Stravaganza : City of Masks by Mary Hoffman Dying of brain cancer in modern London, a teenager is transported to an Italianate world in his dreams. He finds himself in a city that mirrors Renaissance Venice. There, he learns of secret plots involving a duchess, a girl disguised as a boy, and an organization of explorers that can cross between worlds.

Discussion

What do you think of Arianna's plan to become a mandolier? Do you think it would have worked? Why or why not?

Why does Lucien decide to become Rodolfo's apprentice? Would you keep making the journey back to Belleza?

How does Lucien's illness affect his decisions?

Is the Duchessa a good person? Do you agree with the way she rules?

What kind of modern conveniences does Lucien have to do without in Bellezza? Which would you miss the most?

How does Arianna feel when she learns the truth about her mother? How would you feel?

What do you think of the Duchessa using a "double" ? Why does she do it? Do you agree with her reasons?

What are some of the similarities and differences between Bellezza and the real Venice?

Have you ever been to Italy or Venice? If so, what did you think of your visit? If not, does this book make you want to visit Venice?

If you lived in Bellezza, would you want to wear a mask?

If you had to wear a mask every day, what would you want it to look like?

How do you think Lucien's parents felt at the end of the book?

When Lucien is in Bellezza, he uses a slightly different name. If you were transported to Belleza, what name would you use?

Activity

Create Your Own Mask

Materials:
Glitter
Colorful paper
Glue
Yarn or ribbons
Hole punch
Scissors
Stickers
Markers, crayons or paint
Beads and buttons

What To Do:

Print out your favorite mask templates from Scissor Craft's website:
http://www.colorbookmasks.com/mardigras.htm
Trace the mask onto paper and cut it out with the scissors. Punch out holes on the sides near the edges of the mask. Cut two pieces of ribbon or yarn for each mask. Tie the end of each ribbon through the holes. You will not be able to put the mask on your face and secure it by tying the ribbons behind your head. Cut off any excess ribbon.

With the blank mask resting flat on the table, decorate your mask with the remaining supplies!

Recipe

Family Style Venetian Appetizers

You Will Need:
1 loaf of bread (French bread, Italian bread or Focaccia bread) from your local grocery's bakery.
1 small bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil,br> Various spices: Garlic Powder, Basil Flakes, Black Pepper
Grapes and/or Olives
Sparkling Grape Juice
3 small bowls, 2 serving plates, and wine glasses

Directions:
If the bread is cool, warm it up in the microwave for 10-30 seconds, depending on the size of the loaf. Cut the bread into slices and place on a serving plate.

Take 3 small bowls. Put 4 Tablespoons of olive oil into each bowl. In the first bowl, add the garlic powder to the oil. In the second bowl, add the basil flakes. Add black pepper to the oil in the third bowl. You can also make additional oil-spice combinations by adding 2 or more spices to the oil.

Put the olives and/or grapes on a serving plate. Pour Sparkling Grape juice into wine glasses.

Place the bowls of oil, the plate of bread, the plate of grapes/olives in the center of the table so that everyone can share. While you discuss the book, enjoy dipping the bread into the different oil/spice combinations, eating the fruit and sipping the sparkling grape juice. You may even want to have Italian music playing in the background, just like a real Italian restaurant.