Review: Zora and Me

Author: Victoria Bond & T.R. Simon

Title: Zora and Me

Description: This is a YA book written in the voice of Zora Neale Hurston’s fictional childhood best friend Carrie. A couple of accidents and a murder have Zora convinced that one of the townspeople of Eatonville is changing into an alligator by night, but Zora’s wise adult friend and Zora’s own curiosity into human nature help her to figure out what really happened.

Review source: ALA

Plot: It takes a little bit to get going, but turns out to be a good plot idea—is it murder or a supernatural creature looking for revenge? Hurston's interest in folklore is evident here, but she ends up playing young detective. 

Characters: The authors portray young Zora as whip-smart and already curious about what goes on in the world outside Eatonville, while her friend is more content to stay at home.

Writing style: There is some really beautiful writing here, as the young protagonists muse about race relations, the nature of community, and what it means to be in relationships with others.

Audience: Grades 7-10, though I really enjoyed it. I’d recommend for anyone interested in Florida literature.

Wrap-up: Worth the read. 4/5*