My Sweet Orange Tree

By José Mauro de Vasconcelos

Book Overview

Fifty years after its first publication, the multimillion-copy international bestseller is available again in English, sharing the heartbreaking tale of a gifted, mischievous, direly misunderstood boy growing up in Rio de Janeiro.

When Zez grows up, he wants to be a poet in a bow tie. For now the precocious young boy entertains himself by playing clever pranks on the residents of his Rio de Janeiro neighborhood, stunts for which his parents and siblings punish him severely. Lately, with his father out of work, the beatings have become harsher. Zez 's only solace comes from his time at school, his hours secretly spent singing with a street musician, and the refuge he finds with his precious magical orange tree. When Zez finally makes a real friend, his life begins to change, opening him up to human tenderness but also wrenching sorrow. Never out of print in Brazil since it was first published in 1968, My Sweet Orange Tree, inspired by the author's own childhood, has been translated into many languages and has won the hearts of millions of young readers across the globe.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1536203289
• ISBN13: 9781536203288
• Release Date: July 2019
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.1" x 7.1"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

Worth every penny

One of the most beautiful books you will ever have the joy of reading

A really good read

This is a novel that impressed me as a child in a very good way. Maybe I was too young to read it, since it involves poverty, child physical abuse, and death of a very loved one, but this book rings true. it made me take things for less than granted, and as I traveled around the world at an early age, I could relate very easily to the story. It brings out very human characters and how they deal and cope with a very difficult life. it is a beautiful read about love, family, and life. To me, it will always be a very personal favorite.