What a fun story on the surface for young readers. But there is also so much to discuss and think about in this book. Author Erica Perl has done a wonderful job presenting important topics for families to discuss and given readers an interesting and easy way to bring those conversations to the family dinner table.
On the surface this is a story that every child can relate to, Zelly, (Zelda) Fried and her family have moved from the ethnic world of Brooklyn, NY to the very homogeneous country, of Burlington, Vermont. Here Zelly stands out for many reasons and the book deals with her differences, making new friends and fitting in. While her best friend is away at summer camp, Zelly is home with her parents, her brother, Sam and her grandfather, Ace (Abraham) a retired judge.
Zelly is petitioning for a pet dog. Her grandfather gives her some advice on how to show her parents that she is grown-up and mature enough to have a pet. Zelly finds out what it takes to be responsible and also to stand up for your friends and not be swayed by peer pressure. This is a summer of growing up and new adventures.
Today I listened to the author talk about the book and this made it even more interesting. She describes the idea that for Zelly living in a small town where she is one of the only Jewish children in her school and having a pet pretend dog, gives the author a way to examine the idea of standing out and being different. The bully in school focuses on Zelly and her only friend because they are different but is it their Jewishness or is it just because he is mean and sees her walking her oj container? the oj container becomes a way to explore the topic of difference without focusing on religious or racial difference. This is a fun story with so much depth.
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