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Postcards from Venice
Twelve-year-old Skyler is in for a summer of adventure in Venice, Italy, as she pursues a dream opportunity in this hilarious MIX novel that’s a companion to The BFF Bucket List.
Skyler is about to go on the biggest adventure of her life. Her mother has been relocated to Venice, Italy, with the possibility of a long-term move. While there, Skyler takes on an informal internship and will be blogging about the city—a position that could lead to even bigger things if all goes well.
One of her fellow interns, Logan, is cool, cute, and Australian. But the other intern, Zara, seems determined to sabotage Skyler’s chances. And with a big assignment coming up, Skyler is already stumped.
Wishing she had someone to talk to, the first person who comes to mind isn’t even on the same continent. Skyler knows that her BFF, Ella, would have all the answers, especially how to solve the writer’s block. But after a summer bucket list that went awry, they didn’t leave on the best of terms. Thanks to technology, Skyler and Ella get a long-distance shot at mending things.
But when Skyler’s writing mistakes start to pile up, she isn’t sure if she’s up to the task. With the help of some Italian magic and her oldest friend, can Skyler learn to love her new city and stay connected to what matters most?
Skyler is about to go on the biggest adventure of her life. Her mother has been relocated to Venice, Italy, with the possibility of a long-term move. While there, Skyler takes on an informal internship and will be blogging about the city—a position that could lead to even bigger things if all goes well.
One of her fellow interns, Logan, is cool, cute, and Australian. But the other intern, Zara, seems determined to sabotage Skyler’s chances. And with a big assignment coming up, Skyler is already stumped.
Wishing she had someone to talk to, the first person who comes to mind isn’t even on the same continent. Skyler knows that her BFF, Ella, would have all the answers, especially how to solve the writer’s block. But after a summer bucket list that went awry, they didn’t leave on the best of terms. Thanks to technology, Skyler and Ella get a long-distance shot at mending things.
But when Skyler’s writing mistakes start to pile up, she isn’t sure if she’s up to the task. With the help of some Italian magic and her oldest friend, can Skyler learn to love her new city and stay connected to what matters most?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
8 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Dee Romito
17 books250 followersDee Romito is an author of fiction and nonfiction books for young readers from picture books to middle grade. Her middle grade books include The BFF Bucket List, No Place Like Home, Postcards from Venice, and co-authored Best.Night.Ever (Aladdin/S&S).
Her nonfiction picture books, Pies From Nowhere and The Last Plastic Straw, have received starred reviews, a Crystal Kite Award, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her early chapter book series is titled Fort Builders, Inc. (Aladdin/S&S).
Dee blogs about writing at WriteforApples.com and is a Co-Founder of Buffalo-Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. While she does her best to be a grown-up most of the time, giggling with her BFFs is still one of her all-time favorite things. You can visit her website at DeeRomito.com.
Her nonfiction picture books, Pies From Nowhere and The Last Plastic Straw, have received starred reviews, a Crystal Kite Award, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her early chapter book series is titled Fort Builders, Inc. (Aladdin/S&S).
Dee blogs about writing at WriteforApples.com and is a Co-Founder of Buffalo-Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. While she does her best to be a grown-up most of the time, giggling with her BFFs is still one of her all-time favorite things. You can visit her website at DeeRomito.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It brought Venice to life through the eyes of someone seeing it for the first time, and I related to Skyler's desire to figure out what to DO with all the amazing things she was seeing and learning. Venice can do that! The relationships between the characters were very well rendered, and Skyler's journey to finding something she's passionate about, and finding her voice, is one that people of all ages can relate to. This book will make a great summer read for sure!
June 1, 2018
Charming and fun, this book deals with the very relatable experience of trying to find out what you are good at and where you fit in the world, in in the perfectly awesome setting of Venice, Italy.
May 30, 2018
This was such a great book! It's about figuring out what you're passionate about, testing your limits, and diving into adventure. It was awesome from an armchair traveller point of view as well - filled with details about Venice and Italian culture. I felt like I was right there walking the canals with Skyler.
My favourite part was that amid all of the gorgeous Italian scenery, each page still beat with the great MG heart that lies at the centre of every Dee Romito book. Packed with delightful (and sometimes complicated) friendships, this book also featured a great mother-daughter relationship that was realistic and touching.
An excellent read that I highly recommend!
My favourite part was that amid all of the gorgeous Italian scenery, each page still beat with the great MG heart that lies at the centre of every Dee Romito book. Packed with delightful (and sometimes complicated) friendships, this book also featured a great mother-daughter relationship that was realistic and touching.
An excellent read that I highly recommend!
February 27, 2018
Loved POSTCARDS FROM VENICE by Dee Romito. This is a wonderful story of friendship and self-discovery. Romito’s rich descriptions capture the beauty and history of Venice and Skyler’s sense of adventure in this transcendent place. It may also make you want to eat gelato. Highly recommend.
I received an arc of this story for an honest review.
I received an arc of this story for an honest review.
April 8, 2018
What a sweet book! I felt like I was in Venice (Venice, Italy, ahem!) alongside Skyler for the summer vacation of a lifetime. I loved following along with her adventures in social media and learning about writing. A lot of young readers who haven't yet found their "thing" will relate to that aspect of her character. Kids who enjoyed THE BFF BUCKET LIST are sure to enjoy this sequel, but it can also easily be read as a standalone story.
July 18, 2018
An adorable sequel to The BFF Bucket List. Besides the fact that it's set in Italy (where I dream of going someday), it's a great story about friendship, first jobs, work ethic, family, finding your passion, and an Italian lesson all in one.
March 5, 2018
Postcards From Venice: Review
By: Novalee Andree (10 years old)
Postcards From Venice is another novel that I loved by Dee Romito. The story’s main focus was a girl named Skyler, who is in Venice, Italy, for the summer with her mother. Skyler has taken up a writing internship where her mom is working, and she is shooting to get the school year internship as well. As the story goes along, she realizes that writing may not be as easy as she thought. Between a boy she may like, a frenemy, learning Italian, and trying to write the best she can, she is having some difficulty doing it all at once.
One of the reasons I liked this story so much is because of the way it shows that if you are passionate about something, you should keep going. Never give up. Skyler had made mistakes, and at times, she felt as though she couldn't do it, yet she persevered, and began to realize who she was as a writer. As she wrote interviews and experiences of hers, such as her very first post, she began to realize the work she had to put into it and how she could knock her reader off their feet.
Another reason I liked the book is because of the details. Every little thing had a reason, every little thing had a story, and it all feels so real! I felt as though I was there, with Skyler, and I feel like many can relate to her and what she is going through. For example, when the story first started, the way Skyler described Venice was incredible. She described how large, interesting, and all of the good smells that there were.
All the small things are what part made this story great, and I enjoyed reading it very much. It is a great novel in every way, especially if you like to write. I think that writers may love this especially because it shows that if you make mistakes, you will be able to fix them. Skyler made a lot of writing errors in the beginning, but as she began to revise, she sort of got her writing spirit back. This can show young writers to persevere.
To sum it all up, Postcards From Venice is a wonderful book in many ways. It has interesting details, it shows how to follow your passion, and it shows how to persevere. It's fun and funny. I hope that you read this inspirational book.
By: Novalee Andree (10 years old)
Postcards From Venice is another novel that I loved by Dee Romito. The story’s main focus was a girl named Skyler, who is in Venice, Italy, for the summer with her mother. Skyler has taken up a writing internship where her mom is working, and she is shooting to get the school year internship as well. As the story goes along, she realizes that writing may not be as easy as she thought. Between a boy she may like, a frenemy, learning Italian, and trying to write the best she can, she is having some difficulty doing it all at once.
One of the reasons I liked this story so much is because of the way it shows that if you are passionate about something, you should keep going. Never give up. Skyler had made mistakes, and at times, she felt as though she couldn't do it, yet she persevered, and began to realize who she was as a writer. As she wrote interviews and experiences of hers, such as her very first post, she began to realize the work she had to put into it and how she could knock her reader off their feet.
Another reason I liked the book is because of the details. Every little thing had a reason, every little thing had a story, and it all feels so real! I felt as though I was there, with Skyler, and I feel like many can relate to her and what she is going through. For example, when the story first started, the way Skyler described Venice was incredible. She described how large, interesting, and all of the good smells that there were.
All the small things are what part made this story great, and I enjoyed reading it very much. It is a great novel in every way, especially if you like to write. I think that writers may love this especially because it shows that if you make mistakes, you will be able to fix them. Skyler made a lot of writing errors in the beginning, but as she began to revise, she sort of got her writing spirit back. This can show young writers to persevere.
To sum it all up, Postcards From Venice is a wonderful book in many ways. It has interesting details, it shows how to follow your passion, and it shows how to persevere. It's fun and funny. I hope that you read this inspirational book.
February 19, 2018
I received an advance reviewer copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
POSTCARDS FROM VENICE by Dee Romito = delizioso!
13 year-old Skyler (whom readers first met in Romito's 2016 novel, THE BFF BUCKET LIST) is spending the summer with her mom in Venice. That's Venice, ITALY - not Florida, or California, or a pizza shop in Canada. Arrivederci, ice cream. Ciao, gelato!
Luckily, Skyler loves to try new things because new things are everywhere. The canals, the bridges, the language, the history, the gondolas, the pastries, the pizza, her summer job with fellow intern cute Australian boy, the gelato - it's all amazing. Yet at the same time totally overwhelming.
Everyone around her knows what they want, usually something they're good at, including Mom. Lacking focus, Skyler wishes her BFF Ella had come along to help her figure things out. So she decides to send her a postcard.
As the weeks roll on, Skyler gives her travel blogging internship the best shot she can. But oh, there are so many distractions! Through a series of ups and downs, including her crush on the cute Australian, "fake" Italian lessons, and never missing a chance to ditch a project to get gelato with Mom, Skyler keeps writing postcards - and long emails - to Ella back home.
If only Skyler had the clarity of purpose that her Mom, her new friends, or Ella had. Especially when she has the chance to stay in Venice for the upcoming school year. She knows she should want it, but... what exactly DOES she want?
POSTCARDS FROM VENICE is a delizioso and touching story about a girl who realizes it's all right to take life one step at a time. That you don't have to have your whole life - or your whole year - planned out when you're only 13. And that's tutto ok.
I predict that middle grade readers will scoop this one up! And not just for the gelato! (Have I mentioned the gelato?!)
POSTCARDS FROM VENICE by Dee Romito = delizioso!
13 year-old Skyler (whom readers first met in Romito's 2016 novel, THE BFF BUCKET LIST) is spending the summer with her mom in Venice. That's Venice, ITALY - not Florida, or California, or a pizza shop in Canada. Arrivederci, ice cream. Ciao, gelato!
Luckily, Skyler loves to try new things because new things are everywhere. The canals, the bridges, the language, the history, the gondolas, the pastries, the pizza, her summer job with fellow intern cute Australian boy, the gelato - it's all amazing. Yet at the same time totally overwhelming.
Everyone around her knows what they want, usually something they're good at, including Mom. Lacking focus, Skyler wishes her BFF Ella had come along to help her figure things out. So she decides to send her a postcard.
As the weeks roll on, Skyler gives her travel blogging internship the best shot she can. But oh, there are so many distractions! Through a series of ups and downs, including her crush on the cute Australian, "fake" Italian lessons, and never missing a chance to ditch a project to get gelato with Mom, Skyler keeps writing postcards - and long emails - to Ella back home.
If only Skyler had the clarity of purpose that her Mom, her new friends, or Ella had. Especially when she has the chance to stay in Venice for the upcoming school year. She knows she should want it, but... what exactly DOES she want?
POSTCARDS FROM VENICE is a delizioso and touching story about a girl who realizes it's all right to take life one step at a time. That you don't have to have your whole life - or your whole year - planned out when you're only 13. And that's tutto ok.
I predict that middle grade readers will scoop this one up! And not just for the gelato! (Have I mentioned the gelato?!)
June 13, 2018
Such a delightful read! Skyler is a bright, energetic girl with adventure in her blood. Kids will love spending time with her. Her excitement at seeing Venice, Italy was genuine and contagious. I want to go there now, too!
With her mother working for a few months in Italy, Skyler is presented with the opportunity to intern there as part of a blogging team. She's thrilled and can't wait to get started, but as you can imagine nothing goes as she plans.
Romito does a fabulous job of guiding the reader alongside Skyler as she meets one challenge after another. From meeting new friends and missing her old ones back home to learning a new language and how to write blog posts, Skyler has lots to think about. There’s also contemplation about how much her mother works, and, on the flipside, the dedication of her mother’s work ethic. And then there's the crux of Skyler's challenges: questioning what she's good at and where she fits into the world. It's a human condition we all share, and one young readers will understand. The story has sweet and endearing moments, and those that challenge readers to examine their own hearts, minds, and motivations. It’s a great coming-of-age tale!
With her mother working for a few months in Italy, Skyler is presented with the opportunity to intern there as part of a blogging team. She's thrilled and can't wait to get started, but as you can imagine nothing goes as she plans.
Romito does a fabulous job of guiding the reader alongside Skyler as she meets one challenge after another. From meeting new friends and missing her old ones back home to learning a new language and how to write blog posts, Skyler has lots to think about. There’s also contemplation about how much her mother works, and, on the flipside, the dedication of her mother’s work ethic. And then there's the crux of Skyler's challenges: questioning what she's good at and where she fits into the world. It's a human condition we all share, and one young readers will understand. The story has sweet and endearing moments, and those that challenge readers to examine their own hearts, minds, and motivations. It’s a great coming-of-age tale!
September 17, 2018
Postcards from Venice by Dee Romito, 261 pages. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2018. P$18.
Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
13-year-old Skyler is spending the summer in Italy! Her mother is working there, and Skyler has been given a summer internship with the same company to write blogs about her impressions of Venice. Writing has never been a strength of hers, and while the sightseeing and meeting people is fun, she'd rather email her best friend Ella about Logan the attractive Australian intern.
A little world travel, a little social media, some romance, some conflict plus family drama! What more could you want in a light teen read? I was able to spot the resolution right away, but I'm an english teacher, a teen would be pleasantly surprised with the ending. Upper elementary would also appreciate this fun tour of Venice.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
13-year-old Skyler is spending the summer in Italy! Her mother is working there, and Skyler has been given a summer internship with the same company to write blogs about her impressions of Venice. Writing has never been a strength of hers, and while the sightseeing and meeting people is fun, she'd rather email her best friend Ella about Logan the attractive Australian intern.
A little world travel, a little social media, some romance, some conflict plus family drama! What more could you want in a light teen read? I was able to spot the resolution right away, but I'm an english teacher, a teen would be pleasantly surprised with the ending. Upper elementary would also appreciate this fun tour of Venice.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
January 26, 2022
Cute. I like seeing a middle-grade character-goes-abroad story in which said character is excited about the experience—there are so many books where the character spends a bunch of time being upset about not being around their friends, etc.; it's nice to see how enthusiastic Skyler is about being in Venice.
I do have some doubts about just how realistic the internship programme is—it seems to be basically full-time babysitting of teenagers, supervised by someone whose full (paid!) job seems to be to take them around Venice to see...whatever they want. (Nice work, if you can get it!) Very cushy—until these kids (who aren't required to have any background in writing whatsoever) turn in their work, and it's not perfect, and a thirteen-year-old turning in an imperfect draft turns into grounds to be asked to leave the internship programme. Oh, it's more complicated than that, definitely, but that's sort of what it comes down to. Still—it's a playful book with fun details about Venice. Wondering whether there will eventually be a related book about one of the other characters and the travel reporting position...
I do have some doubts about just how realistic the internship programme is—it seems to be basically full-time babysitting of teenagers, supervised by someone whose full (paid!) job seems to be to take them around Venice to see...whatever they want. (Nice work, if you can get it!) Very cushy—until these kids (who aren't required to have any background in writing whatsoever) turn in their work, and it's not perfect, and a thirteen-year-old turning in an imperfect draft turns into grounds to be asked to leave the internship programme. Oh, it's more complicated than that, definitely, but that's sort of what it comes down to. Still—it's a playful book with fun details about Venice. Wondering whether there will eventually be a related book about one of the other characters and the travel reporting position...
January 29, 2018
This book is such a great addition to the BFF Bucket List. And though it's a continuation of the story, you could definitely read this as a stand-alone.
When Skyler gets to Venice, she is offered an internship with the company her mom is working for. She gets to take excursions throughout Venice, try new things, and hopefully figure out what it is SHE loves to do, all while telling about her experiences on their kid-friendly blog. I loved experiencing Venice through Skyler, and am definitely needing to eat some Cannoli and Gelato!
This book is about figuring out who you are, making new friends, trying new things, and giving and getting second chances. And just like the BFF Bucket List, it is good old-fashioned fun. You don't want to miss this one!
Though I got to read an early copy, I will for sure be pre-ordering my own copy. Can't wait to read it again!
When Skyler gets to Venice, she is offered an internship with the company her mom is working for. She gets to take excursions throughout Venice, try new things, and hopefully figure out what it is SHE loves to do, all while telling about her experiences on their kid-friendly blog. I loved experiencing Venice through Skyler, and am definitely needing to eat some Cannoli and Gelato!
This book is about figuring out who you are, making new friends, trying new things, and giving and getting second chances. And just like the BFF Bucket List, it is good old-fashioned fun. You don't want to miss this one!
Though I got to read an early copy, I will for sure be pre-ordering my own copy. Can't wait to read it again!
June 2, 2018
I received this book from Edelweiss + and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I thank them.
I did not read the prior book in the series, and as it turns out, I didn't have to. This book makes a good sequel and stand-alone story.
I have never been to Venice (or Italy), and this book did make me feel like I was there. Being a blogger myself, a job blogging about my experience in a new city would be a great job. I loved Skyler's adventures (especially her trip with her mom that I'm trying hard not to spoil - in later chapters). This book was great! 5 out of 5 stars.
This is a great travel book/older children book. I wish there was more books of Skyler traveling, not just in Italy, but around all of Europe.
I did not read the prior book in the series, and as it turns out, I didn't have to. This book makes a good sequel and stand-alone story.
I have never been to Venice (or Italy), and this book did make me feel like I was there. Being a blogger myself, a job blogging about my experience in a new city would be a great job. I loved Skyler's adventures (especially her trip with her mom that I'm trying hard not to spoil - in later chapters). This book was great! 5 out of 5 stars.
This is a great travel book/older children book. I wish there was more books of Skyler traveling, not just in Italy, but around all of Europe.
March 29, 2018
I was so excited to see Skyler and Ella, friends from The BFF Bucket List, back in this travel adventure. Skyler has the opportunity of a lifetime to live in Venice with her mom, who has taken a temporary work assignment that could become more permanent. I loved getting to experience the sights and sounds (and food) of Italy through Skyler's eyes and follow along as she discovered what her true talents were. I especially loved the special relationship between Skyler and her mom. It was one of my favorite parts of the book!
August 23, 2018
As an adult., I truly enjoyed this book. Lookng forward to more.. Good job Dee. Hope you do have the opportunity to travel more..But like Skyler you can write about the places you know and love already . Like OBX. Washington and Buffalo.
As an adult, I really enjoyed this book.Looking forward to more. Good job Dee..Like Skyler , i would like to see you write more about places you have already been and love. Like OBX, Washington DC and Buffalo. Some of your experiences are just as interesting as a foreign country.
As an adult, I really enjoyed this book.Looking forward to more. Good job Dee..Like Skyler , i would like to see you write more about places you have already been and love. Like OBX, Washington DC and Buffalo. Some of your experiences are just as interesting as a foreign country.
February 21, 2018
This was such a fun book to read! I loved romping around Venice with Skyler as she explored Italy and ate ALL THE GELATO. The book made me feel like I was right there with the characters, taking in the same sights, sounds, and smells. Skyler's personal journey of making new friends (while keeping the old), finding her voice, and learning what it means to be a writer was well told and will resonate with readers. All in all, a wonderful book!
March 12, 2018
Another charming middle grade novel from Dee Romito. Skyler is all set to have a summer of adventure in Venice. Mishaps at her internship (which is connected to her Mom's job in Venice), communication problems with her Mom, and friendships issue both at home and in Venice make the summer less than super fun. As Skyler navigates Venice, she figures out what being a daughter and a friend really mean.
July 19, 2018
POSTCARDS is a follow up to BFF BUCKET LIST, but can be read on its own. I read it out loud to my twelve-year-old son, and we enjoyed the different characters and the adventures they have in Italy. The idea of trying to figure out who you are and what you're good at is really captured in this book. It is a fun, light read, but it also touches on the challenge of navigating tween friendships and parent/child relationships.
August 21, 2018
I loved this book! Books that transports me to a completely new place and gives me a glimpse of daily life are my favorites, and this one does such a good job of showing what living in (okay, just outside) of Venice would really be like. The characters were believable and interesting with real depth. I think a lot of kids will relate to Skyler not being particularly good at anything or having a passion, too. Highly recommended!
March 21, 2018
Dee Romito's POSTCARDS FROM VENICE gave me the travel bug and made me crave gelato big time! Skyler's time in Venice is filled with amazing sights and important insights about friendship and family. This is a sweet companion novel to THE BFF BUCKET LIST & another great story from Romito. Che bello!
June 3, 2018
What a great, fun read! I loved all the descriptions of Venice. This is a wonderful armchair travel story that’s also about family, friendship, and discovering who you are and what you’re passionate about. A great book for kids and adults alike!
July 6, 2018
Postcards from Venice is an absolutely adorable read. As with The BFF Bucket List, there is a valuable lesson to be learned here, but Dee Romito makes it happen in such a way that you almost don't realize she's giving you solid life advice in the guise of a story. I loved it!
March 18, 2025
A super cute middle grade novel about a thirteen-year-old working on her writing for an internship while spending time in Italy. There’s frenemies and crushes and delicious gelato and pasta… our pre-teen readers will love it!
June 12, 2018
This has been one of the best sequels I've read in my entire life. I sooooo want to go to Italy!!
August 20, 2018
This is a fun trip to Venice, complete with teen drama, a little romance and a great writing lesson. For a full review, visit http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
September 29, 2020
A fun, lighthearted read about a girl's adventures in Venice. Exploring the city and getting to know herself better.
Read
January 5, 2023the book made me fall in love with Venice XD
May 19, 2020
LOve this book.
Want to read
January 25, 2018Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
May 5, 2018
A lovely children book with great characters and an interesting story.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and Netgalley
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and Netgalley
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews