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    The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra’s Needle is engaging summer read

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    By Jessica on June 7, 2024 ages 8 & up, Middle Grade

    THE (MOSTLY) TRUE STORY OF CLEOPATRA’S NEEDLE, by Dan Gutman, Holiday House, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)

    A boy learns the history behind Cleopatra’s Needle at New York’s Central Park in The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra’s Needle, by Dan Gutman.

    In Central Park, New York, stands Cleopatra’s Needle. But what do you know about? Did you know that thousands of people worked in 1461 BCE to build it? Then hundreds more moved it, and erected it in Alexandria, where it stood for 3,000 years? So how did a monolith weighing over 200 tons get moved all the way to New York City—and in the 19th Century, no less?

    In this historical fiction account by bestselling author Dan Gutman, five kids who watched the Needle at each phase of its history recount the daring story of how something that seemed to be impossible –and that nearly ended in disaster—finally succeeded against all odds. —Synopsis provided by Holiday House

    The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra’s Needle features fictionalized accounts of the creation of Cleopatra’s Needle, its acquisition by the United States, its journey to New York and its delivery to Central Park.

    The book begins with a boy who’s not thrilled with his mom giving him yet another lesson on a city landmark. But his mom has a trick up her sleeve. She turns the lesson into fascinating first-hand accounts of kids the boy’s own age, and he can’t help but get swept away.

    From the rock carver and artist to a young Egyptian activist and a stowaway on a trip. Each narrative is full of interesting facts and personal anecdotes. And while these exact stories aren’t true, the framework upon which they are built is. Photos, diagrams and illustrations, and a clear explanation from author Dan Gutman lend to the authenticity.

    Gutman’s writing has a conversational tone that invites readers in and makes them want to know more. His pacing is strong, and the book feels shorter than it really is.

    The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra’s Needle is a great option for summer reading.

     

    Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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    Jessica
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    Jessica Harrison is the reviewer behind Cracking the Cover. She loves books and worked as the in-house book critic at a daily newspaper, writing reviews and interviewing authors for two years. When the company cut back, she lost her position covering books, but that doesn't mean she stopped reading. If anything, the whole experience made her more passionate about reading and giving people the tools to make informed decisions in their own book choices. She has been featured on NetGalley's Blogger Spotlight and is on Kindleprenuer's Ultimate List of the Best Book Review Blogs. Contact her at jessica(at)crackingthecover(dot)com and follow Cracking the Cover on Bluesky, Instagram,  Facebook and Twitter (X) @crackingthecovr. You can also read scaled down reviews on Jessica's Goodreads review page. Jessica is also a reviewer on Amazon.

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