In the Book Zebra by Chaim Potok What Changeds Did Zebra Have After the Art Camp

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Mar 19, 2008 Tawny rated information technology really liked it

Author: Chaim Potok
Championship: Zebra and Other Stories
Genre: short stories
Publication Info: Random Firm. New York. 1998.
Recommended Age: 11 and upwards

Plot Summary: "Zebra," the first of vi stories included in this volume, is about a young male child named Adam Martin Zebrin. People call him Zebra because of his last name and because of his dearest for running. One day he ran also quickly downwardly a hill and could not stop himself. A car hit him, crushing his left leg and hand. Zebra wore a caryatid and sling for over a ye

Author: Chaim Potok
Title: Zebra and Other Stories
Genre: short stories
Publication Info: Random House. New York. 1998.
Recommended Historic period: xi and upwards

Plot Summary: "Zebra," the first of half-dozen stories included in this volume, is most a young boy named Adam Martin Zebrin. People phone call him Zebra because of his last name and because of his dearest for running. One twenty-four hours he ran besides quickly down a hill and could non end himself. A car hit him, crushing his left leg and hand. Zebra wore a brace and sling for over a year. He became serenity and introspective, merely watching every bit the other kids played exuberantly at recess. Standing off to the side similar this, he once spotted a one-armed man earthworks into the garbage cans along the street, pulling out certain objects and putting them into the plastic bag he carried. The human came and spoke with Zebra. He drew a portrait of Zebra right there and handed information technology to him. He announced that he would be teaching an fine art course at his school that summer. Zebra was intrigued by the man and attended his class. The students learned how to see differently and draw accurately. They fabricated sculptures out of the garbage the instructor brought to grade. Zebra establish out that the one-armed human lost his arm during the Vietnam War. He was a helicopter airplane pilot. Zebra then drew helicopters and fabricated a sculpture out of his own garbage at dwelling house. His teacher presented one of Zebra'due south drawings at the Vietnam Memorial for an creative person friend who had been killed during the war.

Personal Notes: I am a huge fan of short stories. There is just something about existence able to read a whole story in 1 sitting. I would definitely consider reading these stories every bit a class. Potok is a great storyteller, and all of these stories outline changes and grief experienced by adolescents. I strongly believe that reading these kinds of stories helps us cope with whatever things nosotros face in our own lives.

Evaluation: These stories are a little longer than a lot of other short stories I have read. Averaging about 25 pages long, they really give insight into the protagonist'southward life and emotions. I read The Chosen a long time ago, just getting this taste of Potok's piece of work makes me want to go back and read it again.

Other Comments: Potok'south stories encompass such topics as the loss of a parent, the trials a family goes through (including keeping secrets), birth and death, and as mentioned above, the effects of an injury. Apparently, five of these stories were previously published in different magazines and newspapers. I hope that young people read them, and non just adults.

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Adept stories most young children/adults who deal with major events in their lives.

Nov xiii, 2020 Anatoly rated information technology liked it

The short story Zebra written by American writer Chaim Potok tells about an injured boy who met an artist who lost his hand during the Vietnam state of war. The main characters discovered a hidden potential within themselves over the course of the story.

The story is deductive but peradventure a fiddling bit pathetic. Each person who was presented in the story was good but some signs showed that society was not perfect. For instance, the fact that a veteran had to search for something in the bin to survive. Likewise, u

The short story Zebra written by American writer Chaim Potok tells about an injured boy who met an creative person who lost his hand during the Vietnam war. The main characters discovered a hidden potential within themselves over the course of the story.

The story is deductive but peradventure a petty bit pathetic. Each person who was presented in the story was good but some signs showed that guild was non perfect. For example, the fact that a veteran had to search for something in the bin to survive. Also, using a nickname instead of a existent name past the young boy and people effectually him doesn't look right … at least in my opinion.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
http://mandikercher.bhasd.org/wp-cont...

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Children'due south stories.. just I still enjoyed them Children'due south stories.. but I still enjoyed them ...more than

May 21, 2019 Kayla rated information technology really liked information technology

This review has been subconscious because it contains spoilers. To view information technology, click here. information technology was a expert book

Dec 01, 2020 Laura rated it really liked information technology

And then different from whatsoever of his other books.

Zebra and Other Stories is a collection of six curt stories featuring immature people in a wide diversity of situations. In "Zebra" a beau named Adam befriends a wounded Vietnam veteran who becomes his art teacher in a summer program. The homo reminds Adam of himself because Adam was also recently injured when a car hit him. In "B.B.", B.B. and his family are struggling to bargain with the death of his babe brother Timmy. His mother is pregnant again and is nigh to requite birth, despite the fact t Zebra and Other Stories is a collection of six curt stories featuring young people in a wide variety of situations. In "Zebra" a fellow named Adam befriends a wounded Vietnam veteran who becomes his fine art teacher in a summer program. The human reminds Adam of himself because Adam was also recently injured when a car hit him. In "B.B.", B.B. and his family are struggling to deal with the death of his infant brother Timmy. His female parent is pregnant again and is about to give birth, despite the fact that B.B.'s begetter did not want to have another child, lest they risk going through the pain of losing another infant. B.B. is shocked to notice that his begetter has decided to leave the family unit. In "Moon" a rebellious teen with anger direction issues wants naught more than than to have his own recording studio. A special visitor to his school from Pakistan who stays in his habitation makes a big difference in his life and encourages him to think nigh other issues. In "Nava" a young girl is pursued past a teenage drug dealer. When she is threatened past the male child and his associates, she uses her knowledge of Native American folklore and wisdom to fight dorsum and protect herself. "Isabel" is the story of a character by the aforementioned name who has recently lost her male parent and baby brother in a car accident. When her mother decides to remarry, she finds empathy from her new stepsister. The story has a subtle lesbian subtext. The final story, "Max," relates the story of Emma, a immature girl who is brought up to idolize her Uncle Max, who died in a helicopter crash in the Vietnam War. Although her parents seem to desire for her new baby brother, Maxie, to become a miniature version of Uncle Max, Emma surprises them past showing them that she has similar interests every bit her uncle, even though she is female person.

Although the stories cover divergent themes, Booklist notes that Potok discusses "the trappings of youth" as well every bit "themes normally associated with YA literature – alienation, grief, divorce" (Amazon.com 2004). Common to all of the stories is the focus on a young protagonist who is struggling with the environment he finds himself in and the limitations that are imposed upon him by his historic period. Several of the stories brand mention of the Vietnam State of war. The death and loss of a parent or sibling is another recurrent theme. Booklist likewise comments that these themes are discussed with a gentle touch. Potok "merely and skillfully tells a practiced story and respects his audience enough to let them to draw from it what they will" (Amazon.com 2004). Ane good example of this is "Isabel" a story which hints at a possible lesbian relationship between Isabel and her new stepsister, Betsy. He does non overtly state that the relationship is occurring, nor does he graphically describe interactions between the characters. Yet the reader gets the sense from reading Potok's carefully chosen diction that the two girls are beginning to treat each other in a style that extends beyond a ideal friendship.

Potok utilizes a sophisticated writing style that incorporates lush imagery. Plot and description meld in a harmonious alloy of words that piques the reader's interest:

"Moon waited a infinitesimal or two so began to play an accompaniment to the bongos inside the spaces of Ashraf'southward beat…and the bongos went dum dat, dum dat, dum dat in that strange rhythm, and and then Moon took the drums higher in volume…his sticks chirapsia a frenzied cadence, a rhythm of scalding outrage, and he was thumping, driving, throbbing, tearing through his instruments, pouring onto the earth a solid waterfall of sound, and he felt the outrage in his artillery and shoulders and heart and the sublime awareness of hugger-mugger power deep in the very darkest part of his innermost soul (68-69).

This passage skillfully describes Moon's emotional response to playing the drums and the sad fate that has befallen his friend Ashraf. By using figurative language and onomatopoeia, Potok has created a powerful emotional scene. In addition, the use of long, interconnected sentences is an advisable fashion to illustrate the fast-natured, frenzied drum playing and the forcefulness of Moon's emotions.

This short story compilation is first-class and belongs in every schoolhouse and public library collection that serves immature adults.

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Jan 01, 2021 Emily rated information technology really liked it

I have only read "Zebra" so I will just exist discussing this short story. "Zebra" is a bit longer than some short stories, but it's worth the extra pages. The master graphic symbol is nicknamed Zebra considering he loves to run. One day in that location is a terrible blow, and Zebra is hitting by a vehicle which hurts his leg and hand. He struggles to concentrate in school because of the concrete pain, and he is as well dealing with a lot of sadness and depression. He meets John Wilson, a veteran of the Vietnam War, who fifty I have only read "Zebra" and so I will just be discussing this short story. "Zebra" is a bit longer than some short stories, just it's worth the actress pages. The main character is nicknamed Zebra because he loves to run. One day there is a terrible accident, and Zebra is hit past a vehicle which hurts his leg and manus. He struggles to concentrate in schoolhouse considering of the physical pain, and he is also dealing with a lot of sadness and depression. He meets John Wilson, a veteran of the Vietnam War, who lost his arm. Mr. Wilson becomes Zebra's art teacher and through their friendship they both start to heal from their concrete and emotional scars.

I enjoy reading short stories, but sometimes they disappoint me, and I don't e'er get much out of them. I wonder if they need more pages to make a bigger impact. Still, this story delivered. I loved the message of using art to aid Zebra procedure his feelings and starting time to heal. He actually gains more use of his mitt as he keeps creating ii-D and 3-D drawings and sculptures. If you are looking for a brusk story with bigger messages and depth, I would recommend "Zebra."

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Aug 23, 2010 Michael Wing rated it information technology was amazing

Potok is not familiar to me, simply "Zebra and Other Stories" caught my eye because information technology was assigned the YA distinction. Having previously said that brusque stories might be bonny to reluctant readers, this was worth a read. Glad I did. Potok'due south 6 stories involve adolescents in crises, illness, family tragedy, fear, loss and difficult relationships. The protagonists, male person and female, are often in the first person as they reveal their rationale for decisions and behavior. Perfect. Practiced stories mak Potok is not familiar to me, but "Zebra and Other Stories" defenseless my middle considering it was assigned the YA stardom. Having previously said that brusk stories might exist attractive to reluctant readers, this was worth a read. Glad I did. Potok'southward vi stories involve adolescents in crises, illness, family unit tragedy, fearfulness, loss and difficult relationships. The protagonists, male and female person, are often in the first person as they reveal their rationale for decisions and beliefs. Perfect. Proficient stories make us think and consider our moral growth. Potok does that with each tale. He likes to shut with an opening, inviting the reader to create the denouement and assert a continuing pregnant. This will be on the peak shelf in my classroom this autumn. ...more

Dec 14, 2008 Gwen rated it it was astonishing

I just re-read these stories. It was written every bit immature adult short stories, but I call back they really are perfect for adults. It'southward a not bad collection that is beautifully written and quick to read from comprehend to encompass. This is a great introduction to Chaim Potok, just very dissimilar than most of his books because the stories aren't based around the Jewish experience. I would highly recommend this for everyone! I just re-read these stories. It was written as young adult brusque stories, merely I think they really are perfect for adults. It's a great collection that is beautifully written and quick to read from comprehend to cover. This is a nifty introduction to Chaim Potok, simply very dissimilar than most of his books because the stories aren't based around the Jewish experience. I would highly recommend this for everyone! ...more

Aug 09, 2011 READ MOORE rated it really liked it

This was an excellent book that showed the power of how our mental state can decide our physical state. Zebra overcame his sorrowful outlook on life, when famous artists, John Wilson, taught him to run into in a new mode. The lesson is one I have had to learn time and time again; thoughts are powerful, so exist careful what you give thought to! MParker 8-27-11

Sep 01, 2011 Philip Burt rated it it was amazing

We tin can, possibly, see a little of ourselves and our young lives in these gripping stories. While these stories are realistic on the whole, in that location seems to be some supernatural elements that really work to color these stories, too(e.k., the style art seems to help heal Zebra'south hand.)I would recommend these stories, which highlight disquisitional moments in each of the young protagonists' lives. Nosotros tin can, perhaps, see a little of ourselves and our immature lives in these gripping stories. While these stories are realistic on the whole, there seems to be some supernatural elements that really work to colour these stories, too(e.g., the mode art seems to help heal Zebra'southward hand.)I would recommend these stories, which highlight critical moments in each of the young protagonists' lives. ...more than

Jan 16, 2009 Patty rated information technology liked it

Chaim Potok has a beautiful way with words and is able to reveal his characters in understated ways. I preferred the stories in which his protagonist is a male child; the stories most girls rang less true for me.

May 20, 2009 Reid rated it really liked it

A delightful collection; it'due south been on my shelf for years, and I have no idea why I hadn't read information technology before now. Potok has a wonderful and wry sense of humor, and it is especially apropos in this volume that deals mostly with early on adolescents. A delightful collection; it'southward been on my shelf for years, and I have no idea why I hadn't read it before now. Potok has a wonderful and wry humour, and it is especially concerning in this volume that deals mostly with early on adolescents. ...more than

Dec 29, 2009 Hannah Goodman rated information technology really liked it

This collection about 6 pre teens and the life changing events they go through has a promising strong start with the first three stories from the male perspective merely when Potak tries to write from a girl's perspective he falls way short.

Aug 29, 2010 Susan Ant rated information technology information technology was amazing

Have loved Chaim Potok for many years, with Asher Lev and The Chosen. Fine, fine brusque stories which capture much of Jewish life, too every bit just plain life. Bully read for kids who read in shorter bits. Once idea I saw a zebra in Harpswell, but no go.

Nov 29, 2012 Jordan Taylor rated it really liked information technology

This is a collection of vi short stories past Chaim Potok (author of "The Chosen") that all focus on death or loss, with children equally the main characters. I thought that the opening story, "Zebra," was the best.
Powerful writing by a bright writer. This is a collection of six short stories past Chaim Potok (writer of "The Chosen") that all focus on expiry or loss, with children as the principal characters. I thought that the opening story, "Zebra," was the best.
Powerful writing by a brilliant author. ...more

Aug xvi, 2013 Nancy rated information technology liked information technology

short stories filed in kids at Long Beach library. More than YA to me. Second story actually good nigh father who leaves the family, but and so changes his mind. The son is the only i who knows of his dad's original intent. brusk stories filed in kids at Long Beach library. More YA to me. Second story really good virtually father who leaves the family unit, simply then changes his mind. The son is the but ane who knows of his dad's original intent. ...more

I remember reading this in jr high, I remember, and I call up liking information technology even though I wasn't actually into short stories. I couldn't tell you a matter virtually it now, but I've been thinking well-nigh information technology recently, so I thought I'd try to look information technology up (I couldn't remember the title). I think reading this in jr high, I think, and I recollect liking it even though I wasn't really into short stories. I couldn't tell you a thing most information technology now, simply I've been thinking about it recently, and so I thought I'd try to expect it upward (I couldn't remember the title). ...more

Jun 05, 2008 Victoria rated it information technology was ok

if you like reading different stories in one than read this book.
I didn't like information technology very much, manybe you volition like it. if yous like reading different stories in ane than read this volume.
I didn't like it very much, manybe you will like information technology. ...more

while this drove of short stories by Potok is interesting, the stories lack variety, each following similar themes and characters. Still a adept read, but not every bit satisfying as his novels.

I beloved Chaim Potok. Eventhough these short stories are supposed to be geared for younger kids, they were so poignant.

Nov 05, 2008 Demetrius rated it it was amazing

Recommends information technology for: Everbody

This Book Is About A Boy That Is Noticed By Everyone In His Neighborhood Like Myself

Jun fourteen, 2010 Mel rated it it was amazing

I read this story in my 6th or 7th form literature volume and loved it. Zebras and the war vets' stories were and then interesting. I read this story in my 6th or seventh course literature book and loved it. Zebras and the war vets' stories were and then interesting. ...more than

Nov 01, 2010 Audrey rated it liked it

Sort of disturbing. I'm still trying to process some of the themes...and the fact that it'due south in the young adult section. However, a captivating read only like all of his work. Sort of disturbing. I'm still trying to procedure some of the themes...and the fact that it'southward in the young adult section. Withal, a captivating read just similar all of his work. ...more

February 16, 2011 Ryanne Berry rated it really liked it

I loved it only you really can non exercise a rise and falling action book report. Information technology is 6 or seven stories so it is foreign.

smashing book male child goes from a runnig adiction to seeing life in a new manner

Well, i didnt really read all of this volume. In La class we read Zebra and now we are writing an essay about it. I did really bask Zebra.

Feb 02, 2012 Brenda rated it liked it

Book Social club read for February. Good, brusk stories with a bit of a punch to them. I actually like Potok's writing. Volume Lodge read for February. Skillful, curt stories with a bit of a dial to them. I actually like Potok'due south writing. ...more

Herman Harold Potok, or Chaim Tzvi, was born in Buffalo, New York, to Smooth immigrants. He received an Orthodox Jewish education. Later on reading Evelyn Waugh's novel Brideshead Revisited as a teenager, he decided to go a writer. He started writing fiction at the historic period of 16. At historic period 17 he made his outset submission to the magazine The Atlantic Monthly. Although it wasn't published, he received a northward Herman Harold Potok, or Chaim Tzvi, was born in Buffalo, New York, to Polish immigrants. He received an Orthodox Jewish education. After reading Evelyn Waugh's novel Brideshead Revisited as a teenager, he decided to become a writer. He started writing fiction at the age of 16. At age 17 he made his first submission to the magazine The Atlantic Monthly. Although information technology wasn't published, he received a note from the editor complimenting his work.

In 1949, at the age of 20, his stories were published in the literary magazine of Yeshiva University, which he also helped edit. In 1950, Potok graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English language Literature.

Subsequently four years of study at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America he was ordained every bit a Conservative rabbi. He was appointed director of Leaders Training Fellowship, a youth organization affiliated with Conservative Judaism.

After receiving a chief'south degree in English literature, Potok enlisted with the U.S. Army as a chaplain. He served in S Korea from 1955 to 1957. He described his fourth dimension in S. Korea as a transformative feel. Brought up to believe that the Jewish people were fundamental to history and God's plans, he experienced a region where there were almost no Jews and no anti-Semitism, yet whose religious believers prayed with the same fervor that he saw in Orthodox synagogues at home.

Upon his return, he joined the kinesthesia of the University of Judaism in Los Angeles and became the manager of a Bourgeois Jewish summer camp affiliated with the Conservative movement, Camp Ramah. A year later on he began his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and was appointed scholar-in-residence at Temple Har Zion in Philadelphia.

In 1963, he spent a twelvemonth in Israel, where he wrote his doctoral dissertation on Solomon Maimon and began to write a novel.

In 1964 Potok moved to Brooklyn. He became the managing editor of the magazine Conservative Judaism and joined the faculty of the Teachers' Establish of the Jewish Theological Seminary. The following yr, he was appointed editor-in-chief of the Jewish Publication Society in Philadelphia and later, chairman of the publication committee. Potok received a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1970, Potok relocated to Jerusalem with his family. He returned to Philadelphia in 1977. After the publication of Old Men at Midnight, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He died at his home in Merion, Pennsylvania on July 23, 2002, aged 73.

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