Zora and Me by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon
Reviewed by AimeeRatings
Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content
LANGUAGE
VIOLENCE
SEXUAL CONTENT
ADULT THEMES
Title: Zora and Me
Authors: Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon
Ratings Explanation
Language: There are some exclamations of Deity.
Violence: A man shows off by wrestling a gator. He gets dragged under by his arm and dies. A man is found by the railroad tracks with his head detached. An older lady is found hurt after falling from a cliff. Zora’s dad becomes angry and almost hits Zora. There is talk about hangings and making sure the knot is tied real tight. Carrie dislocates her shoulder. Zora gets into a fight at school. There is a rageful, jealous boyfriend.
Adult Themes: This book delves into the racial distinctions and social classes of the time. “That’s what white folks do.” Zora’s dad says mean things to her like, “you are not my child.” Carrie’s father is missing, presumed dead and she mourns for him.
Synopsis
Zora is girl who loves to tell a story. Whether Zora is telling the truth or stretching it, she is a riveting storyteller. Zora’s latest story revolves around the murder of a man by the railroad tracks. She believes that a murderous shape-shifting gator man prowls the marshes and feeds on the souls of men. Zora enlists the help of her two best friends, Carrie and Teddy to help her solve the mystery. The three friends find more than they bargained for as they uncover a web of lies, envy, deceit and betrayal.
This novel is based upon the life of Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) and is set in her hometown of Eatonville, Florida. Zora Neale Hurston is considered one of the pre-eminent writers of twentieth-century African-American literature.
This was an interesting tale of adventure and mystery. Zora is a girl with curiosity, imagination and a big heart. I’ll admit to not knowing anything about the author Zora Neale Hurston before reading this book. I was grateful for the chance to learn something new. There were so many quotable sayings in this book that I just loved. One of my favorites was, “You’ll feel better if I don’t say anything. So that’s what I’m going to do; stand here beside you without saying a word.” This book could be a great opportunity for learning and discussion with your children about blacks and whites in the south in the early 1900’s. My thanks to Candlewick Press for sending this book for review. Grades 4-8.