Ms. Zephyr's Notebook

by K.C. Dyer

Commended for the 2008 Best Books for Kids and Teens

When Logan Kemp hurls himself into a rugby scrum one morning, he has no idea that by afternoon he’ll be fighting for his life. Worse, the only other patient on his ward is a troubled girl named Cleo who may not be hospitalized just for a broken wrist. When all he wants is his regular life back, the thought of Cleo throwing away her own leaves Logan determined to change her mind.

Cleopatra Jones wants to design the perfect life; a teenage boy and a few well-meaning health professionals are not going to stand in her way. But Cleo soon finds that life – and even death – can interfere with the best-laid plans.

Both teens reinforce the walls that have kept them safe in their own worlds, but the secrets in a teacher’s notebook show them how the word sustenance can have more than one meaning. Facing the biggest challenge of their lives, Logan and Cleo discover the powerful forces of redemption and forgiveness.

Genres: Young Adult

206 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

kc dyer loves travel and has literally flown around the world in search of fantastic stories. When not on the road, she resides in the wilds of British Columbia, where she walks her dogs in the woods and writes books. Her most recent novel, EIGHTY DAYS TO ELSEWHERE, is the madcap story of a young woman so desperate to save her family’s bookstore that she undertakes a race around the world, but ends up falling for her competition. kc is also the author of FINDING FRASER, an international bestseller in romantic comedy. And coming this fall, AN ACCIDENTAL ODYSSEY continues the ExLibris adventures: When an unexpected phone call derails a young woman’s wedding plans, it sparks an epic adventure around the magical, modern-day Mediterranean.

kc has spoken before thousands of readers — kids and adults — across Canada, the US, Europe and Asia. She's been writer-in-residence at New Westminster Secondary School, and a featured presenter at the Surrey International Writers Conference, the National Council of English Teachers in the US; YouthWrite BC, Young Authors Kamloops, WORD Vancouver, Canadian Authors’ Association, OLA Super-Conference, SFU Southbank Writers, WriteOn Bowen, Word on the Lake and many others.

She is represented by Laura Bradford of Bradford Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, it was fine. Wasn’t repulsed or fascinated. I always like stories with mental illness, so that was good. It was a little bit of a mystery, and I liked that. It just seemed kind of... boring? Which is surprising, considering the somewhat spontaneous actions the main character takes. They were well within his character, so it wasn’t that.... On paper, I love this book. In real life, I’m neutral to mildly positive about it.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story is primarily told through the journal entries, memos, and emails of a teacher for a children’s unit in a hospital in Colorado. A portion of the story line is told in narrative.
Logan did not realize that soon he’d be sidelined from the rugby game and fighting for his life in the hospital. The two other kids his age are a kidney patient and a young lady with her own struggles.

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing isn't that great but the way she/he wrote it, with the emails, reports, and just plain old narrative. I also like the way she dealt with modern day teenage issues. The characters are also very well thought out. I like all their clashing views of each other.

[Julie Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.

[Robin Spano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Hooked from page one and read it in 2 days. Characters are quirky and real. YA fiction that's a good quick read for adults, too. Writing is excellent.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars -i liked the structure of this with memo's and emails, journal entries etc in between chapters- good story line, especially considering the absence of ms. zephyr