Zevi Takes the Spotlight

by Carol Matas

Overview

★ “Zevi is Jewish, and this important part of his identity is skillfully woven throughout the narrative. This hi-lo title excels in the genre, packaging an accessible, dyslexia-friendly text with a compelling plot and likable protagonist whose journey readers will happily follow. Highly recommended.” — School Library Journal

Can Zevi use his psychic powers to save the life of a famous movie star?

Sudden fame throws thirteen-year-old Zevi into the spotlight when the media discovers his secret abilities—and it’s ruining his life! He wants fame as an actor, not as a psychic. So when Robert Lemon, a famous actor, comes to town to film a movie, Zevi hopes this is his chance to turn things around. Until he begins to sense that the star’s life is in danger. When “accidents” start befalling Robert Lemon on the movie set, it’s up to Zevi to use his gift to save the famous actor.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459838826
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	04/16/2024
Series:	Orca Currents Series
Edition description:	High readability edition
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	296,582
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.30(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	HL560L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Carol Matas is an internationally acclaimed author of over forty-seven books for children and young adults. Her bestselling work, which includes three award-winning series, has been translated into over a dozen languages. She has received over one hundred awards and honors, including the Sydney Taylor Book Award, the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People and two nominations for a Governor General's Literary Award. Carol lives in Winnipeg.

Editorial Reviews

Action-packed, with danger and adventure in every chapter…the story delves into Zevi’s Jewish heritage and culture in a natural way that is enlightening and interesting for readers. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Prolific Canadian author Carol Matas has another winner with this fun middle-grade novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, Jewishness, friendship, and the extraordinary…The plot is entertaining, the portrayals of family and friendships are positive and the inclusion of Jewish practices and values are few, but important, especially at the conclusion of the book, set at the family Shabbat dinner table.”

Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL)

★ 02/01/2024

Gr 4–7—His mom calls it a gift—but to 13-year-old Zevi, his psychic abilities are anything but. He doesn't know how or why, but Zevi can hear people's thoughts, communicate with the dead, and see preternatural visions. His invaluable help in a missing child case puts his abilities front and center, and he's worried about this visibility hurting his acting aspirations. Suddenly, the opportunity of a lifetime comes to Zevi's doorstep when his house is used in a film starring popular actor Robert Lemon. But foreboding supernatural hints are plaguing Zevi—and coming true in the form of dangerous accidents during filming, like collapsing light fixtures and poisoned drinks—making him fear for Robert's safety. Readers will keep turning pages as Zevi and his crew attempt to find the culprit behind the on-set mishaps. Various terms and tidbits about filmmaking will appeal to movie enthusiasts. Zevi is Jewish, and this important part of his identity is skillfully woven throughout the narrative. VERDICT This hi-lo title excels in the genre, packaging an accessible, dyslexia-friendly text with a compelling plot and likable protagonist whose journey readers will happily follow. Highly recommended.—Ashleigh Williams

School Library Journal