Written by D.L. Green, Illustrated by Josh Alves
Zeke Meeks vs. the Crummy Class Play is a FUN easy chapter book that will entertain, keep the reader’s attention, and even teach a life lesson. Zeke (Ezekiel Heathcliff Meeks), experiences many silly and sometimes irritating circumstances and people in his life. The reader can relate to his frustration and many of the characters in this book. The black and white cartoon illustrations are wonderful and perfectly scattered through the book about every third page.
Zeke’s class is performing a play, Snow White, and everyone has to be in it. Zeke really wants to be the prince but ends up cast as the Grumpy Dwarf. He complains and does his worst possible for his “small” role. After a few rehearsals, his teacher, Mr. McNutty, demotes Zeke to the role a horse with even fewer lines because of his lack of trying. After hearing the phrase, “There are no small roles, only small actors”, repeated over and over again, Zeke’s mom explains to him that a good actor will shine in any role and that he should try his best. Zeke changes his ways and studies how to be the best horse he can be. When the night of the performance arrives, Zeke suddenly has the chance to shine as BOTH the prince and the horse. Zeke’s dreams are finally coming true! But will he have to kiss the princess now? Yuck!
Review by Jennifer Ford, South Kearns Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 2-5
Zeke Meeks vs. The Crummy Class Play
Written by D.L. Green, Illustrated by Josh Alves
Publisher
120 pages
Release Date: July 1, 2014
ISBN: 9781479548279 (hardcover)
Categories: Elem. – Easy Chapter Book
Tags: Acting, Play, Theatre, School, Drama, Snow White, Actors, Actresses, Easy Chapter Book, Humor, Life Lessons
Seems like a great book for reluctant readers, has humor, a funny name, and the cover cracks me up!