Zebra Forest

Gewirtz veers away from melodrama, deftly capturing nuances of family dynamics in spare prose. ... [A]udiences will appreciate this novel's multilayered characters and touching message of hope and forgiveness.
--School Library Journal (starred review)

Debut author Gewirtz successfully conveys the terror and tedium of being trapped...An emotionally honest family story with an ending that's hopeful without being implausibly upbeat.
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Gewirtz's emotionally intense debut novel about the complications of families offers a perceptive heroine and poetic, impressive prose.
--Kirkus Reviews

The tight narrative--laden with symbolism, such as a copy of Treasure Island missing half of its pages, a backdrop of the Iran hostage crisis, and the forest itself--is held together with the strength of the characters. This slight, tense debut novel will interest children looking for suspense or family drama.
--Booklist

[T]he absorbing voice and short chapters make this a taut, accessible read (and older readaloud), and kids will be engrossed by Annie's dilemma.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

With well-crafted characters and an engaging plot that doesn't plod, Zebra Forest nails the basics. It's a family mystery that slowly unwinds, with doses of suspense and intensity. ... A skillfully crafted debut novel from an author to watch.
--100 Scope Notes (SLJ Blog)

Clever plot twists, lyrical writing and empathetic characters make this book a must-not-miss.
--Georgia Times-Union