Zeely

by Virginia Hamilton

Book Overview

Two young siblings reinvent themselves and the world around them during a summer on their uncle's farm in this lively middle grade novel.

"We'll spend the whole summer on the farm with Uncle Ross. I ought to make up something special just because we've never ever gone alone like this "

Elizabeth gives herself and her younger brother, John, new names--Geeder and Toeboy--for their summer away from home and looks forward to...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416914137
• ISBN13: 9781416914136
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

To look at yourself and make a wish...

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.

A childhood favorite

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.

An exploration of identity, wishes, and family connection

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.

Just finished teaching this book...again

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.

I can't say enough about this book.

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.