Customer Reviews

Zeely

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I expect this book, like all great books, means different things to different people. A "different strokes" book - you think? Anyway, I just finished teaching a lesson to my sixth grade class from this book for about the zillionth time over a six year period. Each time, I see more in the book than before. I'm not sure where Mrs. Hamilton was going with this book, but I explained to the class that the more you read it and the more you grow, the more you will see. I never cease to be amazed at Zeely's serenity in the brutal scene of the hog drive (chapter 11) - her compassion and inner strength. In this scene, Mrs Hamilton shows us all something inside ourselves that we are seeking: inner peace in the maelstrom. Thanks for reminding us.

As a young African-American teenager going through major surgery, this book was a such a gift that helped me to take my mind out of a semi-private room in a children's hospital, and to exercise my fantasy of being Geeder. Virginia Hamiliton's writing is simple, but powerful; the emotions very realistic and can be taken to heart. Most important, it speaks of differences among the "same"; the acceptance of the diversity.

When I first read this book, I was puzzled and a bit put off by the heroine. But I find, like Mike Johnson, that the more you read it, the more you find. Like Geeder I am mesmerized by Zeely, her beauty, serenity, and her mystery. I am also inspired by the book's emphasis on reality--not realism--that it's good to dream, but you shouldn't lose hold of reality--those pigs. I'm also inspired by the idea that we need to know the truth about our families and our history before we're ready to make up stories. The book is a reminder that we can all be queens if we do our work with dignity and grace.

Virginia Hamilton has won a Newbery Medal and the Hans Christian Anderson Award for her books and it is very apparent in the story of Zeely. The suspense and descriptive language within the book is wonderful and I couldn't put it down. I thought for sure that Zeely was really the princess from the magazine and was a little let down when in the end I learned the real story. Even though I didn't learn a lot about African American culture from this book it was a wonderful read and it teaches kids about accepting yourself and others for who they are.

I'm in my late 30's now, but this book still remains one of my favorites from childhood. As a preadolescent I read this book countless times, and found it only became more engaging with each reading. I valued its realness. I often wished I could enter the worlds my books revealed, but this was the most concrete of those worlds with which I wished to engage.

This is not an easy book. Hamilton challenges her readers. Still, for children who like to read, this book is terrific.

I would not recommend this book Zeely for many reasons. One reason is because the ending left you in wonder. What ever happened to the Mom and Dad? Also what happen to the Aunt? Another reason was because some parts I didnt get. The whole begining I didnt really follow to well. The last reason is because the story didnt really make sense. If I were you I wouldnt read this book.

I would give this book a star rating of two because it's a really boring book. The good points about this book are that Zeely came out better than the others in the town. This book was all about how Zeely was being teased and was talked about because of her color and how tall she was for her age. Zeely's parents both died, so Zeely has moved on to a farm with her uncle. Also Zeely turns out to look like an African American Queen.

This book was excellent, not only was it filled with wonderful stories, but Elizabeth(Geeder) kept you on a adventure the entire time. She is filled with stories.

The book Zeeiy was a book about a girl and her brother going to see their uncle.The girl's name was Elizabeth and her brother name was John.She changed their names to Toeboy witch was John and Geeder witch was Elizabeth.I like the book because in the middle of the book Toeboy saw a night traveller witch he thought it was friend but it was not a friend.