Module 5: Zora and Me

Summary: Told from the perspective of Zora Neale Hurston's childhood friend, Zora and Me details a time in the lives of the girls when their town is upset by the deaths of a couple of their men. Zora claims she sees a "Gator King" whom she blames for the troubles. The others do not believe her, and Carrie finds herself in the position of having to defend her friends to the rest of the community. They risk much to discover the truth, with help from a kindly white man from the town over. They deal with racism, the idea of "passing" for white, and why people would kill someone based on skin color.

Bond, V., & Simon, T. R. (2010). Zora and me. Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick.


My Impressions: This was a fun, imaginative way to address some of the more serious issues of the deep South in the early part of the twentieth century. The over-reaction of the children, who are outraged by the events, along with the quiet resignation of the adults, reminds me of the quotation from To Kill a Mockingbird: "They did it before and they'll do it again, and when they do it - it seems that only children cry." Carrie is perfectly happy to stay where she is, but her friend Zora knows she is going places. Zora knows she must try to make a difference.


 Reviews:

"A spirit of gentleness pervades this story, along with an air of mystery and natural magic....The authors have taken great care with historical accuracy, and the book is endorsed by the Zora Neale Hurston Trust. Zora’s reputation for tall tales and her urge to see the world are directly tied to the real Hurston’s natural storytelling ability and desire to travel. A brief biography, time line, and annotated bibliography are included." - School Library Journal


Knapp, M. (November 1, 2010). Grades 5 & up: Zora and me. School Library Journal. Media Source, Inc. Retrieved September 25, 2011, from http://www.libraryjournal.com/slj/reviewsgrade5andup/887014-316/grades_5__up.html.csp.



"Debut authors Bond and Simon do their subject proud, spinning a tale about the childhood of writer Zora Neale Hurston, who 'didn't have any trouble telling a fib or stretching a story for fun"....The maturity, wisdom, and admiration in Carrie's narration may distance some readers from her as a 10-year-old ('The bad things that happen to you in life don't define misery—what you do with them does'). Nevertheless, the authors adeptly evoke a racially fraught era and formative events—whether they're true or true enough—in Hurston's youth. Ages 10–up." - Publisher's Weekly


Zora and me. (September 27, 2010). Publisher's Weekly. Retrieved on September 25, 2011, from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7636-4300-3.

Uses in the Library: Black History Month, in conjunction with a book by Zora Neale Hurston.