Vodník

By Bryce Moore
Out of Stock

When Tomas moves with his family to Slovakia, the Slovakian creatures from his youth come to life.

Description

Teacups: great for tea. Really sucky as places-to-live-out-the-rest-of-your-eternal-existence. Very little elbow room, and the internet connection is notoriously slow. Plus, they’re a real pain in the butt to get out of, especially when you’ve gone non-corporeal.

When Tomas was six, someone-something-tried to drown him. And burn him to a crisp. Tomas survived, but whatever was trying to kill him freaked out his parents enough to convince them to move from Slovakia to the United States.

Now sixteen-year-old Tomas and his family are back in Slovakia, and that something still lurks somewhere. Nearby. Ready to drown him again and imprison his soul in a teacup.

Then there’s the fire víla, the water ghost, the pitchfork-happy city folk, and Death herself who are all after him.

All this sounds a bit comical, unless the one haunted by water ghosts and fire vílas or doing time in a cramped, internet-deprived teacup is you.

If Tomas wants to survive, he’ll have to embrace the meaning behind the Slovak proverb, So smrťou ešte nik zmluvu neurobil. With Death, nobody makes a pact.


Discover more from Lee & Low Books

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

About the Creators

Bryce Moore

Bryce Moore works as a librarian in western Maine. His wife is Slovak, and they are raising their children to be bilingual in English and Slovak. Moore has lived in Trencín, Slovakia, where his brother-in-law, much like Uncle L'uboš in Vodník, works at Trencín Castle. Moore studied creative writing at Brigham Young University. This is his first novel. Visit him online at brycemoore.com.

Awards

  • Westchester Fiction Award Winner

    Westchester Fiction Award Committee

Reviews

  • "Vodník is compelling, interesting, and darkly humorous. I think you'll love it."

    - Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times best-selling author
  • "[A] compelling fantasy adventure."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "Snarky excerpts from a handbook for reapers precede every chapter, offering useful background information (plus some witty commentary on current fantasy trends), and the character of the Vodník is a treat, melding childishness, menace, and tricksterdom. . . . Slovakian culture, landscape, and history are accessibly conveyed and they, along with the rich treatment of Slovakian folklore, serve to distinguish this debut novel from other tales of supernaturally harangued teens. Recommend this equally to those interested in Eastern European culture and those who will appreciate a good jab at vampires' literary ubiquity."

    - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600608520
  • Publication Date Mar 20, 2012
  • Trim Size 9 × 6 in
  • Weight 2 lbs
  • Page Count 368
  • Interests

  • Audience Young Adult
  • BISAC Category 1 YAF / Fantasy / General
  • BISAC Category 2 YAF / People & Places / Europe
  • BISAC Category 3 YAF / Action & Adventure / Survival Stories
  • Themes Childhood Experiences and Memories, Cultural Diversity, Dreams & Aspirations, Families, Fantasy, Fiction, Friendship, Heroism, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Immigration, Integrity / Honesty, Middle Grade, Overcoming Obstacles, Paranormal, People In Motion, Persistence / Grit, Pride, Science Fiction / Fantasy, Self Control / Self Regulation, YA interest
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 12 - 17
  • Grade Range Grades 7 - 12
  • Guided Reading Z
  • ATOS Book Level 4.4
  • DRA 80
  • Interest Level Grades 7 - 12
  • Lexile Code HL
  • Lexile Level 650
  • Reading Level Grades 6 - 12
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 31
      Young Adult Collection
      Collection of 31 books: $583.45

      Bowman's Store

      Bowman's Store gracefully weaves themes from Joseph Bruchac's intimate knowledge of Native American cultures with the scenes from the past that have shaped his life.

      Rogue Heart

      Warcross meets Final Fantasy in this companion novel to Rebel Seoul, in which a young telepath joins a rebel group on a secret mission to end a decades-long world war.

      Audiobook Edition

      The Sky We Shared

      In this thoughtful and deftly woven WWII novel, an American and Japanese teen with lives on opposite ends of the world discover that hate for an "enemy" leaves a heavy heart.

      Audiobook Edition

      Echoes of Grace

      In this triumphant new novel, Pura Belpré Award-winning author Guadalupe García McCall explores sisterhood, family secrets, intergenerational trauma, life, and love in a modern Gothic setting with a magical realist twist.

      Audiobook Edition

      That Summer Night on Frenchmen Street

      Set in magical New Orleans, two teens from vastly different worlds discover that sharing their strengths, including the love of their friends and family, may just be the path to finding wholeness within themselves.

      Audiobook Edition

      Boys of the Beast

      Three cousins. Four days. One car. This smart and fearless road-trip novel is perfect for fans of David Levithan, Benjamin Alire Saenz, or Meg Medina.

      Audiobook Edition

      Tankborn (Tankborn #1)

      Kayla and Mishalla, two genetically engineered enslaved non-human (GENs), fall in love with higher-status boys, discover deep secrets about the creation of GENs, and in the process find out what it means to be human.

      Cat Girl's Day Off

      In this hilarious YA homage to Ferris Bueller's Chicago, Natalie must use her Talent of talking to cats to solve a high-profile celebrity kidnapping.

      The Magnolia Sword

      Bestselling writer Sherry Thomas weaves an enthralling retelling of a story that has thrilled readers for centuries: the ballad of Mulan.

      All the Stars Denied

      In a companion novel to her critically acclaimed Shame the Stars, Pura Belpré Award Winner Guadalupe García McCall tackles the hidden history of the United States and its first mass deportation that swept up hundreds of thousands of Mexican American citizens during the Great Depression.

      Audiobook Edition

      Alicia Afterimage

      A story of remembrance as well as an exploration of teen grief and healing, recounting the life and death of the author's sixteen-year-old daughter, as told through her parents' and friends' recollections, thoughts, feelings, and memories. For YA and adults.

      Arrow of Lightning (Killer of Enemies #3)

      In the final installment of the Killer of Enemies series, Lozen attempts to live a life without the violence that so far has defined her life, but the remaining Ones will not let that happen without a fight.

      Audiobook Edition

      Shame the Stars (Shame the Stars #1)

      In the midst of racial conflict and at the edges of a war at the Texas-Mexico border in 1915, Joaquín and Dulceña attempt to maintain a secret romance in this young adult reimagining of Romeo and Juliet.

      Audiobook Edition

      Perfect Liars

      In this YA heist novel, a society girl with a sketchy past leads a crew of juvie kids in using their criminal skills for good.

      Under the Mesquite

      Lupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican American immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's long illness.

      Audiobook Edition

      Hammer of Witches

      In this YA historical fantasy, a teen from Spain finds himself aboard a ship sailing to the "New World" with Christopher Columbus.

      Killer of Enemies

      A post-Apocalyptic YA novel with a steampunk twist, based on an Apache legend.

      Audiobook Edition

      Vodník

      When Tomas moves with his family to Slovakia, the Slovakian creatures from his youth come to life.

      Wolf Mark

      Luke King, whose father is a black-ops infiltrator, uses the skills his father taught him to figure out his family's paranormal secret and save his kidnapped father and his own friends.

      Audiobook Edition

      Trail of the Dead (Killer of Enemies #2)

      In this sequel to Killer of Enemies, Lozen and her family, on the run from the tyrants who once held them hostage, embark on a journey along a perilous trail once followed by her ancestors, where they meet friends and foes alike.

      Audiobook Edition

      Rebellion (Tankborn #3)

      In a world where half the population is genetically engineered, what does it mean to be human? The acclaimed TANKBORN trilogy rushes to a thrilling conclusion with Rebellion!

      Awakening (Tankborn #2)

      Before Kayla can free her fellow GENs from enslavement, she must save them from a deadly virus.

      Gabi, A Girl in Pieces

      In this groundbreaking William C. Morris Award winner for a YA debut, Gabi's life is a mess--her family, her friends, her attempts at a love life--but writing helps, especially since it turns out she's pretty good at poetry.

      Thirty Talks Weird Love

      A 13-year-old girl growing up in Mexico is visited by her 30-year-old future self in this powerful YA novel in verse about handling depression.

      Black Was the Ink

      Through the help of a ghostly ancestor, sixteen-year-old Malcolm is sent on a journey through Reconstruction-era America to find his place in modern-day Black progress.

      Audiobook Edition

      Grand Theft Horse

      Yummy author G. Neri returns to graphic novels with the powerful story of his cousin Gail Ruffu, who stole a racehorse in order to save it, and ended up fighting the whole racing industry for the humane treatment of animals.

      I Am Alfonso Jones

      The Hate U Give meets The Lovely Bones in this unflinching graphic novel about the afterlife of a young man killed by an off-duty police officer, co-illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist John Jennings.

      Summer of the Mariposas

      In this young adult retelling of The Odyssey, Odilia and her four sisters journey to Mexico to return a dead man to his family and encounter magical creatures along the way.

      Diverse Energies

      A collection of dystopian short stories featuring diverse main characters and by authors of color.

      Audiobook Edition

      Ink and Ashes

      In this heart-pounding YA mystery, teenager Claire Takata stumbles on a secret from the past and must race to outrun her father's dangerous legacy.

      Audiobook Edition

      Drift

      Tenjat joins a dangerous defense to protect his island home from the monsters who threaten it in this fresh YA fantasy inspired by Mayan and Indian folklore.

      291 in stock

    • 34
      Diverse Background English Middle School
      Collection of 34 books: $522.30

      Alicia Afterimage

      A story of remembrance as well as an exploration of teen grief and healing, recounting the life and death of the author's sixteen-year-old daughter, as told through her parents' and friends' recollections, thoughts, feelings, and memories. For YA and adults.

      Game, Set, Match Champion Arthur Ashe

      A picture book biography of tennis player Arthur Ashe, who began his career playing tennis as a child on the segregated courts as a child in Virginia and went on to become the top tennis player in the world.

      Tofu Quilt

      A collection of poems telling the story of Yeung Ying, a young girl in Hong Kong in the 1960s who, against the conventions of society and family members, aspires to become a writer

      Audiobook Edition

      Tan to Tamarind

      A poetry collection that explores the spectrum of beautiful shades of brown.

      Arrow of Lightning (Killer of Enemies #3)

      In the final installment of the Killer of Enemies series, Lozen attempts to live a life without the violence that so far has defined her life, but the remaining Ones will not let that happen without a fight.

      Audiobook Edition

      There's No Base Like Home

      ESPN Major League Baseball analyst and two-time Olympic medalist Jessica Mendoza teams up with her sister Alana Mendoza Dusan for their first highly-illustrated novel for young readers, a Dork Diaries for sporty kids.

      Audiobook Edition

      The Story of Tennis Champion Arthur Ashe

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this action-packed tribute to Arthur Ashe, one of the most compelling athletes and humanitarians of the twentieth century.

      The Story of Car Engineer Soichiro Honda

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this compelling biography of Soichiro Honda, the innovative motorcycle and car manufacturer and Japanese business pioneer.

      The Story of World War II Hero Irena Sendler

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this beautiful celebration of the life of Irena Sendler, a social worker who helped save nearly 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland.

      Killer of Enemies

      A post-Apocalyptic YA novel with a steampunk twist, based on an Apache legend.

      Audiobook Edition

      Etched in Clay

      The acclaimed biography-in-verse about the life and times of Dave, an enslaved potter who inscribed his works with short poems during the years leading up to the Civil War.

      Awakening (Tankborn #2)

      Before Kayla can free her fellow GENs from enslavement, she must save them from a deadly virus.

      Cat Girl's Day Off

      In this hilarious YA homage to Ferris Bueller's Chicago, Natalie must use her Talent of talking to cats to solve a high-profile celebrity kidnapping.

      Life of a Genius

      A tribute to the spirited life of one of China's greatest literary and historical heroes--poet, scholar, and statesman Su Dongpo.

      Tankborn (Tankborn #1)

      Kayla and Mishalla, two genetically engineered enslaved non-human (GENs), fall in love with higher-status boys, discover deep secrets about the creation of GENs, and in the process find out what it means to be human.

      Summer of the Mariposas

      In this young adult retelling of The Odyssey, Odilia and her four sisters journey to Mexico to return a dead man to his family and encounter magical creatures along the way.

      Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures

      A photographic exploration comparing celebrations in seven indigenous world cultures and the United States, highlighting common rituals such as body decoration, music, and dance.

      Vodník

      When Tomas moves with his family to Slovakia, the Slovakian creatures from his youth come to life.

      Honoring Our Ancestors

      Through stories, art, and photographs, Honoring Our Ancestors will inspire children and their families to gain strength from the past as they ask themselves, "Who do I honor?"

      How We Are Smart

      Musician Tito Puente. Ballerina Maria Tallchief. Explorer Matthew Henson. Congresswoman Patsy Mink. These are some of the people profiled in this book. They are well known for different reasons, but they also have something in common. They were all smart!

      I See the Rhythm

      i see the rhythmis an inspiring celebration of African American music and the far-reaching impact it has had on the world.

      When the Horses Ride By

      Through these graceful and eloquent poems, written from the child's perspective, readers will experience this resilience, this optimism, and understand that it is possible to get through difficult and unsettling times while holding onto one's hopes and dreams for a better, more peaceful future. 

      Bowman's Store

      Bowman's Store gracefully weaves themes from Joseph Bruchac's intimate knowledge of Native American cultures with the scenes from the past that have shaped his life.

      Hammer of Witches

      In this YA historical fantasy, a teen from Spain finds himself aboard a ship sailing to the "New World" with Christopher Columbus.

      Rattlesnake Mesa

      A true account of a spirited Native American girl's experiences growing up on a reservation and attending Phoenix Indian School in the 1920s, written in an engaging, unconventional style and accompanied by 38 dramatic photographs.

      Surfer of the Century

      The true story of Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku, six-time Olympic swimming champion and legendary surfer who popularized surfing around the world.

      Diverse Energies

      A collection of dystopian short stories featuring diverse main characters and by authors of color.

      Audiobook Edition

      Yummy

      A graphic novel based on the life and death of Robert "Yummy" Sandifer, an eleven-year-old gang member from Chicago's Southside who was killed by his own gang members.

      Under the Mesquite

      Lupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican American immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's long illness.

      Audiobook Edition

      Wolf Mark

      Luke King, whose father is a black-ops infiltrator, uses the skills his father taught him to figure out his family's paranormal secret and save his kidnapped father and his own friends.

      Audiobook Edition

      The Monster in the Mudball

      In this lower middle-grade mystery, Jin must hunt down the monster he accidentally freed, before it eats his baby brother.

      Mama's Window

      After his mother dies, "Sugar" Martin is sent to live with his gruff uncle Free, a loner who makes his living fishing in a swamp in the Mississippi Delta in the early 1900s.

      Steel Drumming at the Apollo

      A photo-essay following the members of a high school band through several rounds of Amateur Night competitions at the Apollo Theater in New York City. Includes a CD of the band playing their competition song, plus original compositions.

      Chess Rumble

      A story in free verse about a troubled boy who learns to use his mind instead of his fists through the guidance of an unconventional mentor and the game of chess.

      291 in stock

    ADA Site Compliance-Accessibility Policy