Zevi Takes the Spotlight

Zevi is a 13-year-old boy with a special gift. He has psychic powers and can tell when someone is in danger. He has recently saved a young child by ‘seeing’ where she is and helping the police locate her. Zevi’s dream is to be a famous actor, not someone who is famous for having psychic powers.

A movie company asks to use Zevi’s family house for a filming location for a new movie starring Robert Lemon. Zevi is over the moon with happiness when he and his best friend, Nir, are given roles as extras. Zevi hopes he will have the chance to meet Robert Lemon and be asked to star in a movie with him. At the same time, Zevi hopes to put all thought of his special powers behind him so that he can concentrate on his small part in the movie. Unfortunately, very quickly, bad things start to happen on the set. It’s like someone is out to get Robert Lemon, maybe even to kill him, and it’s Zevi’s job is to save him. Will Zevi be able to decipher the cryptic dreams and visions he is having before it’s too late?

Zevi Takes the Spotlight is another entertaining story from the “Orca Currents” series. The books in this series are short, high-interest novels for middle-school students reading below grade level. The stories are high interest and have timely, up-to-date themes which attract readers’ attention. The story in Zevi Takes the Spotlight certainly fits this definition. The story is action-packed, with danger and adventure in every chapter. Zevi and friend Nir are likeable and realistic characters that readers will enjoy and be able to relate to. The plot moves along at a fast pace that is sure to keep readers’ attention. The movie-making and movie star themes are current and well-researched and sure to interest readers.

At the end, the story delves into Zevi’s Jewish heritage and culture in a natural way that is enlightening and interesting for readers. The book’s author, Carol Matas, is a well-known Canadian author. She has written over 40 books for young readers on a variety of themes, including the Holocaust and resistance stories from World War II, as well as a sci-fi story about parents who clone a child as ‘spare parts’ for their first daughter. Matas’ books are highly regarded, engaging and well-worth reading.

I’m sure middle school readers will enjoy this book.