Friday, March 20, 2015

A Crooked Kind of Perfect

GENDER ROLES & STYLE
This book has a style that is full humor and that highlights the protagonist’s tenacity.  There is a maxim that states that the best things usually happen unexpectedly.  This is true for ten year old Zoe Elias who has aspirations of becoming a Carnegie Hall pianist. In order to reach this lofty goal she knows she needs a piano to practice on.  She receives a multi-keyed musical gift from her parents but not the one she wanted. Instead of a majestic piano she gets an old organ. Rather than bemoaning the mix up, she begins organ practice and enters a competition.

Aside from conquering the organ, Zoe must deal with a workaholic mother and anxious father.  The gender role reversal in the story is well-handled, believable and something that children in our ever-changing and tolerant society will be able to relate to.  

Urban, L. (2007). A Crooked Kind of Perfect. Orlando: Harcourt.

No comments:

Post a Comment