I, Vivaldi

This book by a husband and wife Janice and Tom Shefelman is as enchanting as the subject and the setting of it. Antonio Vivaldi, a famous Italian composer was born to be a musician but his mother wanted him to be a priest. His father violinist Giovanni discovered a musical gift his child had early on, but mother made a vow to God for little Antonio be ordained into priesthood. Vivaldi ends up being a wonderful priest that taught music to orphan girls that became famous musicians themselves. Vivaldi's immortal pieces will forever delight and shine light. I, personally, love the Four Seasons, there is something magical about that piece that brings me joy. What an inspiring life story to never give up and follow your passions! I was so show more lucky to pick this book :). show less

Though the book says ages 7-11, I think this book is enjoyable for a reader at any age. The story is told through the perspective of Vivaldi and I appreciate the change in tone from other biographies. I think it is crazy to imagine that Vivaldi was born on the day of an earthquake. To see his passion for music develop through 'his eyes' were pretty fantastic and there is even a song you can play along with at the end of the book.

From the moment Antonio was born, he was already given to the Lord to serve. Not knowing when his mother made this promise, that her son would have much different dreams for his life. Son of a musician, he was around music all of his life and grew up listening to his father play the violin. Antonio wanted nothing more than to follow his heart and his father and become a musician as well. Even though he was promised to be a priest, Antonio never stopped striving to be the musician that was just trying to burst out. Antonio was ordained as a priest but still pushed the boundaries. After years of contemplation and struggle, Antonio did follow his heart. This book was full of perseverance, obstacles and many lessons worth sharing with your show more students. I think that this book is a great way to show students that they can be able to do whatever they put their minds too. I also think that this is a great book that shows students that just because you are not doing what people want or expect from you does not mean that it is wrong, it just has to be something that you are really focused and really want. show less

This is a book about a boy whose mother vowed to God would become a priest. Little did his mother know that through growing up he would vow to himself to one day be a musician. This book is one on perseverance and following your dreams and I think is a great book to introduce to a class. It focused not necessarily on overcoming obstacles, but following what one's heart wants. I think it would be great to show students to always follow what they desire not what other people want. This would be a fun introduction to a lesson on themes and morals of a story. I would hope that the students would be able to pull what they think the theme is just by going through the book and asking them questions like practiced in class.

Straightforward and funny. "Narration" by young Vivaldi makes it accessible to younger students. Beautiful illustrations.

This was such a lovely book. Vivaldi was able to follow his dream of playing music like his father; yet, he also honored his mother's promise and became a priest.

Straightforward account of a possible story of the elusive Antonio Vivaldi's early life. Most suitable for grades 2-3 in the context of more information about the time period, musical instruments, etc.