Zink: The Myth, the Legend, the Zebra : A Play for Young Audiences

by Cherie Bennett

"Inspired by an actual child's life and writings, this tale of a young leukemia victim will elicit both tears and laughter." -- Booklist, Boxed

Becky Zaslow's leukemia diagnosis has introduced her to a world she never knew existed, a scary world of hospitals and blood counts and chemotherapy. Ten-year-old Becky is afraid. But she doesn't have to go through this alone . . . she's got a trio of singing zebras to keep her company! A herd of zebras from the Serengeti plains forges a special spiritual bond with Becky. They boost her spirits by telling her the story of Zink, a polka-dotted zebra with the most courage and the biggest heart. "Think Zink," the zebras tell her when things get bad. And when Becky does as they say, her soul voyages to Africa, where her imagination can run as free as the zebras.

Genres: Childrens, Fantasy, Animals, Young Adult, Fiction, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

62 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

A popular novelist, playwright, and newspaper columnist, Cherie moves effortlessly from genre to genre, writing powerful and entertaining work, whether in literary hardcover teen fiction, mass market paperback fiction, for the stage, film and television, and for her nationally-syndicated teen advice column.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After many years of reading this book (as a 7 or 8 year old), I still remember the thoughtful and deep meaningful storyline of Zink. (Finally found this exact book on Goodreads after trying to hunt it down for a while!! :)) Although there are not many reviewers of this novel, I would recommend this novel to everyone.

I remember that the storyline follows a shy, young girl who is struck with leukemia and the novel follows her struggles on surviving the cancer internally and trying to overcome her fears on going back to school with her illness. (I also remember other at-the-end details, but I don't want to make this review a spoiler. >.<)

The story is pretty much similar to MY SISTER'S KEEPER, but the novel focuses one one character (in third person limited if I remember correctly) AND IT IS MUCH BETTER. I love this book a million times more. MUCH MORE. Comparing ZINK to MY SISTER'S KEEPER, MY SISTER'S KEEPER is just a poser. First, this novel came BEFORE MY SISTER'S KEEPER. Second, MY SISTER'S KEEPER is just an irritating novel; pretty much the whole was expressed through cursing. (And nothing turns me off more than a book that curses every two pages.) Not only is this novel clean is its words, it is also meaningful and unforgettable. Definitely a good novel even for young children. (Surely this must be the case if I still remember the storyline and I can instantly recognize the cover of the girl after reading this about 8 years ago...am i right?) Well, yes, of course this novel is age-appropriate for youngsters and probably a good read for teens too. Although the story is sad, it is beautiful and truly alluring. Even if you might not like how the story ends, you will definitely feel a sense of peacefulness and hope.

One of the best realistic childhood books I have EVER READ.
(Now that I found the book and its exact title and author, I am SO buying it on my Kindle!!!)

Note: As a little kid I always dreamed and fantasized myself of exploring in the jungles of safaris where animals (even unicorns) guided me and took me on wild adventures. This book probably stimulated my imagination when the main character in this novel dreams of zebras that help guide her through her illness.

*Also, I think that this book should have more recognition. It is BASED ON A TRUE STORY about Kelly Weil, an 11 year old girl who died from bone cancer in 1993. Even though this is one of the most touching and beautiful story I have ever read, I don't understand why it isn't more famous!
↓LOOK BELOW for more on Kelly Weil and the background story behind Zink↓
http://www.zinkthezebra.org/dnav/19/p...

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that absolutely tore me to pieces. A child's imagination helps her cope and laugh through a horrible place where Hakuna Matata become her mantra with a cute little zebra.

[Crimin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becky Zaslow has leukemia. She has to sit through long hours of painful tests and chemo, losing her hair and, ultimately, losing her life. She has only one thing that helps her through it all -- her zebra friends who come to her during her hardest hours to make light of the situation with jokes and a phrase that keeps Becky going. “Think Zink.” And when she does, she’s whisked away to the faraway lands of Africa, where she doesn’t hurt or feel weak anymore.

When I first read this book, I cried. When I read it again, I cried. And when I reread it, I cried again. This is probably the most heart touching and sad books I have ever read and will continue to keep on rereading. It is one of my favorite books out there. Everyone should check it out.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always cried when I read this book. It was an amazing book that really showed the emotions of this little girl dying from leukemia. By the end, I was so hoping that she wouldn't die. But she did. And I really lost it when her mother held her in her lap and sang to her while she died. It was just so sad, and so sweet, and it made me wonder how many other parents have had to go through the same thing in real life. It's a very poignant read, and I'd recommend it to anyone.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only book that has ever made me cry.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The afterword calls this book a "beautifully crafted, sensitive story," and they're right. It's geared toward kids, so a quick read, but pretty emotional and pointed. A book I loved as a kid.

[Jamie Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really makes you contemplate your role in life and the attitude you maintain through all of your trials. In this book you have a pre-teen girl who has her whole life ahead of her suddenly be diagnosed with leukemia. In the beginning of the book she is portrayed as a very shy girl who doesn't want to cause anyone any problems and is perpetually scared. In order to deal with her leukemia she comes up with this imaginary world of Zebras on the Serengeti who help her to still have fun, gain courage, and to accept what is happening to her. Throughout the book you meet various characters and experience how each of them handle the situation and how their actions reflect on the leukemia victim. Very thoughtful book overall.

[Emily Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book growing up...or maybe fake read it? Parts of it might seemed familiar so there is a chance I at least read some of it.
I think of this book all the time so decided to give it another go.
It is a beautiful story about a child going through cancer treatment. The mix of the zebras and the real world was beautiful. It did not take away from how serious childhood cancer is but still gave the girl in the story a childhood. I couldn't put it down. I was struggling to read through my tears and kept reading anyways. I think some of the book might be different if it came out now (I can't imagine that Africa Day would have been written in) but it is just as topical. Half of me wishes that the book was longer but half of me knows a longer book would have made me cry too much.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Read this book in 8th grade and i loved it, i loved it so much i read it 5 times. The story was great and i love everything about it.

[mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

alittle sad but tells a great story of zebras!!!

[Travelcat]

This is by the author of "Life in the Fat Lane"

[Jessica Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my childhood books that has always stood out in mind. A must read for all.

[Maelori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was really young (I borrowed it from a childhood friend) and now, I can't find a copy but I will forever remember the book's last chapter.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely forgot about this gem of a book until a few moments ago. This book is one of the reasons I came to love reading and young adult literature so much.

[Abi Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book when I was a kid. Reading the summary now, it seems like a strange premise for a novel.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was literally my only mental health resource when I was being traumatized in my elementary school years. The zebras? Unforgettable. Gorilla gripped.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually write reviews, but I will for this book. I first read Zink as a teenager myself. I can't remember how or why I came across it. But, I remember it having such a perfound impact on me. So much so that it remained as part of my book collection to this day.

I recently reread Zink out loud to my two boys aged 10 and 12 after all those years of it sitting on various bookshelves. The themes, messaging and way of discussing such crucial fears and topics in life made me want to share it with them. Even after all of those years of not picking it up, it still held true and had just as strong of an impact on me. We could talk about what was going on, how it was impacting the different characters and why Becky may be interacting with the Zebras.

I asked my two kids the question of "do you think it's fair Becky gets to participate in the talent contest?" midway through the book. Of course their immediate reaction was uncertainty and complaints that she didn't have to audition. I then asked the same question at the end of the book. I could see their brains working, as they processed what I was asking. We were then able to chat through how life may not seem fair sometimes. It wasn't fair Becky got sick, but that doesn't mean we can't be kind. We never know what someone else may be going through, where their story has taken them, or how it may end.

[Tayler Morrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is about a 4th-6th grade reading level YA novel from my classroom collection. I’m making a good dent in it! Anyway, this is a cute little novel about a young girl, Becky, who gets leukemia. It follows her as she goes through treatment, and remission, and then had a relapse. But, through this whole time, she had the company of three Zebras who gave her friendship and courage, and allowed her to travel to Africa in spirit. They also taught her the story of Zink, the brave Zebra who was different from all others and was proud of it.

Bennett wrote this book for a girl she knew who was suffering and died from leukemia. She had other young kids suffering from cancer draw the illustrations in the book and had a lot of information about it at the end of the novel. It is definitely a sweet book, and I cried a little at the end.

[Judine Brey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing how dated a 20-year-old book can feel. That said, Becky was the perfect heroine for this book about fighting cancer. Becky's traels to her tribe of African zebras were well laid out and made sense in both reality and fantasy. Bennett's books tend to make me cry and this one was no exception.

*Note: I also read Bennett's play, Zink, which was written first. The book was better in that the characters were more fleshed out.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was about 11 and still think about it often. I don’t even really remember what exactly happens in the book but I have fond memories of re-reading about the main character’s experiences while she was undergoing treatment
I was devastated when I loaned the book to my friend and I was never able to get it back! I definitely would like to re-read this book and see if it still holds up 15+ years later

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

My granddaughter wanted me to read this book because a friend of hers has leukemia. I started the book thinking it's fantasy and I won't like it but I sure was wrong. It is one of the better books that I have read. I learned a lot, cried a lot and had a thoroughly enjoyable read. "True courage is admitting you're scared and fighting on anyway."

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember loving this book as a kid. And that it was in the same shelf block as Animorphs and R.L. Stine.

Hardcover checked out from the library of John B. Gorrie Elementary School. I must have read this in first or second grade, because that's when I went there, but I forget.

[Kate Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still remember reading this book 7 years ago. The way the author used the little girl’s imagination to comfort herself and basically the reader has stuck to me even now. The ending is what brought me to tears and holds the awards as the first book to ever make me cry.

[Cassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this book as a child. I can still recall much of what happened. This book will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will touch your soul.

[Alicia G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story. It really gave a good perspective on the main character' s life and struggle with her illness.

[Kitrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will always be one of my favorite books❤️ I read this as a child and it got me into sad books that don't have the ending you want for them

[Rachm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a kid. Inspired in me a life-long fear of getting cancer.
Anyway, well-written, vivid, and effective. Get the tissues ready, though, and don't go in expecting a feel-good story.

[Rebecca Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cried over this book again and again as a preteen.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried. Books that make me cry automatically win a 3- or 4-star rating because I rarely cry.

This is so well done. Zink is inspired by the true story of a young girl diagnosed with leukemia who didn't survive. Before she died, she wrote a short story about a zebra named Zink. The author of this book, Cherie Bennett, uses this story and fleshes it out to show how life-threatening illness brings out humanity and beauty in the midst of danger and death. She also has several pointed messages in which she subtly gives advice to parents and friends of cancer patients.

I like that the story is illustrated by children who have cancer. It makes the story that much more personal. I love how the hard subject is treated tenderly, truthfully, and lovingly. When I was younger, I couldn't finish the book because I got so upset, but if it speaks to children because of their situation, Zink is an invaluable story.

[Dena]

What an absolutely weird turn of events. I have had this book upstairs to read for months and have owned it for over fifteen years. And I begin reading it a week ago - part of me didn't even want to - thought it might be weird from the description. Never even considered that learning about leukemia might be helpful in the context of someone in our life recently diagnosed with another kind of cancer of the blood. I know they aren't the same but it certainly personalized the difficulty of the treatment more than words read on WebMD. I am thankful that God led me to read this. It was full of information and frankly, the total lack of God was weird to me in the face of a child losing a battle to her mortality but I learned a great deal and that may make prayer and support maybe a little bit easier. Too much cancer.