A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban is the story of an eleven-year-old girl who dreams of someday playing piano in Carnegie Hall.  Her well-meaning father presents her with an organ instead.  Even though Zoe is disappointed that it isn't a piano, she does her best to make the most of things.  Her path is very crooked, however.  Zoe's father is afraid to leave the house and seldom does so.  Her mother works all the time and is seldom home.  A strange boy from school begins following Zoe home every day and works in the kitchen with her father baking cookies and things together.

 

Zoe experiences the ups and downs that most children her age face.  While she does live with both parents, her home life isn't normal.  Her father delights in completing video courses at home because he seldom leaves the house.  Zoe's "best friend" abandoned her for another girl that lives in a better neighborhood.  They make fun of Zoe because of the clothes she wears and where she lives. 

 

The relationships predictably begin to intertwine.  When Zoe is entered in an organ contest, she receives support from all fronts.  Even Wheeler, the boy from school who befriended her father, encourages Zoe.  Basically, Zoe discovers that what she thought her perfect life should be is not the easy, straight path she envisioned.  She realizes that even though the path is crooked, it is at the same time perfect for her.

 

There are many good discussion questions that can be used with this story.  *Ask students what they imagine there life will be life.  What do they think they will be doing in 20 years?  Will they have a family?  What job will they do?  *Also, discuss practice.  Zoe had to practice playing her organ every single day, even when she didn't really feel like it.  Have you ever practiced to do something so you would improve?  Did you ever quit practicing for something?  What happened? 

*Have you ever been invited to a party,but when you got there things are not what you expected?  Were you in the situation Zoe was where you stood and waited for your parents to come get you?

*Do first impressions really matter? Do you think the more you get to know someone the more your thoughts on that person change?

*Wheeler found he was good at baking. Do you think he will be willing to tell everyone at school about it? Why or why not? Should it really matter what you are good at? Shouldn’t you be able to share your talents and take pride in the good you do? Why do you think that is important?

*Have you ever been in a competition or performance?  How did you feel?

 

There are many more questions that can be asked as this book is read.  Most can also be used as writing prompts.  The story is packed full of situations faced by our students.  It is good for them to see how even seemingly bad situations can turn out for the best.