Me Tarzan

by Betsy Byars

Dorothy knows she could make a great Tarzan in the class play, even if she is a girl. When she gets up to introduce the world to her primal yell, something comes over her -- something wild and untamed. She gets the part, but Dorothy's not the only one with jungle fever. Her Tarzan yell seems to have an effect on all nearby animals, and when the circus comes to town the night of the class play, things start to get a whole lot wilder! Betsy Byars is one of the most celebrated and beloved writers of children's books today.

86 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2000

About the author

Betsy Byars was an American author of children's books. She wrote over sixty books for young people. Her first novel was published in 1962. Her novel Summer of the Swans won the 1971 Newbery Medal. She also received a National Book Award for Young People's Literature for The Night Swimmers and an Edgar Award for Wanted ... Mud Blossom!!

Daughters Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers are also writers.

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! Who is going to get the part of Tarzan for the school play - the boy or the girl? But when Dorothy opens her mouth and does her Tarzan yell, there is not contest who should get the part. But each time Dorothy practices her Tarzan yell strange things happen to the animals that hear it. What will happen if she does use the yell the night of the play? Very funny.

[Aletha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute and fast read aloud for my third graders. This had them laughing out loud and a few chapters ended where they just wanted more! Definitely a reread next year!

[KarenMLISt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost gave this four stars but my expectations were set too high when I began it since a school librarian I know told me, "it's the funniest book in the library" (in her humble opinion - and I respect her 14yrs of experience very much!) I enjoyed the story! It made me smile! Byars' concept is incredibly unique and well-crafted in this lil' book. But it lacked something for me that kept it at the 3 star vs 4 star mark. It's one of those "j'ne sais quois" things. I just don't know how to articulate it. Or maybe I'm just lazy. Either way, AH AH AH AH AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! :)

[Beryl White-Bing · Rating 3 out of 5]

the kids love it but i thought it wasted pages with the tarzan yell. Campy sci fi.

[Hima · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's kinda kiddish, but it's over all, entertaining.

[Emi Wallner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very good book. My favorite part was her first time doing her yell.

[Big G]

Dorothy wants to be Tarzan in her school play but when she yells her Tarzan yell it attracts animals! Will she do it in the play or not?

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read aloud...we all perfected our Tarzan yell!