Zora and Me by T.R. Simon and Victoria Bond blends historical fiction and mystery, capturing readers with rich storytelling and a vivid portrayal of young Zora Neale Hurston. Praised for its strong sense of place and cultural depth, the novel’s occasional slow pacing may deter some. Overall, it’s celebrated for its engaging narrative and historical insight.

Readers who enjoy Zora and Me by T.R. Simon and Victoria Bond are likely fans of historical fiction and coming-of-age stories. Similar to those who love To Kill a Mockingbird and Brown Girl Dreaming, they appreciate narratives that delve into themes of race, identity, and community through a youthful and vivid lens.

Zora and Me by T.R. Simon and Victoria Bond follows best friends Zora Neale Hurston and Carrie Brown in the all-Black town of Eatonville, Florida, around the turn of the 20th century. After a young man named Sonny is killed by an alligator, Zora spins a tale suggesting a local man, Mr. Pendir, can transform into an alligator. As the girls investigate strange occurrences, they uncover harsh truths about their community and the reality of life under Jim Crow laws. The book discusses enslavement and anti-Black racism, including lynching, in the Jim Crow South.

T.R. Simon

 Victoria Bond

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Zora and Me and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Zora and Me Summary

Background

Zora and Me Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

Zora and Me Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-13

Zora and Me Chapters 8-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-19

Zora and Me Chapters 14-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 20-Epilogue 

Zora and Me Chapter 20-Epilogue  Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Zora and Me Character Analysis

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Themes

Zora and Me Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Zora and Me Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Zora and Me Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Zora and Me Essay Topics

Zora and Me

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Zora and Me?

Reading Age

Book Details