Alexandra

by Scott O'Dell

For many generations, the men in Alexandra's family have been sponge divers -- first on the Greek island of Kalymnos and now in the Florida village of Tarpon Springs. Diving has always been considered a man's job by Alexandra's family -- dangerous and demanding. But when tragedy strikes, Alexandra decides to become a sponge diver herself despite her family's objections. And she learns that as dangerous as the underwater world can be, there are always more dangers waiting on shore . . .

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens

128 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Scott O'Dell was an American author celebrated for his historical fiction, especially novels for young readers. He is best known for Island of the Blue Dolphins, a classic that earned the Newbery Medal and has been translated into many languages and adapted for film. Over his career he wrote more than two dozen novels for young people, as well as works of nonfiction and adult fiction, often drawing on the history and landscapes of California and Mexico. His books, including The King’s Fifth, The Black Pearl, and Sing Down the Moon, earned him multiple Newbery Honors and a wide readership. O'Dell received numerous awards for his contribution to children’s literature, among them the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the Regina Medal. In 1984, he established the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction to encourage outstanding works in the genre.

Reviews

[Elena Pousada]

Alex Chapa
1/21/22
"Alexandra" escrito por Scott O'Dell
Si fueras terapeuta de uno de los personajes, ¿qué le recomendarías?

Si fuera terapeuta de Alexandra, le diría que no debería tener miedo de decir la verdad. Y que si dice la verdad y se lo cuenta a las autoridades puede estar salvando vidas porque la gente dejaría de recibir cocaína de una manera secreta. Diría o recomendaría que incluso si las ventas de esponjas bajan, ella no debe preocuparse porque pronto la gente volverá a comprar porque los clientes confiará en ella en lo que está vendiendo. Otra cosa que le recomendaría es que ayude a otros en los problemas por los que está pasando y también que deje salir sus sentimientos y pensamientos a las personas que ama y confia. También le recomendaría que cuide bien a su abuelo y a su madre y que no tenga ansiedad ni se esfuerce demasiado para cuidar a su familia porque puede provocar que le sucedan cosas malas a ella y a su salud mental. Una última recomendación importante que le daría si fuera su terapeuta es que su padre, si estuviera vivo, estaría muy orgulloso de ella y cómo ella ha trabajado duro para su familia y se ha convertido en la cabeza de familia.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this might be a good book for my niece. Alexandra is a strong female character, and her family were sponge divers from Greece. The story is set in Florida and begins with her grandfather remembering a hurricane. In the wake of Harvey and Irma, it seemed very topical. The story also talks about drug smuggling, so it might be better for young adults than preteens.

[Cindy Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was really disappointing. I was interested in finding out about the history of Tarpon Springs and the Greek sponge divers, but the story had such a confusing and sudden ending that it ruined the book for me. I still would like to visit Tarpon Springs, though!

[Candis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t care for the ending, or should I say lack there of…

[Heidi Grether · Rating 3 out of 5]

PECHA KUCHA AUTHOR

This book follows the story of Alexandra, a young Greek girl living in Florida. Her father's recent death due to a sponge diving accident forces Alexandra to help bring in revenue for her family by traveling out to sea with her grandfather to sponge dive. However, as she goes out on this adventure, she begins to feel romantic towards Spyros Stavaronas, only to find out later that he is engaged to her older sister and smuggles cocaine through her family's sponges. This was a quick read, and fairly enjoyable. It was interesting to see how Alexandra handled difficult transitions such as her father's death, her moving away from traditional Greek culture, and her moving into a more male role of sponge diving. This book would appeal to younger adolescent audiences, probably around the age range of 13-15.

[KyneWynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Adventure - coming of age; not as good as some of his others (namely Island of the Blue Dolphin which as a kid I loved). The strength of this book was in the history and telling about sponge diving. The framework of the story was weak.

[K.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to lie, his Island of the Blue Dolphins was much better.

This delved into feminism with a bit of a heavy hand, rather than just focusing on the character, which detracted from the story. However, it was worth reading and the writing is precise.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Review in Nine Words

Only Scott O'Dell book I enjoyed in middle school.

[Jaree · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for a quick read. It is more young adult though.

[Elissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

13 year old Elissa really, really liked Scott O'Dell...