Zora is full of dreams. From the top of the chinaberry tree, she dreams of living in the cities beyond the horizon. Her father thinks she should wear dresses and leave dreaming and tree-climbing to bo
Zora is full of dreams. From the top of the chinaberry tree, she dreams of living in the cities beyond the horizon. Her father thinks she should wear dresses and leave dreaming and tree-climbing to boys. But her mother teaches Zora that like each new branch of the chinaberry tree, dreams are always within reach.
Independent and full of spirit, Zora explores her hometown and listens to the stories of its people - stories her mother makes her promise to remember. But it isn't until Zora is faced with her mother's death that she realizes the importance of her promise. Based on autobiographical writings of the renowned African American writer Zora Neale Hurston, this is a story that will appeal to all readers who, like Zora, believe in their dreams.
Awards
"Choices"
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
"Pick of the Lists"
American Bookseller
Reading Rainbow Selection
Interest Level
Grades 1 - 4
Reading Level
Grades 3 - 4
Themes
Biography, African/African American Interest, Breaking Gender Barriers, Coping with Death, Dreams & Aspirations, Occupations
Accelerated Reader
Level: 3.9
Points: .5
View Description for teachers/educators
William Miller is the award-winning author of numerous books for children for LEE & LOW (see full list to the right). Mr. Miller lives in York, Pennsylvania, where he teaches African American literature and creative writing at York College.
Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu have illustrated many award-winning books for Lee & Low, including Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree and Sam and the Lucky Money. Van Wright, a native New Yorker, and Hu, who was born in Taiwan, are a husband and wife team living in New York City.
Ying-Hwa Hu and Cornelius Van Wright have illustrated many award-winning books for Lee & Low, including Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree and Sam and the Lucky Money. Van Wright, a native New Yorker, and Hu, who was born in Taiwan, are a husband and wife team living in New York City.
View Biographical note