2 COPIES

Sweet kid's book for book club that is true to many issues 11 year olds face: really wanting a dog, missing a deceased grandparent, fear of public embarassment, needing to fit in, and putting up with a younger sibling. Zelly really wants a dog, so her Grandpa (Ace, who talks in CAPITAL letter as such a force) challenges her to take on a "practice" dog -- an empty OJ gallon jug. To feed it, she must fill it with kibble, then walk it, and empty it as essential poop scooping duty. Of course this is supremely embarassing to be seen around her neighborhood, but it helps prove her dedication to a furry family member. While this drives the plot, there are other issues that surface -- her relationship with her grandpa, friendship, her Jewish identity and coming to terms with some growing-up issues. For a little book, it covers a lot of ground, very well. ( )

Delightful! I adored Zelly's big Yiddish grandpa, having had one of my own (though far more serious than Borscht Belt). Exploring religion with Zelly and Jeremy, whose families have different versions of Judaism, was powerful -- especially right after reading [b:The Whole Story of Half a Girl|11164727|The Whole Story of Half a Girl|Veera Hiranandani|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320500223s/11164727.jpg|16088800], with yet another version of Judaism. Laugh-out-loud funny, touching, deft navigation of the common middle grade themes of "how do I own my love for my embarrassing friend/family member?" and "what does it mean to be from x culture?" and "how do I stay friends with people who are growing up faster than I am?" The characters are a bit younger, but I think my 6th graders will enjoy this one immensely. ( )

This is a fun novel that is popular with the 3-5th grade crowd. The main character, Zelly, has just moved to Vermont from Brooklyn, which is a significant culture shock. She is now pretty much the only Jewish kid around, until she meets a new Jewish boy in the neighborhood. The plot centers around Zelly's desire to get a dog, and her grandfather's idea to provide a "practice" dog. Although Zelly is not at all observant - she doesn't really even know what the Shema is - her grandfather is full of Yiddish comments, and her friend, Jeremy, is a bit more knowledgeable. There is more drama with Zelly's relationships than there is plot action, and it seems more popular with the girls. ( )

Narrated by Abigail Revasch. Zelly longs for a dog now that her family has moved to Vermont from Brooklyn to live with her widowed grandpa Ace. Ace suggests she care for a fake dog (made from an orange juice bottle, hence the title) in order to show she can be a responsible dog-owner. It's an embarrassing project but will it get her a real dog? Revasch gives this the lively treatment it merits. Her Zelly is girlish while her Ace comes off as a sometimes intimidating crank. But this is more than a light story about dog care and the family eccentric. Zelly's insecurities, her new friendship with Jeremy, and her family's Jewish background add substance. Revasch handles the emotional shifts with aplomb. ( )