Review: A Fresh Look at the Life of American Teenagers
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 18, 2014
A Zebra Like Me is one of those rare books that is simply spectacular. I've read a lot of Jones' work and am a pretty big fan, but this book was truly something special. Jones has crafted a book that not only brings awareness to Maybelle's illness, but also manages to capture the sweet romance of a first love.Maybelle is the kind of character I would have wanted to be friends with in high school. She's sweet and talented, but unaware of just how her special qualities. When A Zebra Like Me begins, Maybelle has retreated completely inside her shell due to her EDS. She lets her illness rule her life and it has caused her to be completely insecure. This is completely understandable.What makes this book so brilliant is Jones' ability to weave her mission of awareness into a story about a girl coming into her own. Throughout the course of hte story, Maybelle simply blossoms and its spectacular to watch. The story is sweet and simple, but packs such a powerful punch that I devoured the book in a single setting.Books like this should be standard reading in high schools across America. It builds awareness about someone who is different in a way that is not preachy. Instead, it's relatable. It feels real, probably because its based on Jones' on experiences with EDS. In a society where bullying runs rampant, this book celebrates the differences and likenesses among American teenagers. It's real, its fresh, its highly relatable.Disclaimer: I was gifted a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. However, all opinions expressed are my own.