Mira's Diary : Lost in Paris

When Mira receives a cryptic postcard from her missing mother, she sets off with her father and brother to find her in Paris. Only Mira doesn't know she's looking in the wrong century.

With an innocent touch to a gargoyle sculpture on the roof of Notre Dame, Mira is whisked into the past. There she learns her mother isn't just avoiding the family, she's in serious trouble. Following her mother's clues, Mira travels through time to help change history and bring her mother home.

"Long after I finished this fast–paced and compelling novel, I thought about Mira. Would I be as determined in pursuit of truth and tolerance? Would you?" —Karen Cushman, Newberry Medal Winner

Her mother s mysterious absence, a perplexing postcard and a unique family ability sends Mira on a race through time. A trip to France with her father and brother in search of her mother becomes a fateful odyssey for Mira when she is abruptly transported to Paris circa 1881. Mira is shocked to find out she can travel through time, a talent she has inherited from her mother. She also discovers that her mother has travelled into the past on a quest for justice for Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish military officer wrongly accused of a crime, and needs Mira s help. A series of letters from her mother guides Mira as she visits various moments in time between 1881 and 1899. Mira s encounters with anti-Semitism during her investigation further compel her to seek out the truth. While striving to unravel the secrets surrounding Dreyfus trial, Mira becomes involved in the lives of several Impressionist artists and, of course, writer Émile Zola. With vividly detailed descriptions, Moss deftly recounts Mira s journey among the backdrop of historical events and people. Moss thought-provoking tale examines the devastating effects of prejudice and intolerance; in her author s note, she gives more background on the Dreyfus Affair and Zola's J Accuse. A surprise ending will leave readers anticipating Mira s next mission as she follows her mother through time and history. --Kirkus Review 15th August 2012

Moss (the Amelia's Notebook series) offers an engrossing, diary-style blend of history, mystery, and time travel. Fourteen-year-old Mira's mother has been missing for six months when the family receives a cryptic postcard from her, postmarked from Paris. Awash in a flood of emotion, Mira, her father, and her older brother head to the City of Light in hopes of a reunion. Amid their search for clues, Mira is transported to 1881 Paris, where she befriends Edgar Degas, his young assistant, Émile Zola, and Mary Cassatt--and sees her mother. Moss's tale, illustrated by Mira's sketches, toggles between the present and the 19th century, as Mira tries to understand her trip through time and is swept up in machinations surrounding the infamous Dreyfus Affair. Moss's careful attention to the Dreyfus case and the anti-Semitism that spurred it is laudable, as are the descriptions of the art movements (and artists) of the time. The arrival of a second postcard points to a sequel, and a thorough author's note provides information on Paris, Dreyfus, and Impressionist artists. --Publisher Weekly Sept 2012

This book is for those girls who like Fancy Nancy. The reader will soon discover that this story is a thought-provoking lesson in history. Mira has a special gift she has inherited from her mother. Mira believes her mother disappeared because having children was too much of a burden, but on a family trip to Paris, Mira finds that her mother plays an important role in the state of today s world and begins to understand her mother s absence. With a touch of a gargoyle, Mira is transported to the 19th century, a world full of famous artists, soldiers, and anti-Semitism. This story contains mystery paired with history, and at points is difficult for the reader to follow. Sporadic pencil sketches invite the reader to sit with the author on her pink frilly canopy bed as she shares her secret adventure. This is a fun, quality read. --Missy Van Dusen, Librarian, Lubbock, Texas

This book is for those girls who like Fancy Nancy. The reader will soon discover that this story is a thought-provoking lesson in history. Mira has a special gift she has inherited from her mother. Mira believes her mother disappeared because having children was too much of a burden, but on a family trip to Paris, Mira finds that her mother plays an important role in the state of today s world and begins to understand her mother s absence. With a touch of a gargoyle, Mira is transported to the 19th century, a world full of famous artists, soldiers, and anti-Semitism. This story contains mystery paired with history, and at points is difficult for the reader to follow. Sporadic pencil sketches invite the reader to sit with the author on her pink frilly canopy bed as she shares her secret adventure. This is a fun, quality read. --Missy Van Dusen, Librarian, Lubbock, Texas