From Publishers Weekly
Zindel's novel is a paean to teachers (the extraordinary ones) and to Manhattan. Its protagonists, Zelda and Henry, each have a rich store of enthusiasms and views, but most of these diverge. For instance, "Zelda is worried about the regular death that happens when you grow too old," according to Henry, while Henry himself looks out for falling objects, such as air conditioners. Yet they're united in tracing their favorite high school teacher, the exuberant Miss Applebaum, to her apartment. This generous woman is dying of cancer and happy to share her remaining, sometimes madcap, weeks with them, racing through museums and Central Park. While much of Miss Applebaum's charm must be taken on faith--she never seems quite real--readers will accept that ordinary experience grows larger for Henry and Zelda when they are with her. Her inspirational effect on these two bright and somewhat isolated characters is touching. A Charlotte Zolotow Book. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 7-12-- Zindel skillfully weaves humor and suspense into his message that caring often means taking risks. In a dual-narrator format, high-school friends Henry and Zelda become Saturday companions to their beloved retired science teacher, Miss Applebaum. Despite her losing battle with cancer, Miss Applebaum exudes a contagious zest for learning, life, fun, and helping the homeless in New York City's Central Park. After encounters with Miss Applebaum's eccentric doctor and hostile niece, Henry and Zelda assume the role of protectors, attempting to get her better treatment and eventually carrying out her last request to be buried in Central Park. (This scene may be totally unbelievable to many readers.) By example, Miss Applebaum teaches Henry and Zelda that beauty and mystery are everywhere and that everyone has a responsibility to treasure and preserve the world around them. Henry and Zelda are a balanced pair of likable, forthright characters: Henry is impulsive and direct, while Zelda is cautious and emotional. The two are believably abosorbed by their close encounter with dying and death. A thought-provoking, well-paced, fresh addition to the Zindel collection. --Gerry Larson, Chewning Junior High School, Durham, N.C.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
