When Life Gives You O.J.

Knopf Books for Young Readers (ages 8-12)

Amazon Best Middle Grade Book of the Month!

For years, almost-eleven-year-old Zelly Fried has tried to convince her parents to let her have a dog. After all, practically everyone in Vermont owns a dog, and it sure could go a long way helping Zelly fit in since moving there from Brooklyn.  But when her eccentric grandfather, Ace, hatches a ridiculous plan involving a "practice dog" named O.J., Zelly's not so sure how far she's willing to go to win a dog of her own.  Is Ace’s plan so-crazy-it-just-might-work… or just plain crazy?

Erica S. Perl weaves an affectionate and hilarious tale that captures the enduring bond between grandparents and grandchildren.  Even when they're driving each other nuts.

Cover art by David Goldin.

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 Discussion Guide with Activities (great for book clubs!)   /   Read an Excerpt

Q & A with Erica about the book   /   Test Your Y.Q. (Yiddish intelligence Quotient)