Vive La Paris

by Esmé Raji Codell

Fifth-grader Paris learns some lessons about dealing with bullies of all kinds as she wonders how to stop a classmate from beating up her brother at school and as she learns about the Holocaust from her piano teacher, Mrs. Rosen.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Holocaust, Juvenile, Friendship

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Esme Raji Codell is the recipient of a prestigious James Patterson Pageturner Award for spreading the excitement of books in an effective and original way. She has been a keynote speaker for the International Reading Association and the American Library Association, a “virtual” keynote for the National Education Association’s “Stay Afloat!” online conference for first-year teachers, and a featured speaker at the National Museum for Women in the Arts. She has appeared on CBS’s The Early Show, CNN, C-SPAN, and NPR, among other media outlets across the country. The author of How to Get Your Child to Love Reading, as well as five award-winning books for children, Esmé runs the popular children’s literature website and the unique literary salon, PlanetEsme.com

Reviews

[SaraKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Paris. I pretty much loved everything about this book. Paris's internal dialogue constantly made me laugh because she has such a unique way of seeing the world. Her family was a mess, but fun. Her piano lessons rapidly spiraled out of control in a lovely way. I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book and it covered quite a few topics--Holocaust, racial profiling, bullying, vaccinations, sexism, loss... I thought for a minute that it was too many topics to try to cover in 200 pages, but that is life! We often are facing more than one bad thing in life at a time. It all wrapped together in an organic way, so it worked. I ended up putting so many flags on the pages of this book that I bought myself a copy so I can revisit my favorite parts later. I love this author and will be reading some of the other books. I attached the series tag to this one because it is a companion book to one from another character's POV, but not necessarily a sequel.

At the very beginning of the book, my first introduction to Paris's internal dialogue was her response to a critical comment about her family by her crazy new piano teacher:

But my mother says some remarks do not dignify a response, so I didn't pay her any mind. I just told myself sometimes old people's just ignorant, and that is okay because they will die soon.

I've got to say that I was amused and horrified by Paris's description of being from a family of readers. She mentions her father reading a section of the newspaper on Fridays, a car repair manual her brother reads, the swimsuit issue another brother reads, and her mom reading minds. sheesh. But she maintains that being around all that 'reading', it's no surprise that she is such a great reader, "having been encultivated in such a atmosphere of literary culturation". he he he

This book made me laugh, but also weep embarrassingly in front of my neighbor. Paris is such a sensitive child and when she researches the Holocaust, it affects her deeply. She goes from being pretty sure about everything in life to finding out that everything is different and more horrible from what she thought. I can remember finding out some of the worst things that I know and it is a terrible feeling. There is a balance to find between leaving children so ignorant that they accidentally offend an entire religious community and teaching them terrible things so that they don't. I always advocate teaching children facts and giving them information, but I can see how a parent wouldn't want to make their children feel this way.

I thought the best thing about the book was the changing relationship between Paris and her brother Michael. The way she sees him throughout most of the story is suddenly changed in one conversation and I loved it. I was fooled as well so it was really nice to finally get to know him.

I guess I'd call the main theme of the book "You are your brother's keeper." The hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow" is mentioned several times and Paris often ponders whether God's eye is actually on all the people and creatures of Earth after seeing the bad things that happen to so many.

But walking home with Michael, I saw a man half asleep in a doorway, with shoes so worn I could see three of his toes. Was His eye on this sparrow? I wondered. It didn't seem much like it. I wondered if He loved poor people less, but if He did, why would He make so many of them?

As Paris learns more and more of the bad things that happen in the world, she wonders more and more about how His eye can be on everything and let it happen. But she realizes near the end that His eyes are everyone's eyes.

If you see something is broken and you don't try to fix it, you're lazy.

I better not be like one of those birds who acts like it doesn't know what's going on in the next tree. I guessed, maybe that's what being a brother's keeper is all about.

All people have the responsibility to look out for the others around them. We all have to try to fix what's broken. We can't ignore the bad things around us.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vive La Paris is an excellent story that shows so much growth. We all could use some rose colored glasses

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible example of how the realities of the world can be related in a sensitive and entertaining manner, all through the eyes of a fifth-grade girl. Paris is the youngest in a family whose eccentricities are only matched by their strong bond with each other. Whether she is taking piano lessons from Mrs. Rosen, or starting her organization in school, the "Extreme Readers Book Club," Paris is a figure that just won't quit, opinions and all, even if, as she states, she is trying to be a "polite person." Appropriate for ages 9 and above, this book contains certain elements that, although maintaining a connection with the younger set, may be a bit above their intuition in certain circumstances, such as Paris' classmate's ill brother. However, the delicate treatment of issues such as the Holocaust, homosexuality, and cultural difference makes this book a stand-alone original. Paris is a character that is full of life and personality, but learns in a very realistic way throughout the large amount if issues tackled within the story.

[Dana Berglund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other reviewers have done a great job boiling this book down to its essence. This is about a family accepting each other. It is about opening yourself up to see what you might have in common with people you think are different from you. It is about tolerance, and learning more than you bargained for from your mistakes.
It's also about a 5th grader learning what the Holocaust was, and having it break her world open. All of the characters are sympathetic characters, and my heart broke a little for each of them.
But...I hated the ending, and that's all I'll say about that.

[Debrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paris takes piano lessons from ancient, eccentric but excellent Mrs. Cohen, and misunderstands Mrs. Cohen’s arm tattoo, thinking she was in a gang and then learning to her horror about WWII. Moving, funny.

[Chazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a little light reading and picked this off my shelf. I read it in one sitting. Not because it was a kids' book of only 210 pages, but because of the characters and the story.

Paris McCray, a fifth-grade African-American living in Chicago and the youngest of five. Her brothers are Louis, Django, Debergerac and Michael. All are named for people in the music world. Paris is named for the City of Lights. All the children are expected to learn an instrument. You see, Daddy is a drummer who does studio sit-ins and night gigs.

Paris has been sent to Mrs. Rosen's for piano lessons. She was taking them at church, but the church burnt down and now Mrs. Rosen was to be her teacher. Michael is to walk to and from the lessons and sit and wait for her. Possibly he would pick a little music education up?

What the children picked up wasn't just music. Mrs. Rosen introduced them to French, to jazz tunes of the 30s and 40s, to chopped liver sandwiches, to the history of the 30s and 40s and to the importance of family and caring about family and others and to dealing with bullies.

This may have been 'light' reading, but it contained some deep thoughts. Good for kids to read, but also very good for adults. Makes you stop and think about people, history -past and current - and the importance of caring.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a 71 year old grandma and retired teacher. I read this book after it was recommended by a 5th grade teacher as an introduction to teaching the Holocaust to her class. I had not heard of the book, so decided to read it.

It is a powerful story with many themes. The book begins simply enough with 5th grader Paris, the youngest of 5 siblings and the only girl in an African-American family. Her parents pay an elderly Jewish woman to give Paris piano lessons, and Paris's brother Michael accompanies her. We soon meet friends at school and another girl seemingly with an attitude problem. The book deals with complexities of relationships in Paris's family, at school, and with Mrs. Rosen.

It is an excellent book and a good one for a parent to read together with a child. I can understand why a teacher would read it to her class and can imagine the guided discussions that would result.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has so many great themes: dealing with a bully, the Holocaust, family. Esme Raji Codell crafted a unique and engaging voice for her main character, Paris McCray, a fifth grader with a large vocabulary and strong opinions. Mrs. Rosen becomes Paris's piano teacher as well as a mentor, introducing Paris and her brother to Jewish culture and the music of the 2oth century. A lot of the story takes place in Paris's classroom, where Mrs. Pointy dispenses life lessons while providing her students with tools to explore their interests. At a time when there is a lot of division and name-calling in our society, this story is a wonderful reminder of the need to be true to our individuality while finding common ground.

[Mayra 🌸🎀💕 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that teaches readers that life challenges people, but strong people will try their hardest to continue moving forward. A book that a lot of readers can learn several lessons from. Paris shows readers that being polite on the outside isn't enough; people should care on the inside too! It also teaches readers about the Holocaust and touches the surface about how painful such experiences were for survivors. Because of such horrible events in the world, we should find happiness and do all we can to make it a better place.

[N Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

4th grade girl says: This book is a book about a girl with big thoughts. There is a gross part near the beginning where someone gets hurt. I almost stopped reading, but once you go over that part it's actually a really good book.

[Kirti Vyas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beautiful aphorisms in Grade-5-sized bites, but other than that, too many wrongs in this book to recommend to students- the dialogue sounds right, but the grammar is wrong, the parables are hard to understand, and too many issues that need space to stand alone are crowded in.

[Hadiza Obiagwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely lovely. Funny, sad and reflective. Paris is a smart and kind girl and I laughed at her thoughts and expressions. I thought of giving this book out but I think I’d just keep it for my daughter, for when she is older.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an interesting take on the Holocaust. The characters are quirky and interesting. There are some great themes to take from the book.

[Saundra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story in its own right, but I also loved it as a companion to Sahara Special.

[Melanie Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for a read aloud. Teaches important interpersonal skills and a good introduction to the holocaust.

[Liz Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very timely for today’s society.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars- not quite as wonderful as Sahara Special

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been invited to a school to speak with a group of 5th grade students about the Holocaust. I heard this was a good book for that age group, and their teacher agreed to read this to them. My lesson will lean towards diversity as tolerance.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vive la Paris / Codell, Esme Raji
Hyperion : 2006

Paris McCray is African-American; she is ten years old and lives with her family – mom, dad, and four brothers in Chicago. Her family is musical, her dad is a back-up studio musician, her four brothers are named after famous jazz musicians, and her mom loves to sing Donna Summers songs.

Her mom and dad send Paris to take piano lesson from Mrs. Rosen. Mrs. Rosen lived in France during WWII. Mrs. Rosen and Paris become fast friends. During one visit, Paris notices that there is a tattoo on Mrs. Rosen’s arm; Paris surmises that she must have belonged to a gang; later during that same visit Mrs. Rosen gives Paris a yellow star with the word Juif (Jew) embroidered on it, Paris assumes that this must be the name of an old boyfriend. Later in the week, she pins the star to her blouse and goes off to school. The star ends up being a big hit with her classmates, the students decide to make copies of the star and put the names of a boy or girl friend or just someone they like – one student even inscribes the star with the teacher’s name.

When the teacher walks into the room and sees all of her students wearing yellow stars, she looks on in disbelief. Paris takes responsibility for the fiasco and is given three days of in-school detention, during which she has to write a report on the significance of the yellow star.

I enjoyed this book, Paris tries so hard to be polite and be a good student, but there is only so much a ten year old can know.

[Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching look at the holocaust & how it relates to her brother being bullied as told by an african american girl named Paris. One of my favorite parts of the book is when her teacher Miss Pointy shares some words of wisdom with Paris about not being so quick to judge others and say they aren't like us. She says: "Oh, we don't have anything in common, but it always turns out we have something in common, or they have something about them that is interesting. Maybe not enough to be the best of friends, but it's enought to have a really good time together. But I wouldn't know that if I didn't push the doubts and prejudices aside so there is a little space in my heart for them. that space is where peace lives, Paris. That little spot in our hearts that has room for other people, that place where we try to find our common ground. Maybe its all the peace we can expect, Paris. but lets try to keep expecting that much."
My favorite character in the story is Mrs. Rosen the piano teacher. she has spunk and spirit and a secret that comes out as the story unfolds.
I think this would be a good read for kids about 10 years old. If you want more in depth info. about the holocaust The diary of Anne Frank might be a better choice.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Paris has four brothers. Her parents are musical and would like Paris to be musical too. They tell her to go to Mrs. Rosen's house to take piano lessons. Mrs. Rosen teacher her more than just music. She teaches her about living in Paris and takes her and her brother, Michael, under her wing. Michael is an older student but he is being bullied by a bigger girl in Paris' fifth grade class. Michael loves to cook. Has a best friend named Frederick and he loves old jazz music which he gets from listening to Mrs. Rosen's records. Mrs. Rosen shows Paris the funny tattoo that she has on her arm and gives her the yellow star with "Juif" on it. Paris takes it to school and gets in trouble when there are two people offended by her wearing it. As punishment, Paris has to write a report on World War II and learns that the world is not exactly what she thought it was.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great companion novel to Sahara Special. I enjoyed it just as much and Esmé Raji Codell has a great way of teaching kids lessons without talking down to them.

In this novel Paris learns:

1. About WWII and Natzi's from her Piano teacher Mrs. Rosen.

2. About treating your enemies as friends because they maybe more like you than either of you wants to admit. Here Paris looks through her rose colored glasses to see vie en rose.

3. About death and new beginnings.

Again, I highly recommend this book for students and teachers alike because it's great to see vie en rose and learn something new.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paris's older brother is getting beaten up by one of Paris's classmates, and won't defend himself. He doesn't believe in violence. Meanwhile, Paris is taking piano lessons from old Mrs. Rosen, who used to live in Paris and who turns out to be a Holocaust survivor.
This is an intense and beautiful look at the meaning of pacifism, of nonviolent resistance, of how we should treat our enemies and those who are cruel to us. In a world that can be dark and cruel, is violence necessary to survive? Is it foolish to think you can avoid violence? This is heavy stuff for a middle-grade novel, and Codell deals with it with amazing sensitivity.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I finally got to read this book! I read Sahara Special by the same author a few years ago and really enjoyed that one. Both books are a unique perspective on an inner city fifth grade class, written from the point of view of two girls in the class, Sahara and Paris. I really like Paris...she tries to hard to be good and polite in a troubled world, and she puts everything in lists!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding characterization and noteworthy theme are the fortes of Codell's companion to her earlier novel, Sahara Special. Paris is sent to an elderly Jewish woman for piano lessons, but Mrs. Rosen teaches her and her brother Michael much more than the piano. Codell's work comments on the Holocaust; Martin Luther King, Jr.; bullying; and so much more. And, to quote from K. Hazelrigg's review, "Education is the key to it all." Wonderful book!

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

My school librarian recommended this book when I was looking for something on bullying. It was not quite what I was looking for because it was not shallow enough. (This is a good thing.) I was looking for something easier. I enjoyed this book because it touched on all kinds of inequality issues, including bullying, racism, agism, and the Holocaust. It was pretty deep. Even though it is children's lit, I definitely think the kids would need some background information to really "get" this book.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The companion novel to Sahara Special. Paris is a 5th grader in Chicago. She's smart, she's musical and she really doesn't know much about the world outside her neighborhood. Then her parents send her to piano lessons from an old lady, Mrs. Rosen, who use to be part of a gang. She has a tattoo on her arm and friends who were shot fighting the other gang to prove it.

A children's book that is entertaining, even thought provoking for adults.

[babyhippoface · Rating 4 out of 5]

This companion to Sahara Special has everything--strong characters with realistic voices, emotional conflict, solid resolution. It touches on racism, personal responsibility, the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Holocaust. The key to every solution in this book is education. This is a superb book for kids.

[Mokamonkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story started very abruptly. I listened to it, rather than reading it and was afraid I had accidentally mixed up the order of the tracks, but nope. Once I got into the story and figured out what was going on, I liked it. There were a lot of lessons to be learned throughout, which kind of turns me off, but overall good story.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. The main character is a precocious little black girl who lives in New York. She takes piano lessons from a Jewish teacher, Mrs. Rosen, who teaches her about life. She learns about the holocaust and becomes saddened and depressed, but she soon bounces back wiser for her new knowledge.