A BEGONIA FOR MISS APPLEBAUM

by Paul Zinbel ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 30, 1989

High-school students Henry Ledniz and Zelda Einnob (try those backward: coy?), in alternating chapters, discuss themselves, their friendship, and the events leading to the death of their favorite teacher. From the moment they hear that the unorthodox Miss Applebaum has retired and seek her out at home, Henry and Zelda know that something is terribly wrong; still, they are swept up in her enthusiastic last excursions into Central Park and to various museums. Meanwhile, she enlists their aid in feeding the homeless in her area. When she becomes sicker, they decide--suspecting her niece of neglect and Dr. Obitcheck of quackery--to take her to a hospital. But it's not so simple: her cancer is not treatable, and the niece accuses them of preventing Miss Applebaum from dying in peace. In a most unlikely conclusion, they take Miss Applebaum home, and when she dies they themselves bury her secretly in her beloved Central Park. In typical Zindel style brief, rapid, facile--several current issues are addressed here. Lively and involving, if not particularly deep.

Pub Date: March 30, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 192

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1989

Categories: CHILDREN'S