Vive La Paris

Vive La Paris is written by Esmé Raji Codell. Esmé also wrote Sahara Special which is about these same classmates. I absolutely triple enjoyed this book. I say triple because it was 1) a fun and serious read, 2) the characters learned something new, and 3) the persistence of one of the main characters to not use violence in retaliation.
This book has so much in it and yet I don't feel like it is too crowded. The author gives us inter generational relationships, the Holocaust, bullying, piano lessons, a book club (yeah!) and being black in urban Chicago. The story is told through the first person, fifth grader Paris McCray, and her take on things is very humorous but we also experience her lack of knowledge and innocence which creates an uncomfortable situation. I would like to hear from young readers how they viewed or reacted to Paris' ignorance and subsequent realization of her Jewish friend's experience.
Click here to check out Esmé's web site and blog.