Zebra Crossing Soul Song

Original and uplifting, this is a gentle tale about a boy who builds a relationship with the local zebra crossing man. Zebra Crossing Soul Song tells the tale of Lenny, a boy who is angry that the local zebra crossing has been painted over and replaced with a pedestrian crossing. Lenny reminisces about his friend Otis - the zebra crossing man - and remembers all the words of wisdom Otis taught him whilst he would cross the road.

Otis and Lenny shared a love of music and much of this story is focused on memory with song. It is a credit to the author (Brahmachari) that much of the music Otis would sing, I could hear in my head. The tale takes a very sad turn towards the end of the novel, where you learn why Otis lost his position as the zebra crossing man, and I was surprised to find myself tearful. Only by examining his memories of his friendship with Otis, can Lenny discover the sad truth.

At first I found this story difficult to connect to as its writing style is very different from those usually associated with Barrington Stoke due to its use of song lyrics and Caribbean-style language throughout, but as the narrative continues, you can't help but find yourself engaged with Otis and Lenny's relationship. I chose to share this book with some of my reluctant boy readers (ages 12+) and many of them found this a great read; although I do think it is a more select readership.

Barrington Stoke books are particularly suitable for dyslexic, struggling or reluctant readers as the pages are thicker, sepia coloured and larger font. I would recommend this book to readers of 12+.

80 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Joanna Hewish, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 11+