Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Solid historical fiction, great for classical music lovers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF NICOLO ZEN tells the story of a 15-year-old hero orphaned after an outbreak of malaria kills his entire family. Armed only with a clarinet and an uncanny knack for playing it, Nicolo makes his way to Venice and is quickly named soloist in the great master Vivaldi's orchestra. If only he hadn't had to disguise himself as a girl to get there. When the truth's discovered, Nicolo has to leave Venice and everything he knows behind. Fortunately, a mysterious magician benefactor sets him on the path to fame and riches, but will it last if he can't rely on the magical clarinet anymore?
Is It Any Good?
Nicholas Christopher, poet and author of several adult novels, makes his YA debut with this story that's well structured and evenly paced -- almost to a fault. The rich historical detail and engaging hero add some spice to the mix, though. Also, getting off the roller-coaster ride that dominates so much of YA literature to enjoy a story at a Four Seasons pace can be a refreshing change. History-loving kids will enjoy rooting for Nicolo and exploring the vivid world of European music in Vivaldi's time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why historical fiction is so popular. Why are the lives of people in other periods interesting to us?
Have you heard any music by Vivaldi? If you haven't, what do you imagine it sounds like? Check out some of his more famous works online or at the library. How do they compare to what you imagined?
Why do you think the story includes the magician character Massimo Magnifico? Do you think the "historical" story gets less believable after he appears?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : January 7, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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