Zeely

by Virginia Hamilton, Symeon Shimin (Illustrator)

Elizabeth and her brother live on a farm for a summer—and learn a whole new way of living and dreaming

Elizabeth likes to invent stories. When she travels to her uncle’s farm for a summer, she starts by making up new names for herself and her younger “Geeder” and “Toeboy.” As “Geeder” explores the farm on her own and with her brother, she encounters mysteries that capture her imagination, among them a tall, proud woman who looks just like an African queen that Elizabeth has read about in a magazine. Elizabeth spins tales about the people and places around her, but she comes to realize that sometimes the truth is more interesting than make-believe. 

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Childrens, African American, Family

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Virginia Esther Hamilton was the author of forty-one works of fiction and nonfiction. She was the first Black writer awarded the Newbery Medal and the first children's writer to be named a MacArthur Fellow (the "Genius" grant). She also received the National Book Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Medal.

Reviews

[Kressel Housman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first heard about this book when I was about 12 and it was described on one of those PBS shows that encourages kids to read. The mystery of Zeely and who she really was so intrigued me that I remembered it after all these years and finally read the book. It's very much a young adult book, but I enjoyed it anyway, though nowhere near as much as Harry Potter.

The heroine of the book is an American black girl who loves to create elaborate fantasies. You see that early on in the book when she and her brother are on her way to their uncle's farm for the summer, and she changes her name from "Elizabeth" to "Geeber." Then, when she meets Zeely, a beautiful black woman of over 6 feet who works on the farm, and then a National Geographic type picture of a Watutsi woman from Rwanda, she declares that "Zeely is a queen." (Note that this book was written decades before the Rwanda genocide against the Tutsis.) But Zeely sets her straight about reality, and in a very kind way. And it ends with a "be here now" kind of point, which is a good message for any young girl given to fantasy, though I think the book will have special meaning for African Americans.

[Imani ♥ ☮ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! I have never read a more boring book in my entire life. I am dead serious. So the story starts it with these kids going to visit their uncle or whoever. Then they change their names or something. Then they get down south to their uncle's house and the author gives way too much description about how the house looks and everything. And then after that I kind of don't remember much. I mean I remember that they see this girl who looks like a model or something and then they sleep outside and think they see ghosts. Then the girl(zeely) tells them that she is not a model and then the story pretty much ends. Yeah that's about it.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considering how much hype and critical adoration this book has received, I was expecting something completely different. I found the protagonist, Elizabeth (who inexplicably changes her name to Geeder), to be whiny and, frankly, strange. She becomes obsessed with Zeely, a 6'5" black woman on a farm nearby; Geeder makes up stories about Zeely and isolates herself from other young children in town.

Geeder forces her brother to change his name to Toeboy; she spends a great deal of the short book bossing him around and inventing stories designed to frighten him. They stay with their Uncle Ross for the summer (no reason is given for this plot device); this book loosely is a coming-of-age story, though Geeder shows very little development or maturity from book's beginning to end.

Hamilton's style of writing is annoying: Geeder, Toeboy, and Uncle Ross are nearly the only characters who speak, and Geeder says everything out loud--there is no internal dialogue. At times, this is clumsy writing and awkward for readers; furthermore, Geeder's strange obsession with Zeely is creepy. Minimal plot action, absence of character development, lackluster climax, and no resolution further characterize this story. The message of the novel is most probably given by Zeely, when she finally speaks with Geeder, and is this: move forward. Zeely, wrongly thought by Geeder to be an African queen, tells the story of her mother, grandmother, and ancestors in Rwanda. Her point is that Geeder (and the readers) must not look back to Africa's past but focus on their future.

Overall, a disappointing book.

[Debra Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have lost count of the number of times I've read this small book over the years, but today the covers fell off my copy. I loved it today as much as I did the first time I read it. Anything I say about the story line will be inadequate because it is the crafting of scenes and character that make the book spellbinding. One feels the night, the dew, and is pulled into the mystery of the Nightwalker. My copy which has, or had, a different cover than that shown above, is illustrated by beautiful black and white drawings that capture the sense of magic and mystery in a little girl's soul on a summertime visit to her Uncle Ross's farm. The author gently weaves in stories of the slave days, and creates an enchantment around the personage of a hog farmer's daughter down the way, whom young Elizabeth is convinced is really a queen, descended from a long line of African royalty.

This was the first book by Virginia Hamilton I ever read, and it remains my favorite.

[Macy Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of many books that I'm reading for my multicultural children's literature course this semester. I was really enchanted by the country setting of this novel as well as by the way that Hamilton crafted Elizabeth/Geeder's experience in regards to her obsession with Zeely and the lesson she learned about what can be behind the stories we tell. Hardcore recommend.

[Nami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was going through my old pile of school books and found this in my 2nd Grade summer reading stash. It's been 17 years since I last read so I was curious to see what new things I would learn this time. A quirky little book, and the ending was quite deep for a children's book.

Nothing earth shattering - a nice magical realism feeling folded into a children's book which is not quite rare.

My takeaways from this book - know who you are inside. We're all connected to deep histories and personal stories that make us who we are, that make every perspective a little more special. Hold it up in everything you do and your truth becomes undeniable.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand the idea of having "special" names - and it's certainly essential to the story, but the ones chosen are just stupid: Toeboy and Geeder. The second half of the book is much better than the first, which drags.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this on my lunch hour to fulfill a reading challenge prompt (A to Z). It was a quick, easy, utterly forgettable read.

[Boszka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. The first part i did not enjoy that much, the second part had some thoughts that i found interesting.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Fiction Reading level: Ages 8-12
Geeder and Toeboy set out on an exciting adventure to visit their Uncle Ross for the summer. The children enjoy re-visiting familiar places in the farmhouse and on the property that they remember from previous visits. A tall, graceful woman whose family rents a plot of land from Uncle Ross fascinates Geeder. Zeely, Geeder decides, must be an African Queen as she carries herself so regally and is so very beautiful. Geeder’s imagination is supported by a magazine photo of a Watutsis queen, but tempered by a private conversation with the ordinary young woman from Canada. Did I mention that these children and the woman they revere are African-American? Although central to the plot and undercurrent of the story, race is not the main theme by any means. It is a tale of imagination, family, and self-perception. The setting was current with the story was written four decades ago and brings to mind a simpler way of life. The shadowy black and white illustrations allow us a peek into Geeder’s world, and the reading group guide in the back offers discussion questions and potential activities.
Other books about African-American children:
My painted house, my friendly chicken, and me. Maya Angelou
Nappy Hair, Carolivia Herron (picture book for ages 5-8)
The Watsons go to Birmingham—1963, Christopher Paul Curtis

[Sophie Gray]

I did not follow this book very well throughout my time of reading. The way that the author put together the story line confused me as a reader, more than half the time I was confused on what exactly was going on in the story. A strong piece of literature is one that is formatted in a way that the reader can follow. Due to the fact that I did not understand the story line, I was unable to engage myself in the book as well as I had hoped for. One of the most important qualities of a book is the quality to keep the audience interested throughout the entire piece. Bringing this book into a classroom would not go far, as children would have a hard time following the story line which would create for distraction and unwillingness to continue the reading. Exposing children to literature that is hard to understand yourself is asking for failure, in order to portray a message to the students well you must understand it significantly yourself.

[Caly ☯ Crazy Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may be a middle-grade book but it has a wonderful message and I am glad that I read it.

[Mrs. M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose to read Zeely because I first read this book in 4th grade. When my class read this book, I remembered how much we hated it. Looking back on this memory, I wondered if it was actually a bad book or if we were just being typical 4th grade students who complained about anything their teacher made them read. Now that I am older and have reread the book, my feelings toward the book have not changed very much. It wasn't a bad book, but I wouldn't say it was a good book, either. Perhaps it is because this book was written so long ago, but I feel like there are many other books that have a better message or storyline than Zeely. I kept reading the book, waiting for the good part...waiting for the part when all of it would make sense...and that part, in my opinion, never came.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

1967. Zeely. Illustrated by Symeon Shimin. New York: Macmillan. In this female initiation story, Geeder Perry and her brother, Toeboy, go to their uncle’s farm for the summer and encounter a six-and-a-half-foot-tall Watutsi queen and a mysterious night traveler.
http://www.virginiahamilton.com/virgi...
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Elizabeth (Geeder) meets Zeely when she spends the summer at Uncle Ross' farm. Zeely descends from the Watutsi people and Elizabeth imagines Zeely to be a queen.
Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
Lexile Measure: 690L

[Kris Odahowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spending a summer away from the city and parents a brother and sister in find mystery in their experience in the rural South. Hamilton sets a stage where a young tween tries to find the identity of a local farm worker. Great book to tie into the study of Rwanda and the identity of recent African immigrants. This book is available for check-out at the Gadsden County Public Library.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Geeder and her little brother Toeboy and their summer at their uncle's farm. Geeder's imagination leads her to believe that Miss Zeely Taber is an African queen.

Beautifully written with magical elements. I love Virginia Hamilton.

Appeal terms: magical, lush language, languid pace

[Oriyah N · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book in the wrong decade. If I'd read it 20 or so years ago, I may have loved it. But it wasn't whimsical or maturely developed enough to entertain me as an adult. And since I'm not the target audience, that's a bit unfair.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book even though I felt that some of the hype was a bit overdone. I felt that though it is a short quick read, I would have liked a bit more clarity and detail. The characterization was pretty good though.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of mystery - surprising story.

[Brynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although her writing is beautiful, I felt this book would be fairly difficult to follow for the age group it is intended to reach.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is alright

[Chassyboo12]

I love the way this author uses description and diolage . I guess i'm reallt intrested in this book.

[Karis]

i didnt read it so um theres your answer

[Beckiezra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars because it gives you things to think about and I would enjoy having a discussion with a child about it, but I can’t rate it higher because it was boring and maybe could’ve only been the last chapter or two and I’d have had just as much to think about and discuss. I’m not the intended audience for this so my opinion doesn’t really matter. The author is award winning and it must be for a reason. By the end I could see the appeal of the book as a whole (actually talking to Zeely helped), but Elizabeth/Geeder was generally an unpleasant character to me that ranged from overbearing and obsessive to whimsically creative depending on how you feel like interpreting things. Uncle Ross was nice though, and Toeboy was typical little brother, ruining things just by existing but also making them better. Zeely I think was likely entirely pedestrian and just trying to live her difficult life with a less pleasant father and job and adjusting to living in the south after growing up in Canada, but she could tell a story and I felt like it was the author’s way of encouraging future writers whatever they’re doing in life. I think Geeder’s conclusion that Zeely really was a queen was a good thought on appreciating all people for what they are despite, or maybe because of, their circumstances. Zeely’s point that people need to just be themselves rather than imagining they’re something more seemed to sink in for Elizabeth, but only part way.

While this book was a bit slow/boring/frustrating to me I think it would be good for an elementary or middle school student who’d like to read a chapter book set in an indeterminate time where kids could take trains out of the city to spend summers on relatives’ farms. You just don’t hear about people doing that nowadays but it’s something I’d have jumped at the chance to do when I was a kid. The characters being African American with brief discussions on slavery plus the confusion about the African ancestry of the mysterious Zeely would make this a great book for anyone wanting to read on those topics. It certainly whet my appetite to learn more about certain countries and tribes in Africa, the musical traditions of slaves, and the Underground Railroad. Definitely recommend it as a book to check out in February when hot summer days (even if they’re filled with stinky prize-winning hogs) would be a nice change of scenery.

[Greg Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth Perry reminds me a bit of Anne Shirley (of Green Gables). She has an active imagination. When Elizabeth and her brother John go to stay with their Uncle Ross at his farm for the summer, she decides on the train trip there that she will be Geeder and her brother Toeboy (because he wants to go barefoot). They give the farm town a made up name as well as the road by the farm.

When she meets Zeely, a local girl who helps her father take care of prize razorback hogs, Geeder decides that Zeely must be a queen. Zeely is descended from the Watutsi tribe and stands over six feet tall, speaks little and moves with a quiet grace. Finding a photo in a magazine of a Watutsi queen who looks much like Zeely provides Geeder with all the evidence she needs. She tells all the local children about Zeely's noble roots and shows them the photo.

After she helps Zeely and her father drive the hogs to market, Geeder meets with Zeely who shares her history and helps Elizabeth see that she can put aside made up things and be herself.

[⚜️Krithika⚜️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth and John Perry come to their Uncle Ross' farm for the summer. Elizabeth wants to 'reinvent' herself in a way, and decides to take the name of Geeder (because horses respond to Gee) and gives the name Toeboy to her brother, who gets to run barefoot amongst the grasses of the farm.

When Geeder sees a majestic, tall, woman, who seems anything but normal, it is up to Geeder to find out the truth.

But as rumors are started and stories are told, the truth is what changes Geeder's mindset forever.

This book was unusually, different yet satisfying read. It is for children but can be read by older tweens, tweens and the like. The character development and nuances of living on the farm, as well as different cultures, brought this book together.

[Peter · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this in school. Mercifully I had forgotten about it over the course of the years but going through some old papers left behind by my mom I found my obligatory book report. Man I thought this book was stupid and got no connection to the characters. The infantile nicknames didn’t help and in my report I mocked those relentlessly. I’m not going to read it again but there’s my opinion as a little boy in the 80s.

It was truly amazing how bad they were at selecting books that would connect to a kid instead of forcing what they as adults wanted us to ingest. Rare is the occasion that they get it right. I feel like there were good books available about basically every group in school but this clearly didn’t land for me. And usually the ones that landed were not the required ones.

[Shanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hamilton's writes smart characters, and Geeder/Elizabeth is no exception. Elizabeth has a vivid imagination, and en route to visit her uncle's farm for the summer, Elizabeth decides to make it a memorable experience. She decides to give herself and her brother nicknames, they sleep outside, and she makes up stories. Geeder is mesmerized by her regally beautiful neighbor, Zeely. Looking through a magazine, Geeder finds a picture of an African queen which resembles Zeely. Geeder tells all the other children that Zeely is a queen. Geeder finally meets Zeely and they have a heartfelt conversation and develop a connection. Zeely brings Geeder back to being Elizabeth.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first novel by a prominent Black children's author, this novel shows Elizabeth deciding she wants to rewrite her summer at Uncle Ross's farm into something exciting, so she renames herself Geeder and her brother Toeboy. She makes up stories that tall and regal neighbor Zeely, who keeps pigs on her uncle's property, is a Watutsi queen. However, Zeely teaches Elizabeth that she has to know and live for herself and not live in stories. Personally, I thought the messages about coming to terms with one's identity and learning one's racial history were a bit too implied for the age of the audience, but I might not be giving these child readers enough credit.

[Dawn Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads didn't have the original copy art of the book, only this modern looking one. Too bad because while the book features the character on the cover, named Zeely, this glamorous make-over does a disservice to Elizabeth (aka 'Geeder') who creates the story of Zeely and is more impactful in the original, nearly all-black sketching.