The Secret Wish of Nannerl Mozart

Maria Anna Mozart (whose nickname was Nannerl) was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's older sister. She lived from 1751-1829. This book tells the fictionalized story of her life. It is accurate about the historical facts of her life and times, but it imagines her thoughts and feelings and conversations... .

...This book is full of beautiful descriptions of 18th century Europe, even the court at Versailles. There are detailed descriptions of costumes, musical instruments, food and home furnishings that students will enjoy. But they will also enjoy discussing the questions raised by the themes of the story: How many talented women has history passed over and denied? Do such things still happen today? This is a believable and compelling novel.

RCM alumna, Barbara Kathleen Nickel, has just published a delightful book about twelve year-old Maria Anna Mozart, otherwise known as Nannerl, who has a very special secret. Like her younger brother she is already an accomplished musician, but she wants to be a great composer; an uncommon pursuit for girls in 1763!

A thumb up, too, for The Secret Wish of Nannerl Mozart ... Who knew that Mozart had a sister who was arguably as talented as he was? With a combination of historical fact and imaginative speculation, this fascinating novel explores Nannerl's painful dilemma as she watches all the accolades go to her younger brother "Wolfi" but refuses to abandon her dream of composing her own symphony.

Nickel tells a lively tale ... the deft handling of dialogues, particularly, makes Nannerl and Wolfi real children as well as the prodigies of history. ... Nickel's knowledge of music makes Nannerl's dreams and life sound right, and girls reading the book might just decide to find out more about the real Nannerl and to use the fictional one as a model for making their own dreams reality.

Get transported to the 18th century and the courts of the crowned heads of Europe. ... Nickel's fictional story, which uses many historical details, is a fascinating look at a talented young woman whose life became a historical footnote.