Luisa Agnese Dalla Fontana Pořadí knih (chronologicky)

Londra, 3 luglio 1837. Julius Higgins, 15 anni, sta correndo verso la libreria antiquaria di suo nonno cercando, come ogni giorno, di sfuggire ai bulli della scuola. Nel negozio trova un gentiluomo che lo affascina con i suoi modi sicuri. Si chiama Jack Springheel ed è alla ricerca del rarissimo Diario di John Harrison, a quanto pare irreperibile. Da questo momento in poi la vita di Julius inizia a riempirsi di eventi strani: prima un monaco tibetano compare dal nulla per consegnargli una chiave, poi la stessa chiave viene reclamata da un certo Professor Fox, ma soprattutto, Julius si imbatte in un essere disgustoso che emerge dalle acque putride del fiume e parla un'incomprensibile lingua gorgogliante. Fortunatamente interviene il Professor Fox a salvarlo, ma Julius è nel panico: non sa più di chi fidarsi, ha mentito a suo nonno e non può tornare a casa, perché ha rubato dalla bottega il diario di Harrison. Irretito in un perfido piano per cambiare il corso della Storia, Julius dovrà abbandonare tutte le proprie insicurezze e trasformarsi da preda in cacciatore, imparare a entrare nelle maglie del Tempo e conoscere i segreti della Gilda degli orologiai. Età di lettura: da 11 anni.

Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones.With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century. Debut author Jacqueline Kelly deftly brings Callie and her family to life, capturing a year of growing up with unique sensitivity and a wry wit. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award.

The book vividly explores the Renaissance era through contemporary documents and firsthand accounts, highlighting the art, pageantry, and perilous politics that shaped the time. It focuses on Lucrezia Borgia's influential role in this vibrant yet treacherous world, revealing the complexities and intrigues of her life and the broader cultural landscape of the Renaissance.

Longer novels from Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo are always a treat, and this one is no exception. Tragic and engaging, it charts young Thomas Peaceful's childhood in the early 20th century and his underage enlistment in the British army during the First World War. Above all, it is a poignant tale about war and its life-changing effects on those involved, highlighting the brutality of commanding regimes and the relentless squalor of trench warfare. Morpurgo presents an honest portrayal that is not for the squeamish, offering insights on every page. "Tommo" Peaceful recalls his childhood amidst the horrors of battle. He remembers his brother Charlie taking him to school, their father's death, and their mother's hard work to support the family. He reflects on his brother Joe, whom some deemed simple but who was special to him, and the girl Molly, whom Charlie took away. As war looms, Tommo and Charlie enlist and are sent to France, facing pure hell on Earth—bullets, bombs, and the constant threat of death. Morpurgo's narrative captures both the horror of war and the ecstasy of life, culminating in a shocking and memorable ending. This emotionally draining but highly recommended read is suitable for ages 10 and over.

Autor poukazuje na ty myšlenky díla spisovatelky J. K. Rowlingové, kterými se dnes zabývá a které dokáže vysvětlit moderní věda - od teleportace a kouzelných lektvarů po magii a čarodějnictví, od paleontologie a teorie her až po molekulární biologii a teorii relativity.