Zebra Forest

Some reviewers seem to find the themes too mature for young readers. I couldn't disagree more. The author handles difficult and sensitive topics with real grace, and the story itself is very compelling. The whole book runs about 200 pages and is broken into short chapters, making it a good candidate for challenged middle school readers who want something gritty and real that will hold their attention. Despite the fact that the book deals with such issues as imprisonment and child abandonment, and includes some scenes that border on violence, it never crosses the line and remarkably--given the content--includes no profane language. The characters, particularly the hero Annie and her younger brother Rew, are interesting and three-dimensional. I loved Annie's determined quest for the truth about her father, and her willingness to face whatever that truth might be--not easy for a young girl who discovers that the father she thought was dead has actually been in prison for killing a man. I also loved Rew's understandable outrage and courageous determination to break free when the children are held prisoner in their home. Overall, an entertaining and engaging book--and also refreshingly different from most fare for young readers.

Labeling _Zebra Forest_ a children's book is like calling _To Kill a Mockingbird_ or _Huckleberry Finn_ children's stories. Yes, the main characters are children. Yes, sex and bad language are absent. Yes, children will love it.The story zings along fast enough to meet modern expectations. But like Harper Lee's and Mark Twain's classics, _Zebra Forest_ shares attributes of the very best literature. All of the characters are portrayed as three-dimensional, realistic people. Ms. Gewitz lovingly reveals the family dynamics as mother, son and grandchildren struggle to understand and accept the revelation of long-held secrets.This beautifully written, coming-of-age story will touch your heart and remain in your mind. I hope teachers adopt the book for use in their classrooms; _Zebra Forest_ has the makings of a modern classic.I can't wait for the next book by Adina Rishe Gewitz.

This was an excellent debut story of a young girl dealing with a less than perfect life. Her younger brother has anger/impulse control issues and her grandmother struggles with depression that shows itself in hoarding and isolation. She accepts her life,adapting and making do.Her life takes a dramatic turn when there is a prison break which brings her little family face to face with the past.A parallel is drawn between her situation and the history of the time which is the Iran hostage crisis.I found it to be well done and overall believable. I would recommend it to 12 years and up.

I absolutely loved this book! I am an eleven year old reader. I think anybody who is nine and older should be able to read and understand this book. The only reason that I took away a star is because the middle is a little slow when the kids are being held captive. Thank you for your time,Sammy

I received the pkg in very good condition. It was a birthday gift for my granddaughter who is 11. When she saw the book she said she had hoped someone would buy it for her birthday. it was an interesting book for her to rread. She is not finished it reading it yet but when she is done I"ll know how good the book was.

this is a good character study book but meant for older children. I read this to my thirteen year old who enjoyed the story. I found it to be a little dark and sad

I enjoyed the book but I got it for my 12 year old granddaughters and, even though I read the pages available to preview it, it was a darker topic than I thought.

I gave this book to my grandaughters, and they read it in two days. They loved the book, and said Mom-Mom, when are you getting us another book???? Needless to say, I will shopping for books here soon. Summer is coming, and they get bored. Nothing better than reading for them, especially when they LOVE the book.