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When Life Gives You O.J.
For years, 10-year-old Zelly Fried has tried to convince her parents to let her have a dog. After all, practically everyone in Vermont owns a dog, and it sure could go a long way helping Zelly fit in since moving there from Brooklyn. But when her eccentric grandfather Ace hatches a ridiculous plan involving a "practice dog" named OJ, Zelly's not so sure how far she's willing to go to win a dog of her own. Is Ace's plan so crazy it just might work . . . or is it just plain crazy?
Erica S. Perl weaves an affectionate and hilarious tale that captures the enduring bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Even when they're driving each other nuts.
Erica S. Perl weaves an affectionate and hilarious tale that captures the enduring bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Even when they're driving each other nuts.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
45 people are currently reading
1261 people want to read
About the author
Erica S. Perl
56 books112 followersErica S. Perl is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 popular and critically acclaimed books for young readers. She won the National Jewish Book Award and a Sydney Taylor Silver Medal for her middle grade novel, ALL THREE STOOGES. She is also the author of many well-loved picture books, including THE NINTH NIGHT OF HANUKKAH and GOATILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS, as well as several book serieses (including the TRUTH OR LIE nonfiction series). She is the co-author, with Dolly Parton, of the BILLY THE KID picture book series. She is also the co-author, with R.J. Palacio, of WHITE BIRD: A NOVEL. A crowd-pleasing presenter, Erica is available for school visits, bookstore, and library events. Follow her @ericaperl on social media and visit her website to connect with her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
September 7, 2011
Okay, so here's what I've been puzzling over with this book-- it's a PRIME example of the sort of book that sometimes struggles to find the right readers, I think. Because it takes real risks, in quiet ways. It doesn't announce itself as "quirky" or "zany." It just is those things, because it is human, and humans are those things...
The book is charming, yes. It is funny. The characters are real. The writing is impossibly good, without requiring flourishes. It is smart and witty and SIMPLE. In theory, everyone is supposed to like all of those things. But somehow, books like this get misread. Or overlooked.
What makes me love it best is what an irritating review I just read disliked about it. It is PARTICULAR. It is pointed. It is honest.
If you need things to be sweet and sympathetic at every turn, or DRAMATIC, look elsewhere. This book has a tiny but real mean streak. It makes fun. It paints a real portait of real people with adept humor, and with empathy too, with humanity.
Here is a test. If you LOVE this line like I do (whether or not you are Jewish) you will love the book. If you think this line is too mean, you maybe won't:
"The camp Allie and her sister go to," said my mom, "is, well--"
"IT'S FOR THE GOYIM," interrupted Ace.
(and then, a few lines later, about the same church camp, and what they do there, and why Zelly can't go)
Ace shrugged, "IT'S A PROVEN FACT: JEWS CAN'T MAKE FUDGE. THE GOYIM. THEY KNOW HOW TO MAKE FUDGE."
It is not that the book is about Jews that makes it particular. It's that it's a little mean. Zelly doesn't like Ace. WE aren't supposed to entirely like him. And yet, we appreciate him on many levels.
If this book resembles anything I've read, it resembles The View from Saturday. It's better than most of the books I've read this year. But it wasn't written, I don't think, for reviewers. It was written for kids smart enough to get it, human enough to laugh.
The book is charming, yes. It is funny. The characters are real. The writing is impossibly good, without requiring flourishes. It is smart and witty and SIMPLE. In theory, everyone is supposed to like all of those things. But somehow, books like this get misread. Or overlooked.
What makes me love it best is what an irritating review I just read disliked about it. It is PARTICULAR. It is pointed. It is honest.
If you need things to be sweet and sympathetic at every turn, or DRAMATIC, look elsewhere. This book has a tiny but real mean streak. It makes fun. It paints a real portait of real people with adept humor, and with empathy too, with humanity.
Here is a test. If you LOVE this line like I do (whether or not you are Jewish) you will love the book. If you think this line is too mean, you maybe won't:
"The camp Allie and her sister go to," said my mom, "is, well--"
"IT'S FOR THE GOYIM," interrupted Ace.
(and then, a few lines later, about the same church camp, and what they do there, and why Zelly can't go)
Ace shrugged, "IT'S A PROVEN FACT: JEWS CAN'T MAKE FUDGE. THE GOYIM. THEY KNOW HOW TO MAKE FUDGE."
It is not that the book is about Jews that makes it particular. It's that it's a little mean. Zelly doesn't like Ace. WE aren't supposed to entirely like him. And yet, we appreciate him on many levels.
If this book resembles anything I've read, it resembles The View from Saturday. It's better than most of the books I've read this year. But it wasn't written, I don't think, for reviewers. It was written for kids smart enough to get it, human enough to laugh.
May 28, 2011
OK, I'm biased (I'm the author), but here's what PW said:
"In this warm novel about family, friendship, and fitting in... Perl (Vintage Veronica) offers a refreshing take on the grandparent-grandchild rapport. The novel strikes an admirable balance of humor and pathos--at times in the same scene."
And modernjewishmom.com called it "a must-read for all 8-12 year olds."
But don't just take our word for it, pour yourself a glass! Because O.J. isn't just for breakfast anymore.
"In this warm novel about family, friendship, and fitting in... Perl (Vintage Veronica) offers a refreshing take on the grandparent-grandchild rapport. The novel strikes an admirable balance of humor and pathos--at times in the same scene."
And modernjewishmom.com called it "a must-read for all 8-12 year olds."
But don't just take our word for it, pour yourself a glass! Because O.J. isn't just for breakfast anymore.
August 17, 2011
Children's librarians can be neatly divided into two categories with relatively little difficulty. Basically, they either love and adore dogs and all things doggie related or they don't. I don't. I was never the kid begging her parents for a hound. I did not dream of fluffy golden retriever puppies or watch the Westminster Dog Show on television with undiluted envy. As an adult, I've maintained my canine-related neutrality admirably. I don't dislike dogs, but I don't obsess over them. So when folks hand me children's novels that hinge on wanting one, I know right off the bat that I'm not going to be able to relate. Still, I read them because there will be a whole host of children out there who can relate and I need to know if this book will be any good for them. If the book's going to be dog this, dog that I'm going to have a hard time. Far better to have a story with vibrant characters, unpredictable plotting, and conflict involving (amongst other things) and just a hint of 21st century anti-Semitism. Sure, When Life Gives You O.J. is a dog book in the strictest sense of the term, but I'd go out on a limb and say that there's stuff here for child readers of all stripes. Not just the dog-obsessed.
That Zelly wants a dog is no secret. That her parents are not inclined to give in to her demands is understood. She begs. They refuse. So when she receives a note in her room one day that makes no sense, she has no idea what she's getting into. It reads: "KID, SEE ME IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOU GET THIS. DO NOT SPEAK OF THIS TO ANYONE, NOT EVEN YOUR PARENTS OR YOUR BROTHER. ACE. P.S. I HOPE YOU ARE READY FOR THIS." Ace is Zelly's grandfather who is now living with her family ever since the death of Zelly's beloved bubbe (grandmother). He's a bit nutty and his plan seems to follow suit. Handing his granddaughter an empty orange juice container, Ace tells Zelly that all she has to do is treat it like a dog. You know. Take it for walks, feed it (a disgusting combo of dog food and water), clean up its poop (see: disgusting combo of dog food and water), etc. Of course, Zelly's parents aren't on board with this plan, and she has other things on her mind distracting her. There's the fact that her new friend went away to Bible camp and never wrote her. There's a new boy who's Jewish like she is and super friendly. And let's not forget the bully who would never let Zelly forget it if he saw her walking a wet dog food filled orange juice jug. Things aren't easy for Zelly and getting a dog appears to be the hardest thing of all. A glossary of Yiddish words appears at the end.
Grandparents in children's literature appear in a variety of ways, but I think I can safely say that I've never encountered anyone quite like Ace before. Sometimes he reminded me of the grandfather in Louis Sachar's The Cardturner, but generally speaking Ace is an original. Perl's smart too. She starts off her book without giving you a clue as to who or what "Ace" really is. All you know is that Zelly has woken up to find a note swearing her to secrecy and attached to an empty orange juice jug on her nightstand. If I were a teacher handing out writing assignments I would have my kids read that first page, take in that information, and then write their predictions as to what the book is going to be about. I bet you'd get a range of genres, with some kids thinking there was an otherworldly connection as others imagine spy novels and secret messages. It's one heckuva opening and when you actually meet Ace he doesn't disappoint. That's where capitalized words (his preferred method of speech) will get you. They're noticeable.
The book provides an interesting examination of sacrifice. The context considers what kids can do to persuade their parents to give them what they want (not what they need). Consistently throughout this book Zelly is told that she's not committed enough to her desire to have a dog. She talks the talk but can she walk the walk? Similarly her friend Jeremy knows a little something about giving up the thing you love the most and tries to council Zelly. That's on the surface. Dig a little deeper, though, and I couldn't help but think that the book does a pretty fabulous job at showing kids that if you're willing to appear just a little bit insane, not so much that your parents put you on Seroquel but enough to give them the shivers, as well as dedicated to that insanity, you can conquer the world. Not a message I see in books for kids as often as I'd like.
A fellow librarian once pointed out to me that if you read a lot of contemporary children's fiction you would fall under the distinct impression that any and all humans of the Jewish persuasion disappeared after WWII. Which is to say, name me a couple chapter books starring contemporary Jewish kids where the whole point of the book ISN'T that they're Jewish. It can be done but it takes some doing. The only author I've run across lately who does it with consistency is Brenda Ferber (Jemma Hartman Camper Extraordinaire, etc.). Perl's book can now be added to that lamentably short list. Now when Kirkus reviewed this book they pretty much said that it was written for a niche audience. Which is to say, the book incorporates Yiddish words in the text and doesn't explain them until you reach the glossary at the end. I'm not sure what "niche" Kirkus thinks is going to read that, though, since I suspect that kids who don't run into Yiddish on a daily basis will have no difficulty whatsoever following the storyline. But even those that do aren't going to read this book because of that fact either. They're going to read the book because it involves a girl who lugs her orange juice container behind her like a dog. Which is to say, because it's funny.
One element in the book did confuse me a bit. Zelly enters into this crazy plan of Ace's with the full knowledge that her parents aren't on board. Riddled with doubts, she nonetheless continues to "walk" and "feed" O.J. I'm not sure that I ever had a clear understanding of why this was. Insofar as I could tell her parents give her a pretty clear denial that any of this ridiculousness will lead to pet ownership. She does eventually reach the point I mentioned earlier where the dedication of near insanity tips the scales, but before that I wasn't sure what it was that kept Zelly going. A minor point.
If I were feeling ambitious I could try to draw some correlation between contemporary Jewish children's books (Any Which Wall, Julia's Kitchen, etc.) and themes of fitting in, attacking the impossible with humor, etc. That's a fitting topic of a thesis and could not receive adequate attention in a mere review. Still, for all that When Life Gives You O.J. seems to be a silly story about a girl lugging an orange juice container around her block, it has the ability to make the reader think big. About familial relations and how we hold the living accountable for not being the idealized dead. About fitting in with the people you thought understood you. About getting what you want at any cost, even the high price of looking ridiculous. Erica Perl has placed a fascinating little title in a seemingly simple package. Top drawer all around.
For ages 9-12.
That Zelly wants a dog is no secret. That her parents are not inclined to give in to her demands is understood. She begs. They refuse. So when she receives a note in her room one day that makes no sense, she has no idea what she's getting into. It reads: "KID, SEE ME IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOU GET THIS. DO NOT SPEAK OF THIS TO ANYONE, NOT EVEN YOUR PARENTS OR YOUR BROTHER. ACE. P.S. I HOPE YOU ARE READY FOR THIS." Ace is Zelly's grandfather who is now living with her family ever since the death of Zelly's beloved bubbe (grandmother). He's a bit nutty and his plan seems to follow suit. Handing his granddaughter an empty orange juice container, Ace tells Zelly that all she has to do is treat it like a dog. You know. Take it for walks, feed it (a disgusting combo of dog food and water), clean up its poop (see: disgusting combo of dog food and water), etc. Of course, Zelly's parents aren't on board with this plan, and she has other things on her mind distracting her. There's the fact that her new friend went away to Bible camp and never wrote her. There's a new boy who's Jewish like she is and super friendly. And let's not forget the bully who would never let Zelly forget it if he saw her walking a wet dog food filled orange juice jug. Things aren't easy for Zelly and getting a dog appears to be the hardest thing of all. A glossary of Yiddish words appears at the end.
Grandparents in children's literature appear in a variety of ways, but I think I can safely say that I've never encountered anyone quite like Ace before. Sometimes he reminded me of the grandfather in Louis Sachar's The Cardturner, but generally speaking Ace is an original. Perl's smart too. She starts off her book without giving you a clue as to who or what "Ace" really is. All you know is that Zelly has woken up to find a note swearing her to secrecy and attached to an empty orange juice jug on her nightstand. If I were a teacher handing out writing assignments I would have my kids read that first page, take in that information, and then write their predictions as to what the book is going to be about. I bet you'd get a range of genres, with some kids thinking there was an otherworldly connection as others imagine spy novels and secret messages. It's one heckuva opening and when you actually meet Ace he doesn't disappoint. That's where capitalized words (his preferred method of speech) will get you. They're noticeable.
The book provides an interesting examination of sacrifice. The context considers what kids can do to persuade their parents to give them what they want (not what they need). Consistently throughout this book Zelly is told that she's not committed enough to her desire to have a dog. She talks the talk but can she walk the walk? Similarly her friend Jeremy knows a little something about giving up the thing you love the most and tries to council Zelly. That's on the surface. Dig a little deeper, though, and I couldn't help but think that the book does a pretty fabulous job at showing kids that if you're willing to appear just a little bit insane, not so much that your parents put you on Seroquel but enough to give them the shivers, as well as dedicated to that insanity, you can conquer the world. Not a message I see in books for kids as often as I'd like.
A fellow librarian once pointed out to me that if you read a lot of contemporary children's fiction you would fall under the distinct impression that any and all humans of the Jewish persuasion disappeared after WWII. Which is to say, name me a couple chapter books starring contemporary Jewish kids where the whole point of the book ISN'T that they're Jewish. It can be done but it takes some doing. The only author I've run across lately who does it with consistency is Brenda Ferber (Jemma Hartman Camper Extraordinaire, etc.). Perl's book can now be added to that lamentably short list. Now when Kirkus reviewed this book they pretty much said that it was written for a niche audience. Which is to say, the book incorporates Yiddish words in the text and doesn't explain them until you reach the glossary at the end. I'm not sure what "niche" Kirkus thinks is going to read that, though, since I suspect that kids who don't run into Yiddish on a daily basis will have no difficulty whatsoever following the storyline. But even those that do aren't going to read this book because of that fact either. They're going to read the book because it involves a girl who lugs her orange juice container behind her like a dog. Which is to say, because it's funny.
One element in the book did confuse me a bit. Zelly enters into this crazy plan of Ace's with the full knowledge that her parents aren't on board. Riddled with doubts, she nonetheless continues to "walk" and "feed" O.J. I'm not sure that I ever had a clear understanding of why this was. Insofar as I could tell her parents give her a pretty clear denial that any of this ridiculousness will lead to pet ownership. She does eventually reach the point I mentioned earlier where the dedication of near insanity tips the scales, but before that I wasn't sure what it was that kept Zelly going. A minor point.
If I were feeling ambitious I could try to draw some correlation between contemporary Jewish children's books (Any Which Wall, Julia's Kitchen, etc.) and themes of fitting in, attacking the impossible with humor, etc. That's a fitting topic of a thesis and could not receive adequate attention in a mere review. Still, for all that When Life Gives You O.J. seems to be a silly story about a girl lugging an orange juice container around her block, it has the ability to make the reader think big. About familial relations and how we hold the living accountable for not being the idealized dead. About fitting in with the people you thought understood you. About getting what you want at any cost, even the high price of looking ridiculous. Erica Perl has placed a fascinating little title in a seemingly simple package. Top drawer all around.
For ages 9-12.
September 29, 2018
Sweet story I read with my third and fourth grade book club! Zelly’s family gives her a “practice” dog made out of a plastic jug to learn responsibility before deciding if she can have a real dog of her own. Along the way, Zelly also learns about friendship and not being ashamed of who you are. Her grandfather Ace is a great character. Ages 8 and up.
October 8, 2011
Zelda Fried, pronounced freed, wants a dog, wants to go to camp Sonrise with her best friend Allie, and she wants to move back to her old neighborhood. That's quite a bit for an almost eleven year old going int the sixth grade.
When Zelly asks her parents if she can go to camp with her best friends, the answer was no, although her parents congratulated her for making a good case. The problems is they've recently moved to Vermont to a new house. You see, she recently lost her grandmother whom she fondly referred to as Bubbles. Her grandfather Ace lives with them now, and since everyone is adjusting to the recent loss and move, Zelly and her brother Sam will be spending time with family.
In an effort to connect with Zelly, Ace comes up with a plan to see if Zelly is ready to take responsibility for a pet. It all starts with a note:
Kid,
See me immediately when you get this.
Do not speak of this to anyone,
not even your parents or your brother.
Ace
p.s. I hope are are ready for this.
Zelly is to take care to feed, water and walk a new makeshift pet. This pet is an old orange juice jug. She is forced to adapt to treating this old jug like a real dog. She makes a face and some spots on her new pet and names it O.J. As she adjusts to this crazy situation she awaits for letters from Allie, makes a new friend and tries to earn the trust of her parents so that she can get a real dog.
This hilarious story of family and friendship will have readers flipping through the pages and sharing the laughter of this Jewish family. Readers will learn some funny Yiddish terms and grow to love Ace and his antics with Zelly and Sam.
The back of the book has a glossary of Yiddish words like Chutzpah, which means “nerve” or “meshuggener” which is a crazy person. Parents and teachers will love this lighthearted family tale which will open the door to a culture they will embrace.
When Zelly asks her parents if she can go to camp with her best friends, the answer was no, although her parents congratulated her for making a good case. The problems is they've recently moved to Vermont to a new house. You see, she recently lost her grandmother whom she fondly referred to as Bubbles. Her grandfather Ace lives with them now, and since everyone is adjusting to the recent loss and move, Zelly and her brother Sam will be spending time with family.
In an effort to connect with Zelly, Ace comes up with a plan to see if Zelly is ready to take responsibility for a pet. It all starts with a note:
Kid,
See me immediately when you get this.
Do not speak of this to anyone,
not even your parents or your brother.
Ace
p.s. I hope are are ready for this.
Zelly is to take care to feed, water and walk a new makeshift pet. This pet is an old orange juice jug. She is forced to adapt to treating this old jug like a real dog. She makes a face and some spots on her new pet and names it O.J. As she adjusts to this crazy situation she awaits for letters from Allie, makes a new friend and tries to earn the trust of her parents so that she can get a real dog.
This hilarious story of family and friendship will have readers flipping through the pages and sharing the laughter of this Jewish family. Readers will learn some funny Yiddish terms and grow to love Ace and his antics with Zelly and Sam.
The back of the book has a glossary of Yiddish words like Chutzpah, which means “nerve” or “meshuggener” which is a crazy person. Parents and teachers will love this lighthearted family tale which will open the door to a culture they will embrace.
April 17, 2012
Love the cover!
This is the story of Zelly Fried, an 11 year-old Jewish girl from Brooklyn recently transplanted with her family to Burlington, VT to live with her widowed grandfather Ace. Zelly really wants a dog and Ace proposes the practice dog--an empty OJ jug-that she walks, feeds and even practices with cleaning up after. Through OJ, she meets Jeremy, also Jewish, who becomes a quick friend. This is more the story of finding your place--being proud of your heritage, and learning responsibility, than about getting a dog. It's about growing up. A very pleasant read.
This is the story of Zelly Fried, an 11 year-old Jewish girl from Brooklyn recently transplanted with her family to Burlington, VT to live with her widowed grandfather Ace. Zelly really wants a dog and Ace proposes the practice dog--an empty OJ jug-that she walks, feeds and even practices with cleaning up after. Through OJ, she meets Jeremy, also Jewish, who becomes a quick friend. This is more the story of finding your place--being proud of your heritage, and learning responsibility, than about getting a dog. It's about growing up. A very pleasant read.
May 28, 2011
I loved this book. Zelly, like a lot of 10 year olds, is feeling that life has given her a sack lemons. Her family left NY to move to Vermont and the only good that could come of it is that she could finally have a dog of her own. But her parent nix the plan. Luckily, her wacky grandfather has a wacky idea. To prove she's worthy she creates a practice dog, named O.J. after the carton that makes up his body. A lovely, entertaining read.
August 8, 2011
Picked this one up on the recommendation of a friend without really knowing what it was about. Zelly is ten years old and has moved to Vermont from Brooklyn with her family. Her grandmother has passed away and they have moved to live with her grandfather. I enjoyed how Perl dealt with several issues - fitting in, friendships, longing for something, relationships with family members, and more. A very relatable book for the age group I teach.
October 26, 2016
What a fun story on the surface for young readers. But there is also so much to discuss and think about in this book. Author Erica Perl has done a wonderful job presenting important topics for families to discuss and given readers an interesting and easy way to bring those conversations to the table. Great family book discussion book.
April 17, 2012
This book is about a girl that really wants a dog and her parents will not agree, so they give her a empty gallon of orange juice and tell her that is her dog. Evreyday she drags it for a walk, feeds it, and takes it to the bathroom just like a real dog. This book was funny and a great story idea.
November 2, 2015
This book is AMAZING!!! I love it because a girl has to do a bunch of crazy stuff just in order to get a dog. IT'S SO CRAZY!!! That's basically it but be sure to STAY AWESOME!!!!!!
February 18, 2019
So funny because it has a nice setting and the characters are original.
August 3, 2011
Zelly Fried wants a dog more than anything, but her parents aren't convinced. When her eccentric grandpa Ace leaves her a note tied to an old orange juice jug, she's the one who isn't quite convinced. Ace has cooked up a plan for Zelly to have a "practice dog" to prove to her parents that she really is ready to take on the responsibilities of owning a dog. Will Zelly be able to do this? She really does want a dog. But she's sure that she will die of embarrassment "walking" an old orange juice jug tied to a leash, feeding it an having it, um..., go to the bathroom (yes, you'll have to read it for details!).
Erica Perl has definitely written a funny book with great dialog and funny situations, but she's created characters that will stay with me long after my reading. Zelly and her grandfather are rich, fully developed characters whose relationship grows in touching ways through the course of the story. Zelly lost her beloved grandmother just a few years before and she's still struggling with that loss. Perl handles both Zelly's family and friendship issues with sensitivity. Zelly's family is one of the few Jewish families in her Vermont neighborhood, and her grandfather's dialog is full of Yiddish phrases.
I was touched by the way Zelly grew through the course of the story. She definitely had weaknesses, losing her temper with Ace and shouting at him. But she also came to understand him more fully. As she realizes toward the end of the book, "I guess sometimes you don't know things about yourself until you do."
I'm going to recommend this to students who like realistic fiction, like The Year The Swallows Came Early, by Kathryn Fitzmaurice or Rules, by Cynthia Lord.
Erica Perl has definitely written a funny book with great dialog and funny situations, but she's created characters that will stay with me long after my reading. Zelly and her grandfather are rich, fully developed characters whose relationship grows in touching ways through the course of the story. Zelly lost her beloved grandmother just a few years before and she's still struggling with that loss. Perl handles both Zelly's family and friendship issues with sensitivity. Zelly's family is one of the few Jewish families in her Vermont neighborhood, and her grandfather's dialog is full of Yiddish phrases.
I was touched by the way Zelly grew through the course of the story. She definitely had weaknesses, losing her temper with Ace and shouting at him. But she also came to understand him more fully. As she realizes toward the end of the book, "I guess sometimes you don't know things about yourself until you do."
I'm going to recommend this to students who like realistic fiction, like The Year The Swallows Came Early, by Kathryn Fitzmaurice or Rules, by Cynthia Lord.
August 14, 2011
Zelly Fried moves from Brooklyn to Vermont with her family to support her aging grandfather. More than anything, Zelly wants a dog. Her grandfather, Ace, convinces her to use an orange juice bottle as a practice dog. The rest of the novel tells how Zelly makes friends, adjusts to life in Vermont, and builds a relationship with her sometimes difficult grandfather.
This middle grade novel reminded me very much of the Kate Messner's The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. Both novels include strong girls who are trying to find their place in a their family. I think that When Life Gives You O.J. is a bit stronger -- Zelly is a more stable character and the plot is more organized and easier to follow. I recommend both novels to girls in grades 4 - 7 (depending on reading ability) who are focused on family and friends rather than boys and dating.
I also really liked that Zelly and her family are Jewish. When I was growing up, I didn't really know any Jewish kids. Perl describes Zelly's modern Jewish life in a way that both Jewish and non-Jewish readers can relate to.
This middle grade novel reminded me very much of the Kate Messner's The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. Both novels include strong girls who are trying to find their place in a their family. I think that When Life Gives You O.J. is a bit stronger -- Zelly is a more stable character and the plot is more organized and easier to follow. I recommend both novels to girls in grades 4 - 7 (depending on reading ability) who are focused on family and friends rather than boys and dating.
I also really liked that Zelly and her family are Jewish. When I was growing up, I didn't really know any Jewish kids. Perl describes Zelly's modern Jewish life in a way that both Jewish and non-Jewish readers can relate to.
December 9, 2014
Zelly has always wanted a dog, but her parents aren't interested. After her grandmother dies the family moves to Vermont from New York to live with Zelly's maternal grandfather. Ace is quite the character - fun to read about but not so fun to live with. Then Ace comes up with a brilliant plan: Zelly needs to show her parents that she is responsible enough for a dog of her own. To do this, Ace suggests that she treat an old orange juice jug like a dog - feeding it, walking it, and cleaning up after at! Zelly is embarrassed at the thought of dragging an empty OJ container around with her everywhere she goes - but she really, really wants a dog.... Will she find success? Or complete and utter humiliation?
January 9, 2016
First of all, I am grateful to Erica S. Perl for writing a book with a non-Holocaust Jewish protagonist. There are just not enough of those. This, Dave At Night, and Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself are the only ones I know of.
Second, the book is good, if a little predictable. The concept of the OJ jug as a practice dog was fun, and the supporting characters were lively enough to keep things interesting. I am reading this book with some of my 6th grade students, and they are all enjoying it.
Second, the book is good, if a little predictable. The concept of the OJ jug as a practice dog was fun, and the supporting characters were lively enough to keep things interesting. I am reading this book with some of my 6th grade students, and they are all enjoying it.
September 10, 2011
The premise of this book is great--Zelly and her grandfather hatch a plan to convince her folks to let her get a dog, she'll take care of a practice dog made out of an empty O.J. bottle (including feeding, walking, and picking up pretend poo). However the book is not as funny as the premise--it is actually a much more serious book about relationships and family, responsibility and death. It captures the way that kids really do relate to people who are a lot older then they are--a little bit of fear, confusion, love, and many other mixed emotions.
And of course there are dogs--though not nearly enough dogs for me, it was still a good dog lovers book!
And of course there are dogs--though not nearly enough dogs for me, it was still a good dog lovers book!
June 28, 2011
Charming, adorable, cute! The chapters are a tad long, so it might take an 8-12 year old some time to finish one. One chapter a night might be asking a lot for an 8 year old. But very adorable book! I LOVED the dictionary at the end! And I have to admit that when I read she finally got her puppy, I teared up. I loved the paw prints at the beg of each chapter and the lil bones!
Zelly was persistant with O.J. and it paid off!
*I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.*
Zelly was persistant with O.J. and it paid off!
*I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.*
December 31, 2011
I loved this little book. A wonderful chapter book for younger children (second-fourth grade is where I see it). This is the story of Zelly and her grandfather and a discarded plastic jug that becomes Zelly's "practice dog." Themes of family, friendship, and responsibility run through this story. Will appeal to boys and girls alike. Also reminds me that we don't see too many books with young Jewish protagonists outside of Holocaust literature.
February 10, 2013
This book is about Zelly Fried, who moves with her family from Brooklyn to Vermont to live near her grandfather Ace after her grandmother dies. Zelly desperately wants a dog so she follows Ace's advice to try and get a dog. Along the way, Zelly deals with bullies, problems with her best friend and new neighbors. It is a delightful read because of strong character voice and realistic events that we all can relate to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2015
What would you do if your grandfather gave you an old plastic orange juice jug and told you to think of it as a pet dog? Would you agree to it? Would you care what your friends thought?
That is what happens to ten-year-old Zelly in this story that explores multi-generation families, the desire to fit in, and what it means to be Jewish. A cute twist on the classic kid wants a dog story, but the parents keep saying no.
Dog lovers and kids with a good sense of humor will like this one.
That is what happens to ten-year-old Zelly in this story that explores multi-generation families, the desire to fit in, and what it means to be Jewish. A cute twist on the classic kid wants a dog story, but the parents keep saying no.
Dog lovers and kids with a good sense of humor will like this one.
July 3, 2011
I wasn't exactly sure what the book was about when I picked it up but I loved who Perl pulled together this story about Zelly and her desire for a puppy along with wonderful elements of friendship and family and does it all well. Will add this to my list of read alouds for Second and Third grade this year.
December 11, 2011
My favorite part of this story was actually the Grandpa ... "Ace."
In my head everything he said was shouted. Kind of funny because neither of my grandpas shouted. It just really made the character that he was always so blustery and loud.
Zelly was an interesting character as well, though. Good one to give kids.
In my head everything he said was shouted. Kind of funny because neither of my grandpas shouted. It just really made the character that he was always so blustery and loud.
Zelly was an interesting character as well, though. Good one to give kids.
June 10, 2015
Loved this book! A great look at what is irritating yet lovable about our families through the relationship of Zelly and her grandfather, Ace. You laugh and you cry at the evolution of the relationship during the course of the book. The additional messages about challenges and changes in friendships make this a great middle grades read for kids 9-12. I'd highly recommend it!
June 23, 2011
Really cute book. I appreciated how real the characters were and how believable the issues she was dealing with. I would recommend for 8-12 year old girls, or a fun quick summer read for the parent :)
June 28, 2011
A good middle grade novel. Deals with issues that are current and handled well for this age group. Lots of humor too which makes is a great read.
June 19, 2011
"I guess sometimes you don't know things about yourself until you do." pg 185
August 28, 2011
A sweet, funny story with charming characters. The cover art is certainly among cutest of the year.
October 3, 2011
Loved this book. Honest and the characters are realistic -- not always likable but always relatable. Humorous but deals with the issues head on. Great for that upper elementary reader.
September 19, 2011
For all kids who have ever really, really, and I mean REALLY wanted a dog.
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