What do you think?
Rate this book
Chasing Redbird
“Intriguing, delightful, and touching.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
“Creech’s best yet.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
It started out as an ordinary summer. But the minute thirteen-year-old Zinny discovered the old, overgrown trail that ran through the woods behind her family’s house, she realized that things were about to change.
It was her chance to finally make people notice her, and to have a place she could call her very own. But more than that, Zinny knew that the trail somehow held the key to all kinds of questions. And that the only way to understand her family, her Aunt Jessie’s death, and herself, was to find out where it went.
From Newbery Medal-winning author Sharon Creech comes a story of love, loss, and understanding, an intricately woven tale of a young girl who sets out in search of her place in the world—and discovers it in her own backyard.
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
“Creech’s best yet.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
It started out as an ordinary summer. But the minute thirteen-year-old Zinny discovered the old, overgrown trail that ran through the woods behind her family’s house, she realized that things were about to change.
It was her chance to finally make people notice her, and to have a place she could call her very own. But more than that, Zinny knew that the trail somehow held the key to all kinds of questions. And that the only way to understand her family, her Aunt Jessie’s death, and herself, was to find out where it went.
From Newbery Medal-winning author Sharon Creech comes a story of love, loss, and understanding, an intricately woven tale of a young girl who sets out in search of her place in the world—and discovers it in her own backyard.
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Audiobook
First published January 1, 1997
180 people are currently reading
4254 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Creech
71 books3,293 followersI was born in South Euclid, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, and grew up there with my noisy and rowdy family: my parents (Ann and Arvel), my sister (Sandy), and my three brothers (Dennis, Doug and Tom).
For a fictional view of what it was like growing up in my family, see Absolutely Normal Chaos. (In that book, the brothers even have the same names as my own brothers.) Our house was not only full of us Creeches, but also full of friends and visiting relatives.
In the summer, we usually took a trip, all of us piled in a car and heading out to Wisconsin or Michigan or, once, to Idaho. We must have been a very noisy bunch, and I'm not sure how our parents put up with being cooped up with us in the car for those trips. The five-day trip out to Idaho when I was twelve had a powerful effect on me: what a huge and amazing country! I had no idea then that thirty-some years later, I would recreate that trip in a book called Walk Two Moons.
One other place we often visited was Quincy, Kentucky, where my cousins lived (and still live) on a beautiful farm, with hills and trees and swimming hole and barn and hayloft. We were outside running in those hills all day long, and at night we'd gather on the porch where more stories would be told. I loved Quincy so much that it has found its way into many of my books—transformed into Bybanks, Kentucky. Bybanks appears in Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird, and Bloomability. Bybanks also makes a brief appearance (by reference, but not by name) in The Wanderer.
When I was young, I wanted to be many things when I grew up: a painter, an ice skater, a singer, a teacher, and a reporter. It soon became apparent that I had little drawing talent, very limited tolerance for falling on ice, and absolutely no ability to stay on key while singing. I also soon learned that I would make a terrible reporter because when I didn't like the facts, I changed them. It was in college, when I took literature and writing courses, that I became intrigued by story-telling. Later, I was a teacher (high school English and writing) in England and in Switzerland. While teaching great literature, I learned so much about writing: about what makes a story interesting and about techniques of plot and characterization and point of view. I started out writing novels for adults (published as Sharon Rigg): The Recital and Nickel Malley were both written and published while I was living in England (these books were published in England only and are now out of print.) But the next book was Absolutely Normal Chaos, and ever since that book I have written mainly about young people. Walk Two Moons was the first of my books to be published in America. When it received the Newbery Medal, no one was more surprised than I was. I'm still a little bit in shock.
After Walk Two Moons came Chasing Redbird, Pleasing the Ghost, Bloomability, The Wanderer, and Fishing in the Air. I hope to be writing stories for a long, long time.
I am married to Lyle Rigg, who is the headmaster of The Pennington School in Pennington, New Jersey, and have two grown children, Rob and Karin. Being with my family is what I enjoy most. The next-best thing is writing stories.
© Sharon Creech
For a fictional view of what it was like growing up in my family, see Absolutely Normal Chaos. (In that book, the brothers even have the same names as my own brothers.) Our house was not only full of us Creeches, but also full of friends and visiting relatives.
In the summer, we usually took a trip, all of us piled in a car and heading out to Wisconsin or Michigan or, once, to Idaho. We must have been a very noisy bunch, and I'm not sure how our parents put up with being cooped up with us in the car for those trips. The five-day trip out to Idaho when I was twelve had a powerful effect on me: what a huge and amazing country! I had no idea then that thirty-some years later, I would recreate that trip in a book called Walk Two Moons.
One other place we often visited was Quincy, Kentucky, where my cousins lived (and still live) on a beautiful farm, with hills and trees and swimming hole and barn and hayloft. We were outside running in those hills all day long, and at night we'd gather on the porch where more stories would be told. I loved Quincy so much that it has found its way into many of my books—transformed into Bybanks, Kentucky. Bybanks appears in Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird, and Bloomability. Bybanks also makes a brief appearance (by reference, but not by name) in The Wanderer.
When I was young, I wanted to be many things when I grew up: a painter, an ice skater, a singer, a teacher, and a reporter. It soon became apparent that I had little drawing talent, very limited tolerance for falling on ice, and absolutely no ability to stay on key while singing. I also soon learned that I would make a terrible reporter because when I didn't like the facts, I changed them. It was in college, when I took literature and writing courses, that I became intrigued by story-telling. Later, I was a teacher (high school English and writing) in England and in Switzerland. While teaching great literature, I learned so much about writing: about what makes a story interesting and about techniques of plot and characterization and point of view. I started out writing novels for adults (published as Sharon Rigg): The Recital and Nickel Malley were both written and published while I was living in England (these books were published in England only and are now out of print.) But the next book was Absolutely Normal Chaos, and ever since that book I have written mainly about young people. Walk Two Moons was the first of my books to be published in America. When it received the Newbery Medal, no one was more surprised than I was. I'm still a little bit in shock.
After Walk Two Moons came Chasing Redbird, Pleasing the Ghost, Bloomability, The Wanderer, and Fishing in the Air. I hope to be writing stories for a long, long time.
I am married to Lyle Rigg, who is the headmaster of The Pennington School in Pennington, New Jersey, and have two grown children, Rob and Karin. Being with my family is what I enjoy most. The next-best thing is writing stories.
© Sharon Creech
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 892 reviews
April 17, 2019
Re-reading Sharon Creech books is such a joy. Unlike many of the books I loved as a child, Creech’s books stand the test of time and still resonate with me as an adult.
June 10, 2016
Our local library children's book club selected this book for their June 2016 discussion. It's a fast read and really grabs at the reader's heart strings.
I liked that Sharon Creech weaves familiar names and places from other stories like Walk Two Moons and Absolutely Normal Chaos.
The tale is sweet, yet melancholy. It is filled with longing and remembrance and even the hurt from missing our loved ones. But it also really shows how we all need some solitude at times and that the quiet can help show us what is important in our lives.
There is a mystical nature to the story, a sense that those who have passed are watching over us. And that in death, we are reunited with the loved ones who have passed before us.
It's a nice sentiment and brings comfort to the characters in the story. But I find it interesting that it is only the oldest and the youngest who truly embrace these thoughts. The rest are merely caught up in life.
Overall, it's a fast and engaging read; I took longer than I expected to finish it, but I was only able to carve out short periods to read it. I like that it forced me to savor the story and really think about the ways in which the characters are connected. I find it amusing that Zinny has to leave on her adventure in order for her family to really take notice of her.
interesting quotes:
"It was just that there didn't seem to be a lot to say that someone wasn't already saying. I liked listening." (p. 7)
"At home, I'd skulk around, trying not to be noticed, and yet hoping, wishing, praying to be noticed." (p. 48)
"Soon I noticed the white specks of stars, but still they weren't draped on a black sky, still it wasn't dark. And although I watched intently, I did not see the moment of dark, and I wondered if maybe it wasn't a moment at all." (p. 157)
"I was always in a muddle about time. It didn't seem like a series of days, but one stretch of time, with light and dark blending into each other. Time went on and on; it didn't start and stop, as I had thought. If time didn't start and stop, I thought, maybe life didn't either. Maybe it just went on and on." (p. 164)
"'Til Next We Meet." (p. 232)
I liked that Sharon Creech weaves familiar names and places from other stories like Walk Two Moons and Absolutely Normal Chaos.
The tale is sweet, yet melancholy. It is filled with longing and remembrance and even the hurt from missing our loved ones. But it also really shows how we all need some solitude at times and that the quiet can help show us what is important in our lives.
There is a mystical nature to the story, a sense that those who have passed are watching over us. And that in death, we are reunited with the loved ones who have passed before us.
It's a nice sentiment and brings comfort to the characters in the story. But I find it interesting that it is only the oldest and the youngest who truly embrace these thoughts. The rest are merely caught up in life.
Overall, it's a fast and engaging read; I took longer than I expected to finish it, but I was only able to carve out short periods to read it. I like that it forced me to savor the story and really think about the ways in which the characters are connected. I find it amusing that Zinny has to leave on her adventure in order for her family to really take notice of her.
interesting quotes:
"It was just that there didn't seem to be a lot to say that someone wasn't already saying. I liked listening." (p. 7)
"At home, I'd skulk around, trying not to be noticed, and yet hoping, wishing, praying to be noticed." (p. 48)
"Soon I noticed the white specks of stars, but still they weren't draped on a black sky, still it wasn't dark. And although I watched intently, I did not see the moment of dark, and I wondered if maybe it wasn't a moment at all." (p. 157)
"I was always in a muddle about time. It didn't seem like a series of days, but one stretch of time, with light and dark blending into each other. Time went on and on; it didn't start and stop, as I had thought. If time didn't start and stop, I thought, maybe life didn't either. Maybe it just went on and on." (p. 164)
"'Til Next We Meet." (p. 232)
June 6, 2017
What? I'm surprised that this is the same author as Walk Two Moons....well I guess I'm not surprised, but the difference in quality could not be any different! It's another quirky girl finding herself after a loved one leaves her life. But this book was just odd! I don't even want my kids reading it. The plot was weird and the lessons were not what I want my kids reading.
The aunt and the whole drawer thing is off, but it's even worse that she kept her dead baby in one. And then the creepy shrine and dolls and world that they ran away to. What? I can look past the young girl spending 10 days at a time alone in the wilderness, especially since dad flies by to check up on her, but that long with the rest of the book is a turn off.
Don't even get me started on the stalker, creepy older boy! Seriously? This is not ok. Boys, DO NOT take a page out of this kid's books! This is not how you get a girl. When she says no, it means no. I tend to think people go overboard on the no means no idea, but this is just one big N-O! Get a clue and stop being a creep! And then the stealing? Huh? This is portrayed as not ok, but it was still glorified. And Zinny wanted him to steal a horse because she was so desperate. Kids should not be in situations like that!
And then Zinny is ok with his actions. Not at first, but then she becomes more and more ok. And super ok by the end. No! Why is this ok to portray?
I could go on and on. Things that don't usually bug me did in this book because she much was off. Like how Zinny didn't feel like she belonged in her family, which is big and loud. Her parents don't try to help. They just let her go out on an odd trail on her own and check in every 10 days. Yes please, child. Leave and be gone for weeks and only check in for a bit. I think this is a great way to help you feel more loved and accepted. And why do big families have to be so chaotic? I don't have a big family. I didn't come from a big family. But I'm offended that they have to be portrayed this way.
Anyways....overall I don't want my kids to read this because of the morals it seems to preach. Theft, creepy ways to deal with dead people, stalking, not standing up for yourself, leaving your family, not healthy self discovery, not healthy coping skills, and so much more. Just wow. Super shocked and sad!
The aunt and the whole drawer thing is off, but it's even worse that she kept her dead baby in one. And then the creepy shrine and dolls and world that they ran away to. What? I can look past the young girl spending 10 days at a time alone in the wilderness, especially since dad flies by to check up on her, but that long with the rest of the book is a turn off.
Don't even get me started on the stalker, creepy older boy! Seriously? This is not ok. Boys, DO NOT take a page out of this kid's books! This is not how you get a girl. When she says no, it means no. I tend to think people go overboard on the no means no idea, but this is just one big N-O! Get a clue and stop being a creep! And then the stealing? Huh? This is portrayed as not ok, but it was still glorified. And Zinny wanted him to steal a horse because she was so desperate. Kids should not be in situations like that!
And then Zinny is ok with his actions. Not at first, but then she becomes more and more ok. And super ok by the end. No! Why is this ok to portray?
I could go on and on. Things that don't usually bug me did in this book because she much was off. Like how Zinny didn't feel like she belonged in her family, which is big and loud. Her parents don't try to help. They just let her go out on an odd trail on her own and check in every 10 days. Yes please, child. Leave and be gone for weeks and only check in for a bit. I think this is a great way to help you feel more loved and accepted. And why do big families have to be so chaotic? I don't have a big family. I didn't come from a big family. But I'm offended that they have to be portrayed this way.
Anyways....overall I don't want my kids to read this because of the morals it seems to preach. Theft, creepy ways to deal with dead people, stalking, not standing up for yourself, leaving your family, not healthy self discovery, not healthy coping skills, and so much more. Just wow. Super shocked and sad!
January 29, 2024
When I was ten, I read Chasing Redbird and it changed my life.
It's hard to recall exactly why it changed my life; I was ten almost two decades ago, and time has blurred so many memories and feelings since then. For years I would remember Chasing Redbird. I could never remember the exact details of the plot, nor why I was so affected by it --- but I was never able to forget the way I sobbed when I read it, the way my heart seized in my chest.
So as my first read of 2022, I decided to reread Chasing Redbird for the first time since I was ten. I was apprehensive going into it, afraid that the magic would be totally lost and that I wouldn't like the book at all.
And you know what? The magic WAS lost, just a little bit. The story didn't impact me anywhere nearly as devastatingly as it did when I was a child. However, I anticipated that and I didn't feel disappointed by it. It would be strange if I were as affected by a children's book now as I was when I was a child. What I did find, however, was a refreshed appreciation for Sharon Creech. In rereading this book as an adult, I found a poignant, unique, and touching story about loss --- about a little girl lost in her grief over loved ones she had lost, confused about her place in the universe without her loved ones, and desperately trying to reconcile her continuing existence with their shuttered ones. It was a sweet, touching story and I could see what it was that hurt my fragile, childish heart so badly. And most importantly, I was glad this book existed; glad that books like this exist, so that ten-year-old me --- so that children everywhere and anywhere --- could be swept away and moved and touched by such extraordinary things.
It's hard to recall exactly why it changed my life; I was ten almost two decades ago, and time has blurred so many memories and feelings since then. For years I would remember Chasing Redbird. I could never remember the exact details of the plot, nor why I was so affected by it --- but I was never able to forget the way I sobbed when I read it, the way my heart seized in my chest.
So as my first read of 2022, I decided to reread Chasing Redbird for the first time since I was ten. I was apprehensive going into it, afraid that the magic would be totally lost and that I wouldn't like the book at all.
And you know what? The magic WAS lost, just a little bit. The story didn't impact me anywhere nearly as devastatingly as it did when I was a child. However, I anticipated that and I didn't feel disappointed by it. It would be strange if I were as affected by a children's book now as I was when I was a child. What I did find, however, was a refreshed appreciation for Sharon Creech. In rereading this book as an adult, I found a poignant, unique, and touching story about loss --- about a little girl lost in her grief over loved ones she had lost, confused about her place in the universe without her loved ones, and desperately trying to reconcile her continuing existence with their shuttered ones. It was a sweet, touching story and I could see what it was that hurt my fragile, childish heart so badly. And most importantly, I was glad this book existed; glad that books like this exist, so that ten-year-old me --- so that children everywhere and anywhere --- could be swept away and moved and touched by such extraordinary things.
July 14, 2014
With profound insight, Sharon Creech reminds all of us how insular our world is as a child. Twelve year old Zinny spends the summer uncovering a path she found that leads from her farm to the shores of the Ohio River. With each foot of dirt and weeds she pushes away she gains insights into her family she had always taken for granted and understands that many of her childhood assumptions are untrue. Zinny assumes her words and actions affect the huge life issues she witnesses throughout her childhood. In "Chasing Redbird" we witness Zinny's world grow to encompass sorrow, beauty, grief, and happiness in which she is not in control. Even though I found myself rushing to find out what secret or mystery was going to be uncovered next, I hated for the book to end.
June 2, 2013
Creech knows how to tell the story of someone coming to terms with family, self, and painful (often devastating) loss. The details are always interesting along the way, and the writing clear and un-self-conscious.
I did have a little trouble with this book, though, because of the whole Rose component of the story. By "trouble" I mean I'm a pushover for that kind of thing and can easily be manipulated into any emotional corner desired. Was I a mess when we discover what's stored at the cabin? Big deal. Lots of grown men get a little verklempt reading young-adult fiction.
Seriously. I'm pretty sure I can't be the only one.
I did have a little trouble with this book, though, because of the whole Rose component of the story. By "trouble" I mean I'm a pushover for that kind of thing and can easily be manipulated into any emotional corner desired. Was I a mess when we discover what's stored at the cabin? Big deal. Lots of grown men get a little verklempt reading young-adult fiction.
Seriously. I'm pretty sure I can't be the only one.
Currently reading
March 4, 2009it's very sad in the first 14 pages
February 21, 2023
A coming to turns with several things in life kind of book. I had hoped it would be more at times. With more I mean deeper and more feelings. Still a good book to read.
June 3, 2011
If I could, I would give this book 2 1/2 starts. I'm not sure if I liked it or not. I didn't really like the characters. I found Zinny was selfish in many ways. I understand that she was dealing with grief, but the whole thing seemed really contrived.
I didn't like Jake, and I wouldn't want my daughter to date him - ever. He is dishonest, but then again, so is Zinny. I didn't like that Zinny was friends with Sal. That part bugged me. I loved Walk Two Moons, and I didn't want Zinny interloping on Sal's story. I thought the parents were poorly written. I don't for a minute believe parents would let a young girl spend 10 days out in the woods by herself - especially since there were bobcats, foxes, bears, and drunk hunters lurking about. All of the characters has severe communication problems/issues. This family was in need of theraphy - desperately!
There are parts of this book that are beautifully written. I cried when I read about the plastic roses. I felt bad for Zinny when she painted a rose on her shirt instead of a zinnia. I liked how Creech let us see Zinny's confusion about herself and Rose. I also liked that her father flew overhead while she was out on the trail. I liked that Uncle Nathan helped the turtle find a mate.
This book is worth reading, but it isn't as good as I expect from Creech.
I didn't like Jake, and I wouldn't want my daughter to date him - ever. He is dishonest, but then again, so is Zinny. I didn't like that Zinny was friends with Sal. That part bugged me. I loved Walk Two Moons, and I didn't want Zinny interloping on Sal's story. I thought the parents were poorly written. I don't for a minute believe parents would let a young girl spend 10 days out in the woods by herself - especially since there were bobcats, foxes, bears, and drunk hunters lurking about. All of the characters has severe communication problems/issues. This family was in need of theraphy - desperately!
There are parts of this book that are beautifully written. I cried when I read about the plastic roses. I felt bad for Zinny when she painted a rose on her shirt instead of a zinnia. I liked how Creech let us see Zinny's confusion about herself and Rose. I also liked that her father flew overhead while she was out on the trail. I liked that Uncle Nathan helped the turtle find a mate.
This book is worth reading, but it isn't as good as I expect from Creech.
Read
July 16, 2022Wow. This story has got heart. An utterly broken one. I love it. But it’s sad.
I don’t relate to Kentuckians very well.
I don’t relate to Kentuckians very well.
March 25, 2014
I loved this book. It's a great book that makes you laugh. If you haven't read this before, you must read it!
January 7, 2024
I think I would have adored this book as a child. Reading it as an adult through a child’s narration was a unique experience and gave me a lot of perspective. I really wish I could have read it when I was younger to compare it to. So happy to have read a friend’s favorite childhood book for book club.
March 3, 2018
I loved this book so much! It was such a beautiful story about a girl who lost her Aunt Jessie. The book is called Chasing Redbird because Jessie's husband Nate, called her Redbird. Along the way Zinny Taylor finds a hidden trail. I loved this book because it was really interesting and adventurous to read.
October 9, 2014
This is one of my favorite books! I loved how they used different animals and plants as symbols. I also liked how it told you all of Zinnie's feelings and thought because it added to the mood of the story.
May 10, 2018
This may be one of my favorite Creech novels. I think I say that a lot. Another great adventure full with many branches. As always, it is heartwarming and comedic with personal struggles thrown in.
January 16, 2017
3,5 stars
Another of my pre-teen/teen reads. I liked it less than the other book I read from her, but—anyway—I'd recommend it for young readers.
Another of my pre-teen/teen reads. I liked it less than the other book I read from her, but—anyway—I'd recommend it for young readers.
March 29, 2025
A childhood favorite that still lands. It’s strange how many buried memories came along with rereading this book as an adult.
May 21, 2021
I woke up at 3 a.m. and couldn't wait until morning to finish this book--Chasing Redbird had me up reading by flashlight like a kid again!
Creech writes with an all-encompassing style that leaves the reader helpless but to enjoy the story. The world is tangible, the characters real, and the voice and dialogue flawlessly executed. All these excellent storytelling elements make it easy to fall into the pages--I must have binged 100+ pages last evening!
Why only 3 stars? (God, 3-star reviews are hard!) Because as much as I revere the prose, as much as I was drawn into Zinnia Taylor's coming-of-age tale, Chasing Redbird didn't move me. Though a terrific middle-grade novel, this book doesn't have the oomph to stick with me as Walk Two Moons did. (Granted, I don't think that any book from my youth was as traumatic as Walk Two Moons.)
Creech writes with an all-encompassing style that leaves the reader helpless but to enjoy the story. The world is tangible, the characters real, and the voice and dialogue flawlessly executed. All these excellent storytelling elements make it easy to fall into the pages--I must have binged 100+ pages last evening!
Why only 3 stars? (God, 3-star reviews are hard!) Because as much as I revere the prose, as much as I was drawn into Zinnia Taylor's coming-of-age tale, Chasing Redbird didn't move me. Though a terrific middle-grade novel, this book doesn't have the oomph to stick with me as Walk Two Moons did. (Granted, I don't think that any book from my youth was as traumatic as Walk Two Moons.)
July 15, 2023
Znao sam da me edicija Petar Pan neće izneveriti. Još jedna divna avantura sa zanimljivom, jedinstvenom protagonistkinjom 💫 voleo bih da pročitam još neki roman ove autorke 📚
October 7, 2024
Such a sweet, middle school, coming of age, book! Loved the readers accent (in the audio book).
July 14, 2019
I always know I'll like Sharon Creech's books. I'd recently read Walk Two Moons and yesterday I needed a new middle grade to read so I grabbed Chasing Redbird off my daughter's shelf. And I had no idea it was a companion book to Walk Two Moons. I was even more enchanted by Zinnia Taylor and her family than I was by Sal and the Hiddles.
Zinnia is lost in her big family. She hides in plain sight by being "the quiet one." She has always found solace with her beloved Aunt Jessie and Uncle Nate who live in an adjoining home. But now Aunt Jessie is gone and Uncle Nate seems to be losing it, so Zinny needs something else. She finds the beginning of an old overgrown trail near their property and begins clearing it, discovering in the process that it's the remains of a trail that once went twenty miles from her town of Bybanks to nearby Chocton. She devotes herself to clearing the entire length of the trail, and meanwhile finds herself drawn to the sweet attentions of Jake Boone, who has newly returned to Bybanks.
Simply an enchanting story. I couldn't put it down. Sharon Creech is nothing but a dad-blasted treasure!
Zinnia is lost in her big family. She hides in plain sight by being "the quiet one." She has always found solace with her beloved Aunt Jessie and Uncle Nate who live in an adjoining home. But now Aunt Jessie is gone and Uncle Nate seems to be losing it, so Zinny needs something else. She finds the beginning of an old overgrown trail near their property and begins clearing it, discovering in the process that it's the remains of a trail that once went twenty miles from her town of Bybanks to nearby Chocton. She devotes herself to clearing the entire length of the trail, and meanwhile finds herself drawn to the sweet attentions of Jake Boone, who has newly returned to Bybanks.
Simply an enchanting story. I couldn't put it down. Sharon Creech is nothing but a dad-blasted treasure!
Read
March 9, 2009Chasing Redbird is written by Sharon Creech, and is about thirteen-year old Zinny Taylor who lives in Kansas on her families farm. She grows up with her two older brothers and her Aunt "Redbird" and Uncle Nate. She grows up becoming best friends with her cousin Rose all her childhood until she suddenly dies, of whooping cough at a young age. Zinny spends almost every second she can trying to find a way to get away from her family and the seldom privacy of her small rural town, where everybody knows everybody. When her aunt dies and everything seems like it is falling apart, she takes on a load of guilt thinking that she was the reason for Rose's death and also the reason for her aunt's death. She finds a small trail in the near by woods on her family farm. When she just wants to be alone she finds that camping in the woods is one of the best places to be. As she makes a small place of her own in the woods she figures out many life problems and how to handle them. As her uncle Nate is having delusions about his dead wife, Zinny tries as hard as she can to help him make it through the pain. As she tries to find faith and love in just her simple place in the woods and simple family, she learns that sometimes it is not easy to find your place or reason in life but it all will work out if you just believe in yourself.
March 10, 2010
SUMMARY: 13 year old Zinny Taylor has nothing to call her own. She soon finds a trail in which she uncovers.
PASSAGE: From far below came the mournful train whistle, and I instictively turned in the direction of the farm, thinking of the ash tree and the cardinals and Aunt Jessie and Uncle Nate. My family would be clattering around the dinner table, and I wondereed if anyone would notice I was gone. Out flew another scene: my parents getting up early that morning to see me off. And another: Sam slurping his soup. And more: Ben in his garden, Gretchen hunched over her computer. STOP! I pleadeed with my brain. STOP IT! p.153 paragraph 3-4
-I chose this passage, because this is the passage where Zinny really sees that she could not imagine life without her family. Zinny thought that she just needed to get out of that house with so many kids in it. She thought her parents didn't have enough time to talk to her alone and that she was used by boys for her older sister. She realizes know though that her family is very important to her and that she does care about them even though nothing seems to ever just be hers. I think this was a big scene for Zinny and it was my favorite part as well because family is what is important and we will always have our family no matter what and that related to me!!
PASSAGE: From far below came the mournful train whistle, and I instictively turned in the direction of the farm, thinking of the ash tree and the cardinals and Aunt Jessie and Uncle Nate. My family would be clattering around the dinner table, and I wondereed if anyone would notice I was gone. Out flew another scene: my parents getting up early that morning to see me off. And another: Sam slurping his soup. And more: Ben in his garden, Gretchen hunched over her computer. STOP! I pleadeed with my brain. STOP IT! p.153 paragraph 3-4
-I chose this passage, because this is the passage where Zinny really sees that she could not imagine life without her family. Zinny thought that she just needed to get out of that house with so many kids in it. She thought her parents didn't have enough time to talk to her alone and that she was used by boys for her older sister. She realizes know though that her family is very important to her and that she does care about them even though nothing seems to ever just be hers. I think this was a big scene for Zinny and it was my favorite part as well because family is what is important and we will always have our family no matter what and that related to me!!
November 29, 2012
This book was a good book. It was one of my favorite childhood books, but I was suprised at how different I remembered the plot. Sharon Creech does an awesome job describing the exact thought of each character as well as the relationships between characters. The main character, Zinny, is a little younger than myself so I thought it got a little slow at times. I especially liked the ending because more action happened with Zinny and her secret trail. I recommend this book to younger adults or anyone who wants a fun and easy read.
October 1, 2015
After Zinny's Aunt and cousin die there's a lot of mysterious! For starters what is she doing that's a crime? Why did this boy give her a ring? Where did it go and why did the cops come and say he stole it? Whats going on...so why is Zinny trespassing? Why is the girl dead in the dresser? Read this book to find out whats happening! I recommend this book to everyone who likes mysteries!!
This book can be found in almost every library!!
Level V
This book can be found in almost every library!!
Level V
April 13, 2021
This was one of my favorite books when I was in grade school, I even did a 6th grade book report on it. This was my first time rereading it as an adult and I was surprised at how much I still enjoyed the story and book. It's marked as good for kids 8+ but I think this book can be enjoyed at any age!
May 30, 2013
Eh. Just struck me as a really dysfunctional group of people and a family that doesn't have enough time for itself. There's no real resolve to anything, and the end feels like Zinnia's just getting herself entangled with a boy who's trouble. Not too impressed with this one.
March 15, 2019
I found this to be a very touching story. I loved Zinny and her family. The way grief/death/illness is handled was very interesting and heartbreaking. I really felt at home in this book and didn’t want it to end. The audiobook narrator (Jenna Lamia) was fantastic and highly recommend that version.
July 15, 2014
Once again, another great Sharon Creech book.
September 26, 2015
Well-written and thoughtful young adult novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 892 reviews