Roz and Ozzie

Hurwitz, Johanna

ISBN 10: 0688109454 ISBN 13: 9780688109455

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 1992

Synopsis

Fourth grader Roz Sasser is trying to fit in at her new school, but she cannot shake Ozzie, a second-grade boy whose crush on Roz continues to cause embarrassing situations.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2-4-- Fourth grader Roz and second grader Ozzie are members of a slightly unusual family, for Ozzie is Roz's uncle, and now that Roz and her parents have moved next door to her grandparents (Ozzie's parents), she's finding his constant tagging along, corny riddles, and troublesome penny collection a hindrance to her attempts at making new friends. It doesn't help either that her mother is so busy working on her doctoral dissertation that she hasn't time to cook regular meals, take Roz to have her ears pierced, or bake cupcakes for her birthday celebration at school. But Roz's father, a high school English teacher fond of quoting Shakespeare, pitches in, while the new proximity to Roz's grandparents also has its advantages. Hurwitz knows her readers and highlights a humorous story and engaging characters with solid, interesting detail and totally believable dialogue. Youngsters will identity with Roz's need to fit in and will warm to the real and lovable characters (especially Ozzie) and funny but realistic situations.
- Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

New to the neighborhood and to fourth grade, Roz Sasser is eager to make friends--but not with Ozzie Sims, her second-grade uncle who lives next door and follows her everywhere. Dismayed at having to spend so much time with her mother's pesky half-brother, Roz gradually finds that Ozzie is kinder and more resourceful than she is herself. Invited to dinner on ``microwave night'' (when Mrs. Sasser teaches), Roz and her dad enjoy yummy vegetable soup and oatmeal cookies that Ozzie has made. And when she's ready to back out of a long-awaited chance to get her ears pierced, Roz opts for pain over humiliation only to find the ordeal wasn't so bad, with Ozzie's hand to squeeze. Recognizing Ozzie's generous spirit, Roz finally reciprocates, not only when he needs help but because she comes to like him. Hurwitz captures the idiosyncracies of her characters with a deft hand. An appealing, comfortable read. (Fiction. 7+) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow & Co
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0688109454
• ISBN 13: 9780688109455
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 114
• Illustrator: McKeating Eileen