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.
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