11. The author has said he was inspired by classic stories, fairy tales, and movies while writing this book. Eva’s WondLa belongs to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Can you see any similarities from other stories in this book? If so, which ones?

12. Would you describe Eva as a resourceful person who uses her skills and wit to solve her problems? Give reasons to support your answer.

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A Hero for WondLa excerpt

THE SEARCH

continues in

CHAPTER 1: LEAVE

Eva Nine watched a turnfin flap its triple pair of wings to join its flock. The alien birds squawked in an otherworldly harmony as they soared through the eroded sun-bleached remains of buildings that had once stood as New York City.

Over the eastern horizon the morning sun was shining down on mountainous white clouds sailing slowly over the ancient ruins. Eva made her way through the twisting labyrinth of crumbled brick walls and rusted steel beams, stopping in front of a lone column blanketed in gigantic leafy lichen. She pulled her empty drinking container out of her satchel and removed the cap. Eva yanked a large corrugated leaf from the column with her hands and began to roll it up. She wrung the leaf tighter and tighter until water began to trickle from its stem.

Really? That’s it? Eva thought as the dribble of water ran to the bottom of her drinking container. This is going to take forever. I wish I’d kept my hydration tablets. She sighed and tore off another leaf.

Traveling down the bygone avenues of a withered world, Eva paused at the gaping shadowy entrance of a tunnel that led down into the earth toward the remains of a forgotten library. Her mind flickered to the memory of the giant water bear, Otto, digging that tunnel like an enormous puppy. Eva closed her eyes. Though her loyal companion was with his herd far from here, Eva knew he was relaxed and content. She had a connection with Otto. She could understand what he was thinking when it appeared no one else could. Eva could not explain how it was that she could do this. She just felt it.

She opened her eyes and took in the endless barren horizon beyond the ruins. Eva whispered, “I’m happy for you, Otto. I am going to join my herd too.” With a smile she continued on toward her camp.

Under the shade of a deteriorating steel archway, a lanky blue alien sat on backward-bending legs. The Cærulean, Rovender Kitt, appeared to be organizing the scattered contents of a saddlebag that hung from a parked gull-winged glider.