlock interactive maps on the affiliated website, which also offers games, desktop wallpaper, and other tie-ins.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about media tie-ins with The Search for WondLa, including illustrations that open interactive maps on the affiliated website, online games, and apps for tablets. Do you think the interactive content enhances the book?

  • The Search for WondLa is slated to become a movie. Can you picture how a filmmaker might approach the adaptation?

  • What do you think the author is saying about technology and human dependence on it? Does Orbona seem technologically advanced?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

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