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The Upper Zoo: A Novel
Discover the Truth
There are many kinds of “smart” and many kinds of “wise.”
The Upper Zoo tells a story of a twelve year old Jewish boy in the 1960s who is impacted by the life and love of an autistic child with a firm commitment to Jesus. After being placed in a class for under-achievers, Jonathan finds his life changed forever. The book takes an unusual approach, revealing a world of dysfunctional pain and spiritual triumph through the eyes of a twelve-year old boy. Through surprising twists and turns, Jonathan uncovers secrets that will drastically affect his life and the lives of those closest to him.
No one who reads The Upper Zoo will be able to put it down—it is an inspirational and poignant novel.
There are many kinds of “smart” and many kinds of “wise.”
The Upper Zoo tells a story of a twelve year old Jewish boy in the 1960s who is impacted by the life and love of an autistic child with a firm commitment to Jesus. After being placed in a class for under-achievers, Jonathan finds his life changed forever. The book takes an unusual approach, revealing a world of dysfunctional pain and spiritual triumph through the eyes of a twelve-year old boy. Through surprising twists and turns, Jonathan uncovers secrets that will drastically affect his life and the lives of those closest to him.
No one who reads The Upper Zoo will be able to put it down—it is an inspirational and poignant novel.
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
45 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robert Wolf
4 books6 followersMichael Robert Wolf was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1976, he graduated magna cum laude in English and literature from Temple University. Eventually, he moved to Cincinnati to serve in ministry related activities. In addition to his involvement in Messianic Jewish community work, Wolf is an avid writer of books, plays, and screenplays. His latest book, The Linotype Operator, is published by Finishing Line Press, and will be released in June of 2016. New York Times number one and Oprah selection author Jacqueline Mitchard has written about The Linotype Operator, "It enchanted me in a a way I've been enchanted by only a handful of stories over the last ten years. When I finished it, I wanted to read it all over again." He also wrote the novel The Upper Zoo, published in 2012 by Destiny Image, which rose to number three across all genres at Amazon.com. In addition, he wrote and directed the film The Sound of the Spirit--also released in 2012--which consistently hovers around 8.0 on the Internet Movie Database, and has been shown several times on various television networks around the world. He currently lives in Cincinnati with his wife Rachel, an author and editor of NorthLight art books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
did-not-finish
August 20, 20202020: Too much for this momma’s heart right now.
April 1, 2014
It was an interesting book. I am glad Jonathan and Clarence became friends. I have worked with autistic students and they are unique; it takes a huge heart and lots of compassion. You feel real special when they make eye contact or give you a hug.
I really didn't care for how the author chose to handle the sexual abuse between Gwen and her step-father. Her mother should've believed her and Gwen should've been able to tell her mom.
I really didn't care for how the author chose to handle the sexual abuse between Gwen and her step-father. Her mother should've believed her and Gwen should've been able to tell her mom.
June 7, 2016
All i can say is waow! What an amazing story with such a simple yet wonderful message. Everyone could do with reading this book! Well done Mr. Wolf!
January 2, 2015
I enjoyed this book and would probably give it 3.5 stars if I could. Good, not great. Easy to read. Good character development.
Read
January 26, 2017Sad bc it is about.bullying and abuse but it was an easy read
September 21, 2018
This book was unexpectedly good. I knew before reading it that if dealt with the subject of sexual abuse so I was prepared for that. What I was prepared for were all the lessons the book included. Learning to get to know someone from the inside instead of just judging them from the outside. Learning to have confidence in making decisions for yourself instead of following the crowd or someone else's directive. The importance of family, even when it's not perfect. Between the covers of this book is a great story, don't miss it.
September 26, 2022
Another favourite.This is an Amazon review which sums it up nicely.
The difference between being 'smart' and being 'wise' is demonstrated in this novel set in the 60's and whose main character is a child who is on the autism spectrum. Poignant, riveting, touching and informative - reminds us to look deeper than someone's outward appearance. This is amongst my top favourite reads.
The Upper Zoo was published in 2012 by Destiny Image and rose to number three across all genres at Amazon.com.
The difference between being 'smart' and being 'wise' is demonstrated in this novel set in the 60's and whose main character is a child who is on the autism spectrum. Poignant, riveting, touching and informative - reminds us to look deeper than someone's outward appearance. This is amongst my top favourite reads.
The Upper Zoo was published in 2012 by Destiny Image and rose to number three across all genres at Amazon.com.
July 2, 2022
The Upper Zoo
Book caught my attention because it sounded like something where healing takes place. Jonathan Richman is in a "special" class for those that need time to catch up in school. He encounters a horrible bully, an autistic savant & an abused girl. Many lessons take place for him, most of which deal with forgiveness.
Book caught my attention because it sounded like something where healing takes place. Jonathan Richman is in a "special" class for those that need time to catch up in school. He encounters a horrible bully, an autistic savant & an abused girl. Many lessons take place for him, most of which deal with forgiveness.
October 2, 2018
The only reason I am giving this book only two stars is because I disliked several aspects of the book. Perhaps in other people's lives it is acceptable to bully and hurt people who are considered different, but not in mine
September 10, 2020
I gave this book 5 stars because I found I couldn't put it down; I wanted to find out what was going on. . . BUT, I felt there were questions at the end of the story that I wanted answers to and the author did not provide. I still highly recommend this book.
November 6, 2017
It was a bit weird and sometimes hard to read the injustice to those who aren’t “normal” in the world’s eyes, but I did enjoy it.
April 12, 2021
Jonathan has too many people grabbing for his attention; it’s not surprising he ends up in the lower class.
February 7, 2022
Surprisingly suspenseful
This book kept me turning the pages. It was very moving and brought out many emotions. In depth characters and great plot.
This book kept me turning the pages. It was very moving and brought out many emotions. In depth characters and great plot.
May 18, 2022
I liked this book very much. It was one of those surprise reads. I think I got the book because it was a Freebie but what a great read. I highly recommend reading this book.
February 4, 2023
I am a very picky reader. I spend a lot of time looking for books.
I just updated the rating from 4 starts to 5. This book pulled me in from the beginning.
I just updated the rating from 4 starts to 5. This book pulled me in from the beginning.
January 6, 2020
I read this book in a day, so believe me when I say I couldn't put it down. It is very well written, and extremely thought-provoking. Some of the themes are very adult, so though it is written from pov of a 12/13yo boy, I would not recommend it for that age range unless the child is *very* mature.
July 25, 2014
“There is nothing I liked about this novel”
The Upper Zoo was written by Michael Robert Wolf. The novel is literary fiction in the melodrama/ existentialism genre. Michael Robert Wolf has led Beth Messiah Messianic Jewish Synagogue in Cincinnati, Ohio for the past 33 years. He is past president of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America and presently serves on their executive committee. He has produced several children’s video movies and is presently working with Kingdom Pictures on an independent film he wrote called "Sound of the Spirit," due to be released early in 2012.
The Upper Zoo is narrated in the first person by the main character of the work. Though the main character is a teenager, the narration is inexplicably adult in its tone. The writing is straight forward, not complex and easily read; it should be accepted by a wide audience. While reviewed as a book for young adults, I would caution parents and others that the subject matter may not be appropriate and may even challenge the mores of some adults.
The story is developed around two dysfunctional families brought together as a result of children of the families suffering from various psychological or mental problems that finds them attending remedial education classes. As a result of their association in the classes, called the “Zoo” various students become friends or enemies over the course of an eighth grade school year in 1964. The story opens by introducing Jonathan Richman (the narrator), Gwen Anderson (the girl friend), Robey Romero (the gangster) and Clarence Carlson (the prophet). Each has his own particular problem, the cause of which seems to emanate from some dysfunction of the youngster’s family and this eventually leads to an unavoidable and shocking destiny.
This is a very dark tale that seems particularly out of place as a “coming of age” style of composition. It is a cesspool of the worst of human nature. It touches on all the topics of depravity in our society; adultery, incest, bigotry (both religious and racist), misogyny, bullying, deception, and disrespect to name a few. It provides a view of the police as imperious dolts and a school principal as remarkably dim witted. There is no message in the litany, no parable, and no lesson - nothing that would make me want to press a young reader to regard this tale as important. The family is viewed as broken, all the fathers’ despicable, all the mothers’ victims, all the children outcasts. It’s not so much that one could consider that none of it is relevant, just that where but in a fictional world would so much be concentrated in one place; and not a single redeeming entity anywhere!
All and all I did not find any reason to like this novel. It was all about destruction, despair and failure. While as an adult I could manage the fictional drama, it wasn’t something I would recommend to anyone and certainly not a young adult.
I would recommend this novel to adults with reservations and rate it “Forgettable”.
The Upper Zoo was written by Michael Robert Wolf. The novel is literary fiction in the melodrama/ existentialism genre. Michael Robert Wolf has led Beth Messiah Messianic Jewish Synagogue in Cincinnati, Ohio for the past 33 years. He is past president of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America and presently serves on their executive committee. He has produced several children’s video movies and is presently working with Kingdom Pictures on an independent film he wrote called "Sound of the Spirit," due to be released early in 2012.
The Upper Zoo is narrated in the first person by the main character of the work. Though the main character is a teenager, the narration is inexplicably adult in its tone. The writing is straight forward, not complex and easily read; it should be accepted by a wide audience. While reviewed as a book for young adults, I would caution parents and others that the subject matter may not be appropriate and may even challenge the mores of some adults.
The story is developed around two dysfunctional families brought together as a result of children of the families suffering from various psychological or mental problems that finds them attending remedial education classes. As a result of their association in the classes, called the “Zoo” various students become friends or enemies over the course of an eighth grade school year in 1964. The story opens by introducing Jonathan Richman (the narrator), Gwen Anderson (the girl friend), Robey Romero (the gangster) and Clarence Carlson (the prophet). Each has his own particular problem, the cause of which seems to emanate from some dysfunction of the youngster’s family and this eventually leads to an unavoidable and shocking destiny.
This is a very dark tale that seems particularly out of place as a “coming of age” style of composition. It is a cesspool of the worst of human nature. It touches on all the topics of depravity in our society; adultery, incest, bigotry (both religious and racist), misogyny, bullying, deception, and disrespect to name a few. It provides a view of the police as imperious dolts and a school principal as remarkably dim witted. There is no message in the litany, no parable, and no lesson - nothing that would make me want to press a young reader to regard this tale as important. The family is viewed as broken, all the fathers’ despicable, all the mothers’ victims, all the children outcasts. It’s not so much that one could consider that none of it is relevant, just that where but in a fictional world would so much be concentrated in one place; and not a single redeeming entity anywhere!
All and all I did not find any reason to like this novel. It was all about destruction, despair and failure. While as an adult I could manage the fictional drama, it wasn’t something I would recommend to anyone and certainly not a young adult.
I would recommend this novel to adults with reservations and rate it “Forgettable”.
February 23, 2017
very good book
dealt with real life situations and limitations of people weakness of character yet provided a sound basis for hope and Faith that life continues regardless of struggles or circumstances.
dealt with real life situations and limitations of people weakness of character yet provided a sound basis for hope and Faith that life continues regardless of struggles or circumstances.
August 7, 2014
There are many kinds of “smart” and many kinds of “wise.”
Jonathan is a twelve-year-old Jewish boy who, in the fall of 1963, ends up in an eighth grade class for under-achievers. Little did he know that in one year, his life would be changed forever by a Christian autistic boy from the “Lower Zoo,” the class for slow learners. Along the way, he will be challenged by a charismatic yet troubled classmate and touched by a young girl who is suffering abuse. Through surprising twists and turns, secrets will be revealed that shake his and his family’s world, including his preoccupied father and his bright and eccentric younger brother.
As you journey with Jonathan, you will:
• Find yourself in the world of a 1960s Jewish-American family.
• Identify with a twelve-year-old’s struggles through the shame and pain of being in the Upper Zoo class.
• Discover the importance of the Good News for Jewish people.
• Fondly remember the early 1960s, or be motivated to travel back to those days and experience life through Jonathan’s eyes.
• Be enriched by the heartfelt themes of revelation and transformation.
My Review - so the last book review I wrote about life being to short and there being to many books to waste forcing yourself to read a book. Well I stuck to this one until at least page 52 and I finally gave up. I had not want to find out what was going to happen next. And the was probably because in those 52 pages a whole lot of nothing happened. Anyhow, sad to say I gave up on this book and moving on to another one that is hopefully better.
Jonathan is a twelve-year-old Jewish boy who, in the fall of 1963, ends up in an eighth grade class for under-achievers. Little did he know that in one year, his life would be changed forever by a Christian autistic boy from the “Lower Zoo,” the class for slow learners. Along the way, he will be challenged by a charismatic yet troubled classmate and touched by a young girl who is suffering abuse. Through surprising twists and turns, secrets will be revealed that shake his and his family’s world, including his preoccupied father and his bright and eccentric younger brother.
As you journey with Jonathan, you will:
• Find yourself in the world of a 1960s Jewish-American family.
• Identify with a twelve-year-old’s struggles through the shame and pain of being in the Upper Zoo class.
• Discover the importance of the Good News for Jewish people.
• Fondly remember the early 1960s, or be motivated to travel back to those days and experience life through Jonathan’s eyes.
• Be enriched by the heartfelt themes of revelation and transformation.
My Review - so the last book review I wrote about life being to short and there being to many books to waste forcing yourself to read a book. Well I stuck to this one until at least page 52 and I finally gave up. I had not want to find out what was going to happen next. And the was probably because in those 52 pages a whole lot of nothing happened. Anyhow, sad to say I gave up on this book and moving on to another one that is hopefully better.
July 10, 2014
This book is a difficult one to review.
The story is set as a young boy is placed in a "assisted learning" classroom (the "upper zoo"). It is a well written tale about the characters that he comes in contact with during the school year and how he realizes that every one he knows has a deeper tale and a reason for the the way that they act in life.
It is a heart breaking tale of prejudice and pain told from the perspective of a 13 year old boy.
I loved parts of this story. I loved the "Clarance" character who is an autistic boy who is much deeper than he seems. I loved that the author gave quick "snapshots" of the characters in the beginning that turned out to be completely erroneous- obviously a statement on the dangers of prejudice.
However, I found the main character to be exceedingly annoying. I found him to be overly rude and spiteful. He never really seemed to redeem himself either.
I also found it very interesting that the author is a Jewish rabbi and entices people at the end of the book to share the story with others (siting Biblical passages on sharing the Word of God). However, the book had quite a bit of profanity in it and even took the Lord's name in vain a few times. As a book, I would possibly recommend it (with a caveat due to language). As a "spiritual/religious" book- not so much.
The story is set as a young boy is placed in a "assisted learning" classroom (the "upper zoo"). It is a well written tale about the characters that he comes in contact with during the school year and how he realizes that every one he knows has a deeper tale and a reason for the the way that they act in life.
It is a heart breaking tale of prejudice and pain told from the perspective of a 13 year old boy.
I loved parts of this story. I loved the "Clarance" character who is an autistic boy who is much deeper than he seems. I loved that the author gave quick "snapshots" of the characters in the beginning that turned out to be completely erroneous- obviously a statement on the dangers of prejudice.
However, I found the main character to be exceedingly annoying. I found him to be overly rude and spiteful. He never really seemed to redeem himself either.
I also found it very interesting that the author is a Jewish rabbi and entices people at the end of the book to share the story with others (siting Biblical passages on sharing the Word of God). However, the book had quite a bit of profanity in it and even took the Lord's name in vain a few times. As a book, I would possibly recommend it (with a caveat due to language). As a "spiritual/religious" book- not so much.
September 13, 2016
Intriguing, interesting, unlikely in places.
June 5, 2015
There's a lot going on in "The Upper Zoo." The story is told by Jonathan Richman, an 8th grader who, as an underachiever, has been placed into a special class known as the "upper zoo" (yes, there's also a lower zoo, and those kids are in even worse shape). The story takes place in the early '60s, before we were all so careful about bullying, etc. A lot of bullying happens, mainly by Upper Zoo member Robey (the cool kid) against most of the other kids in the class.
Robey doesn't like Gwen, a girl in class who Jonathan develops a crush on, or Clarence, an autistic boy who is decidedly different, but who has many savant-like skills that definitely don't warrant him the labels Robey saddles him with.
Many issues play out in this book in addition to bullying: domestic abuse, Jewish/Christian differences, stigmas of the 1960s, and more. Although the book was disturbing in parts, I enjoyed it overall for its portrayal of the era and just for the story itself. Several things happened that I wouldn't have predicted, and I enjoy that in a book.
Robey doesn't like Gwen, a girl in class who Jonathan develops a crush on, or Clarence, an autistic boy who is decidedly different, but who has many savant-like skills that definitely don't warrant him the labels Robey saddles him with.
Many issues play out in this book in addition to bullying: domestic abuse, Jewish/Christian differences, stigmas of the 1960s, and more. Although the book was disturbing in parts, I enjoyed it overall for its portrayal of the era and just for the story itself. Several things happened that I wouldn't have predicted, and I enjoy that in a book.
May 8, 2012
4.5 Stars
This book was so moving. The characters were believable and I felt for Jonathan for everything he went through, all his paina and anguish and his growth throughout the story. He changed so much and came to realize some very important lessons. I really liked the "there are different kinds of smart" message in the book because I am going to school to become a teacher and have heard about Multiple Intelligences. This is something I want to promot and remember as I teach. I think this book can open the eyes of people to see what kind of things kids have to deal with in school and with peers. Even though it takes place in 1964, I couldn't help but feel that this book could easily take place in modern times. The only complaints I may have is that it seemed a little slow in the beggining and I wish there had been more to the ending. But, Beautiful book and something I will be recommending to others.
This book was so moving. The characters were believable and I felt for Jonathan for everything he went through, all his paina and anguish and his growth throughout the story. He changed so much and came to realize some very important lessons. I really liked the "there are different kinds of smart" message in the book because I am going to school to become a teacher and have heard about Multiple Intelligences. This is something I want to promot and remember as I teach. I think this book can open the eyes of people to see what kind of things kids have to deal with in school and with peers. Even though it takes place in 1964, I couldn't help but feel that this book could easily take place in modern times. The only complaints I may have is that it seemed a little slow in the beggining and I wish there had been more to the ending. But, Beautiful book and something I will be recommending to others.
April 15, 2014
In my opinion, this book is a must read for everyone. It takes you through anger, joy, rejoicing and sorrow; plus, it teaches many life lessons that all of us need to learn (and remember). I truly enjoyed reading it, and it is an emotional experience as you make the journey through the lives of the characters. I highly recommend this book to all readers (and non-readers), as it is an eye-opening experience for sure. This should be required reading for high school English classes, and I believe it would help to teach many students a better way to relate to those who seem different than they are.
November 16, 2014
So far I find that I cannot get through the truly terrible writing. It has all the earmarks of having been written by one of the eighth grade characters. This book sounds like a teacher (editor) told the writer to use two adjectives for every noun and to pepper the writing with dreadful, poorly constructed metaphors every few paragraphs. I am pretty pleased with my fifth graders when they write this way, but I surely don't want my teacher's eye subconsciously correcting, editing, and revising alleged professionals while I try to settle into a story. I will finish it and hope the narrative is strong enough to carry the day, but somehow I doubt it will be.
October 17, 2015
I thought this story would captivate me. An underachiever in a remedial class meets and is befriended by an autistic boy. They would face misunderstandings, prejudice, and bullying. I knew these things would be part of the story, but I found it much too hard to read. Even the adults viewed the boys as pitiable. Since this was set in the 60s, I knew attitudes toward disabilities were horrid. I remembered more than a few of the same things said in the 70s and 80s. Perhaps not so much has changed. I just couldn't go any further.
August 19, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Yet I'm not really sure why! I loved the characters and it was a real eye opener to how things were back then. It showed a true empathy towards autism and how it was viewed in the past. I loved the relationship between Jonathon and Clarence but my modern day mind was frustrated with Jonathon's mother and Gwen for how they didn't deal with their situations, but everything was different then.
I would definately read another book by the same author again.
I would definately read another book by the same author again.
October 26, 2013
An amazing read which tells the story of Jonathan and his year in a class for under-achievers known as The Upper Zoo.
We meet lots of characters here, from Robey the bully to Clarence who is autistic but has a strong faith in God no matter his circumstances.
When his home and school life collide nothing will ever be the same again!
I have to congratulate the author on such a readible book which is hard to put down.
We meet lots of characters here, from Robey the bully to Clarence who is autistic but has a strong faith in God no matter his circumstances.
When his home and school life collide nothing will ever be the same again!
I have to congratulate the author on such a readible book which is hard to put down.
April 1, 2014
Overall, I enjoyed the book, however another book written about a marriage that didn't last that resulted in terrible repercussions of all involved. All because of an affair between Jonathan's dad and Gwen's mom. Also, disturbing was when Gwen's mother did not believe that Dom would do anything to Gwen. This story did bring into focus the challenges and rewards of having a family member with autism.
April 29, 2014
Powerful
This book was a powerful read that touched on very real scenarios. I couldn't put it down and just had to find out how all the characters found their resolution. it was a good reminder to listen to others and look beyond the surface of someone's persona. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys digging into difficult situations and examining their own tolerance of differences.
This book was a powerful read that touched on very real scenarios. I couldn't put it down and just had to find out how all the characters found their resolution. it was a good reminder to listen to others and look beyond the surface of someone's persona. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys digging into difficult situations and examining their own tolerance of differences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews