Author: - Charlotte Zolotow
Title: - Janey
Illustrator: - Ronald Himler
Publisher: - Harper and Row, Publishers
Year: - 1973
Format: - Hardcover
Genre: - Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: - Assisted, Independent
Interest Level: - Elementary
Topics: - Best friend, moving, memories
Summary: - This book is written as a message to the main character’s best friend, Janey, who recently moved away. The unnamed main character explains how much she misses her best friend, describing the things they used to do and how those activities are not quite the same anymore. At the end, the main character consoles herself with the idea that maybe when she and Janey grow up, they can live together; but even that doesn’t completely erase the loneliness she feels. The illustrations in this book are very accurate to real life, and the unique color scheme of browns, blacks, reds, and oranges add a feeling of nostalgia to the story.
Extension Activity: - Students will tell how they felt when a friend moved away, or imagine what they would feel like. Students will brainstorm ways that they could communicate with one another over long distances.
-Students will be rearranged in the classroom so that there is a clearly defined line down the middle of the classroom. If possible, best friends should be separated on either side of the room. Then, over the course of the day, students will only be able to interact with the classmates who are on the same side of the classroom. If students wish to talk to someone on the other side, they have to write a letter and give it to the teacher. The teacher will be able to distribute the letter(s) only once every one or two hours, a way of illustrating the time it takes to communicate through letters with someone who moved away. At the end of the day, students will reflect on the experience.
