Changeling [Paperback]

Zilpha Keatley Snyder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1986

Ivy Carson belonged to the notorious Carson family, which lived in a run-down house in suburban Rosewood. But Ivy was not a typical Carson. There was something wonderful about her. Ivy explained it by saying that she was a changeling, a child of supernatural parents who had been exchanged for the real Ivy Carson at birth. This classic book was first published in 1970. It was awarded a Christopher Medal and named an outstanding book for young people by the Junior Library Guild.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Sometimes a book turns up with what might be called instant appeal: you really want to know the next move, to go where the characters take you. The Changling seemed to me, as I read it, a book of that kind." Naomi Lewis, in The Newsagent and Bookshop "Amusing, perceptive and touching, written with ease and point, this is an almost classic example of the book programmed directly for young readers - none the worse for it, but proving, perhaps, that there is such a thing as a 'children's book'." Growing Point --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

The recipient of three Newbery Honor Book awards for The Egypt Game, The Headless Cupid, and The Witches of Worm, Zilpha Keatly Snyde's first book was published in 1964. Since that time she has authored 42 books, mostly for children aged 9 to 13, but also including two books for young adults, four picture books for younger children and a book of poetry. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Yearling (January 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440412005
• ISBN-13: 978-0440412007
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,735,709 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should Read this Book, November 20, 2002

By 

Fritz R. Ward "dayhiker" (Crestline, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Changeling (Paperback)

A previous reviewer noted this book was for little (and Big) girls everywhere. But this is truly a story for everyone. Like many other reviewers, I first read this story when I was 10. I loved Ivy's free spirit, and empathized with Martha, shy and worried about others, but allowing herself to be pulled into Ivy's world. And I was devastated when, in Junior High School, Ivy was apparently overcome by the cruel assesments of those around her.
Part of Zilpha K. Snyder's magic as a writer is her ability to create young characters who face real tragedies and traumas and yet somehow overcome what seem to be the insurmountable odds of suviving adolescence. Facing my own crises as I approached Junior High, I found her books at once inspiring and reassuring.
Reading them again now, almost 30 years later, I am shocked at what I didn't see before, and what my favorite nine year old girl sees that I don't. I can't read the first or final two chapters of this book now without crying for Ivy, even as I know that in the end she is able to pursue her dream. She became a messiah-like figure for Martha, saving her from the expectations of Martha's own family, and giving her the confidence to discover herself and live life to the fullest. But she suffered greatly and was even briefly rejected by Martha when Ivy herself was hurting the most. And still she triumphs and forgives. Would that we all had such friends.
This book should definitely become a yearling edition. It is one of the best works of childrens literature ever penned.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This One Resonates, July 16, 2004

By 

Melissa McCauley (North Little Rock, AR) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Changeling (Paperback)

I first read this book almost thirty years ago, and it still touches me just as deeply. This is the story of how the shy and chubby Martha, who feels that she cannot measure up to her superstar family, meets Ivy, the free-spirited, imaginative daughter of the town's most notorious family. Martha becomes Ivy's home and family, and Ivy brings Martha out of her shell and helps her to see her full potential. A story that is truly timeless and everyone can relate to - whether the reader is currently experiencing the painful awkwardness of childhood or simply remembering it. Everyone can remember how it feels to not fit in anywhere, and innocently do things that you are ridiculed and teased for. I think everyone knew a rich bitch in school, someone who was sweet as sugar to adults, but a little two-faced sneak to other kids. Too bad everyone couldn't have Martha's wonderful experience of having a friend like Ivy.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book, for girls and women of all ages, July 17, 2004

By 

debeehr "debeehr" (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Changeling (Paperback)

I can't remember when I first read this book, but it was one of the few non-fantasy books I really loved as a girl. Martha and Ivy are drawn with a great deal of feeling, each outcasts in their own way (I identified with shy Martha, and years later was lucky enough to have an unconventional friend somewhat like Ivy). With strong messages about being oneself and not giving in to peer pressure, I feel this book can help give young girls the courage to be different at a very difficult age. I can't believe that it's out of print. Thank god I saved my copy.