Zack, the Half-Brained Yellow Bird
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Hooray for all those creative, but dreamy kids who struggle in a left-brained world. Zack and his buddies, Lin and Carlos consider themselves the classroom misfits. Zack suspect that all three of them have only half a brain…the right side. Zack knows they all have unique talents, but acknowledges that these talents are sometimes more annoying, than practical.
Faced with a mind boggling new assignment, Zack and his friends are challenged to formulate a Science Fair project that they can actually plan and COMPLETE. Finding a topic for the project causes them to bog down immediately. Finally motivated by Zack being smacked on the head by a wind chime, the boys start Googling for information. With their parents’ support and encouragement, and a genuine interest in the topic, the guys complete the project. The boy’s innovative, but definitely off-beat project, manages to win their school’s Science Fair.
But the win is not without objection. The smartest kid in their class, Richard Martin Malone takes offense that the classroom “dummies” could actually win the first place prize, or any prize, for that matter. He also thinks their project is of little value compared to his team’s project. A battle of words leads to a backpack swinging contest and a trip to the Principal’s office for fighting.
In the retelling of the boys’ perspectives and complaints to both parents and the Principal, the wise Principal clearly identifies the real issues of the “fight”. Mrs. Michaels sees that the real problem is the lack of understanding and valuing each team’s goals and motivations. She resolves the problem by requiring them to “switch” roles and experience one another’s point of view first hand.
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About the Book
Zack Zuzak has a self-image problem. Not only is he bothered by the stigma of being in the Yellow Bird reading level, he’s convinced he has only half a brain--the right side. Together with his friends, Lin and Carlos, they consider themselves the class misfits. Zack suspects they don’t have a whole brain between the three of them. What other reason could there be that makes the planning of a science fair project so difficult?
When inspiration smacks Zack on the head, the boys are motivated to plan and construct an offbeat, creative science project. However, the smartest kid in the class, Richard Martin Malone, doesn’t appreciate their efforts. Richard feels strongly the praise of the boys’ project is not justified. After all, these “dummy” guys rarely carry through on any major assignment.
What happens next is an escalation from harsh words to confrontation and a swift trip to the principal’s office. How will the principal deal with the unkind language, hurt feelings, and misunderstandings between Richard and the boys?
About the Author
Sandi Eyman is an experienced educator. Her students have ranged in age from elementary to college. Most of her classes have included students whose learning abilities varied from special needs to the gifted and talented. Eyman lives in Ohio, surrounded by family, friends, and pets.