I'm always on the lookout for novels that connect to nature. Luckily, I won this quirky read from a contest by Wendy McLeod MacKnight and Capstone Young Readers!
Description from
the publisher:
A
colony of honeybees mistakes seventh-grader Zinnia’s hair for a hive — and
that’s the least of her problems. While Zinnia's classmates are celebrating the
last day of seventh grade, she's in the vice principal's office, serving
detention. Her offense? Harmlessly yarn-bombing a statue of the school mascot.
When Zinnia rushes home to commiserate with
her older brother and best friend, Adam, she's devastated to discover that he's
gone — with no explanation. Zinnia’s day surely can't get any worse . . . until
a colony of honeybees inhabits her hive-like hair!
Zinnia and the
Bees was
written by Danielle Davis and published by Capstone Young Readers in 2017.
Why you want to
read this book…
It
sounds kind of weird, but once I accepted the unusualness of there being bees
in her hair, I ended up loving Zinnia’s character and how she coped with the
changes in her life. I was surprised by how much emotion I felt while reading
this story. I grew angry at Zinnia’s mother for not taking more action when
Zinnia’s brother disappeared and for not noticing how Zinnia was hiding under
her hood.
“It’s
like a terrible, ridiculous attack-of-the-bees sci-fi movie is being
filmed—except no one else knows about it, and I am, unfortunately, the star.”
If you’re a
writer…
You
might enjoy the way the author used details, especially the use of the yarn and
knitting to show Zinnia’s feelings.
“Wood
needles. Wool yarn. The hypnotizing push and pull, tuck and wrap. All the stuff
that feels massive gets smaller. Less overwhelming.”
If you’re a
teacher…
This
book really showcases how sometimes relationships with parents can be
challenging and hard for kids. Not everyone has a perfect family, and I think this
book shows that, as well as different ways for coping. I also thought it was
nice the way the main character reflected and had some realizations about how
her own behavior contributed to problems with her friends.
“It
shuts with a tiny click that sounds louder than my slam did, at least to me. It
sounds final, like after everything, I’ve finally gone too far.”
Opening Line:
“Ronny
the Rattlesnake is naked. But not for long.”
Other Info:
Here’s
a fun book trailer for Zinnia and the Bees!
This definitely has a unique concept with the bees in her hair. And I love those first two lines. Wish I could write something so great.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy contemporary books with this type of story line. I have it high on my list of books to read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThis certainly is an unsual book. Love the idea of a girl with a beehive hair style contending with bees finding a home in her hair. Curious how it ends. I enjoyed the video. It is a contemporary story!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked it!!! I think it is just wonderful!
ReplyDelete