Amanda on the Danube: The Sounds of Music
Darlene Foster, Author
Central Avenue Publishing, Fiction, Oct. 1, 2016
Pages: 120
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Travel, Adventure, Blue Danube, Riverboat, Mystery, Homeless boy, Violin
Book Jacket Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Amanda Ross finds herself on an elegant riverboat with her bestie, Leah, cruising down the beautiful Danube, passing medieval castles, luscious green valleys and charming villages. When she is entrusted with a valuable violin by a young, homeless musician during a stop in Germany, a mean boy immediately tries to take it from her.
Back on their cruise, Amanda struggle to keep the precious violin safe for the poor prodigy. Along the way, she meets a mysterious monk, a Santa Claus look-alike, and the same nasty boy.
Follow Amanda down the Danube, through Germany, Austria and Hungry, as she enjoys the enchanting sounds of music everywhere she goes. She remains on the lookout though wondering just who she can trust.
Why I like this book:
Darlene Foster has penned a lively adventure story for young readers who enjoy traveling and solving a good mystery. Fans of the Amanda Travels series won’t be disappointed with this fast-paced book which will keep them engaged and quickly turning pages to discover what happens next. Amanda is an upbeat, inquisitive, caring and memorable character that teens will want to befriend — especially since she has keen radar and is ready to solve a good mystery. Leah spends a lot time texting her friends at home, which annoys Amanda.
Readers will also learn a little history, geography and a few German expressions as they cruise along the beautiful Blue Danube River and visit Nuremberg, Regensburg, Melk, Vienna and Budapest. Amanda and Leah explore castles, cathedrals, graveyards, and museums. They learn about Mozart, sample local cuisine and shop for teddy bears at the Steiff store.
Amanda on the Danube: The Sounds of Music, is the fifth book in the Amanda Travels series: Amanda in Arabia: The Perfume Flask; Amanda in Spain: The Girl in the Painting; Amanda in England: The Missing Novel; and Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone. I recommend you start with the first book, but the Foster has written the books in such a manner that they can be read in any order.
Darlene Foster grew up on a ranch in southern Alberta. She dreamt of writing, travelling the world and meeting interesting people. She also believes everyone is capable of making their dreams come true. It’s no surprise that she’s now the award-winning author of a children’s adventure series about a travelling twelve-year-old-girl. A world-traveler herself, Darlene spends her time in Vancouver, Canada and Costa Blanca in Spain. Visit her Darlene Foster at her website.
Check other Middle Grade review links on author Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.
Children's Books Heal 
Pat, This sounds like a wonderfully sweet story. Love that she includes a bit of history, geography and music into the mix. Obviously, the title is somewhat reminiscent to a movie some of us may have seen 100 plus times. Terrific review!
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I should have explained that the boat was called “The Sound of Music” (for real). And there was music involved in the story. Darlene’s travel mysteries are a lot of fun!
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Travel with mystery is the type of book I enjoy. Thanks for sharing this unique story.
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It is a fun combination that works well in the Amanda Travels series. Glad you liked it.
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Thanks, as always, for your thorough review. You are always coming up with unusual books I’ve never heard of. That’s something I’m thankful for this week! Happy Thanksgiving.
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I like to find fun gems to share. This is a fun mystery for teens! Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
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I hadn’t heard of any of these books. I will have to check them out. I took the very river cruise Amanda takes. This would bring back some nice memories for me. Thanks for the review.
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Lucky you! I’ve always wanted to take a riverboat cruise on the Blue Danube. And, the boat is really called The Sounds of Music. It’s a quick read.
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I’ve always longed to travel, so this sounds like a great way to do so vicariously and enjoy a fun book at the same time. Win for me. 😀 Thanks for the recommend, and happy reading!
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It’s fun to introduce Darlene’s book to new blog friends. This is an entertaining and educational read — with some mystery.
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Wow this sounds really enchanting! I love the premise, and the history involved in it! I myself play violin too sooo…this book is already on a good start! Thanks for reviewing! 🙂
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The mystery is about a valuable violin that belong to a young boy that other are trying to steal. Much more to the story, but don’t want to spoil. I could feel myself walking the streets because Darlene is very visual.
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I haven’t heard of this series either. It sounds like a warmhearted read. Happy thanksgiving
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I thought you might know Darlene. She has combined her passion with travel and intrigue and created this great book for readers. And, it’s fun to follow her blog because she travels all over Europe, now that she calls Spain her new home.
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Thanks so much for reviewing my book! So pleased you enjoyed it.
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My pleasure. I’m happy I’ve tagged some new blogging friends who haven’t been introduced to your Amanda Travel series.
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I really like Ms. Foster’s books! Great review! 😀
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Just the book I’m looking for! I bought Amanda in Arabia for my 8-year-old granddaughter, Sophie, to give her for Christmas. Her uncle, my son, wonders what to get his niece for Christmas – I’m going to suggest he buy Amanda on the Danube, since Sophie is playing the violin now! THANKS.
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I’m pleased you like the series. I enjoyed Amanda’s travel along the Danube because I want to visit that area and Darlene did write a good mystery. The violin is important to the story, so I believe Sophie will enjoy the book.
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I do hope Sophie enjoys the book. Thanks for suggesting it.
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Great review Pat. Darlene’s books are always lovely to read. Brings back lots of good memories with all the places Amanda visits, for me. I stayed on the William Tel river boat when I was over in Frankfurt. At the time all the hotels were booked due to a Trade fair on. We hope to go back and travel more east hopefully next year.
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It always been a dream of mine to take a riverboat cruise on the Danube or Rhine Rivers. But, unfortunately its beyond my budget. So I enjoyed reading Darlene’s newest Amanda book. I think you’d enjoy it.
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