Storyteller

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Bibliography:

Giff, Patricia Reilly. (2010). STORYTELLER. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 9780375838880

Summary:

Elizabeth and Zee are relatives with parallel lives, but are separated by two hundred years.  One lives in the twentieth century while the other during war-torn American Revolutionary Times.  Their stories unfold as Elizabeth, while staying with her aunt, learns about the picture of a woman hanging in the hallway that looks just like her.  Through Elizabeth’s journey of discovery, both girls journey on a path of finding out who they truly are.

Critical Analysis:

Patricia Reilly Giff portrays two girls across the span of time that have similar lives in Pennsylvania, even though they are separated by two hundred years.  In the twenty-first century Elizabeth has to go stay with her aunt Libby while her Pop goes on a business trip to Australia.  Resentfully she goes to Libby’s house, and her life is forever changed once she glimpses the picture of Zee hanging in Libby’s hall.  As time progresses, Elizabeth finds out the story of her distant relative Zee, whom she looks like.  However, not only do they look alike, but their lives and stories are one of overcoming self-worth, tragedy, and ultimately triumph in finding out how strong they really are.  In addition, Giff give readers a look into the strife of living in America at the beginning of Revolutionary times through the voice of Zee.  These times were tragic, friends turned against friends, loved ones were lost, and much tragedy was to be had for the price of freedom from Britain.  Adding to the strong historical significance, Giff alternates chapters between Elizabeth’s life, written in third-person, in the twenty-first century and Zee’s life, written in first-person, in the eighteenth century to give readers a feeling of deeper understanding of the times and the growing stories of strength that each girl achieves.  Ultimately, this book is a good read for for anyone interested in American history and the times during the Revolutionary War.

Review Excerpts:

“Giff again demonstrates her own gift for storytelling.” -Publishers Weekly

“This is a lovely story about love and loss, a little-known aspect of Revolutionary history and the way the past informs the present, and the ending is gratifying.” -Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

-Research the American Revolution

-Write a story mirroring the frame of Storyteller by creating a character from present day point of view and picking a point in history to create another character to portray their view from that time.

-Draw a character sketch of Elizabeth and Zee

-Compare and contrast the characters and their lives