Do You Know Me [Library Binding]

Nancy Farmer (Author), Shelley Jackson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1993 | Age Level: 9 and up

Tapiwa adores her Uncle Zeka, who comes to live her family in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, after the destruction of his Mozambique village, despite Zeka's zany wisdom and disaster-prone schemes.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Uncle Zeke comes to live with Tapiwa's family in Zimbabwe in this impressive first book; in a starred review, PW praised Farmer for her "astute ear for dialogue, deft hand with plot twists and keen dry wit." Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-- When Uncle Zeka comes to live with nine-year-old Tapiwa's middle-class family in Harare, Zimbabwe, he regales the child with stories of prospecting for gold and living by his wits and his knowledge of nature. Unfortunately, his activities in his new home lead to mishaps, as he eats poisoned caterpillars, sets the grass on fire, and unleashes a swarm of bees. His exploits amuse and sometimes embarrass Tapiwa, but his self-confidence and his devotion to her help her to stand up for herself at school. Other family members also learn humility and understanding as they come to terms with their village relative. Universal themes such as the differences between country and city, between traditional and modern ways, and among the social classes are central to this novel. Uncle Zeka is a variation of the trickster hero who appears frequently in the folklore of southern Africa. Humor is used effectively, with the illustrations reinforcing the story at key points. The novel is not without flaws, however, the most critical being the author's reliance upon caricatures rather than full characterizations. Tapiwa's Aunt Rudo, the wife of a government minister, is the most striking example; there is nothing redeeming in this selfish, unattractive villainess. Her husband, a chronic speechmaker, is no more sympathetic, nor are any of Tapiwa's wealthy schoolmates. Readers at the lower end of the book's age range will probably enjoy Uncle Zeka and Tapiwa's struggle against the "sophisticated" bad guys in their lives, but older readers will want a more complex story. --Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Siena College Library, Loudonville, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 105 pages
• Publisher: Orchard Books (NY) (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531086240
• ISBN-13: 978-0531086247
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,029,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nancy Farmer has written three Newbery Honor Books: The Ear the Eye and the Arm; A Girl Named Disaster; and The House of the Scorpion, which, in 2002, also won the National Book Award. Other books include Do You Know Me, The Warm Place, the Trolls trilogy and three picture books for young children. She grew up on the Arizona-Mexico border and lives with her family in Arizona.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Do You Know Me?, September 30, 2001

By 

a teacher (London, KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Do You Know Me (Mass Market Paperback)

The story, Do You Know Me?, takes place in Africa where one brother living in a more modern community tries to help his older brother who has had to survive in the bush with only his wits to help him. Their ways of doing things clash and that's when the fun begins. Uncle Zeka and his antics had me laughing out loud! The characters in this story are ones you'll never forget. My favorite, Tapiwa, is a shy, intelligent girl who learns that the most valuable lessons are not always learned at school. This is an excellent book to read with your class, teachers!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love it., March 22, 2004

By 

Aaron Shepard - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Do You Know Me (Mass Market Paperback)

Brilliant, hilarious, quick and easy to read, but full of delightful depths. I chuckle just to think of it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warm-hearted and funny, November 29, 2005

By 

Tokoloshi - See all my reviews

This review is from: Do You Know Me (Library Binding)

This story is about the visit of Uncle Zeka, who normally lives deep in the Zimbabwean bush, to his straight-laced relatives in town, including his niece Tapiwa. He causes chaos-as a result of doing things like constructing a trap for wild pigs in the garden and driving a car when he doesn't know how--but his warmth and spontaneity enchant Tapiwa, who quickly becomes embroiled in his adventures . The story is very funny and sparkles with inventive touches. Never a dull moment!