Talk About posts give you the key events and essential information you need to discuss a Core Book with the children in your life.
Zing! by Gina Hagler
Zing helps Ben learn that sometimes it takes someone else to show us who we are.
Lexile: pending | Reading Level: Grades 3-5
Story World
Ben is a quiet fifth-grader with just enough friends. He and his class are excited to be the oldest in their school. They’re a little anxious about starting middle school next year, but they have a science fair, a fifth-grade field trip, and a pool party to look forward to. Then, a new kid who tells them to call him Zing moves to town. Ben has been assigned to be Zing’s Welcome Buddy. He’s excited at first, but Zing doesn’t know the rules; When he does the things he’s always done, he lands himself and the rest of the class in trouble. Soon, the other kids are mad at Ben for not keeping Zing in line.
Key Characters
Their interactions tell the story:
Zing
Daniel Davenport is new to Beverly Cleary Elementary. He tells the kids that his family has moved often, he uses a different name in each school so he can keep his memories straight. His current name is Zing. Zing likes Ben as soon as he meets him because Ben is quiet and seems kind. When Ben is assigned to be Zing’s Welcome Buddy, both boys are thrilled. Zing’s attempts to fit in don’t always go to plan – largely because he’s in a stricter school – and soon the kids are pushing Ben to keep Zing in line. Usually, Zing moves again before he has to worry about anyone else, but this time, what he does has consequences he’ll have to face if his parents do as he hopes and stay in this town. Zing has to dig deep to see things through the other kids’ eyes and earn their respect and friendship.
Ben
Ben is a quiet kid with just enough friends. He’s lived in one place his entire life, and his best friend is a girl named Abby who he’s known since their diaper days. Now that they’re approaching middle school, Ben’s worried about all the new kids he’ll have classes with next year. When he meets Zing, he’s drawn to his apparent confidence, which is actually bravado. As Ben gets to know Zing better, he likes him. He knows Zing is not trying to make trouble, but he also sees why the other kids are aggravated at the extra homework and other consequences for Zing’s actions. Ben is also worried that Zing is going to cost him his chance to be in the science fair. Eventually, Ben has to decide whether to stand by Zing or follow the crowd.
Classmates
Abby and Zing have been friends since their diaper days because their older sisters were in the same playgroup. Abby has plenty of friends, but she appreciates Ben because he’s honest and funny. Zing drives her crazy at first, but by the time he’s set to move again, she doesn’t want to see him go.
Cameron is the guy everyone admires. He’s great at sports, does excellent work in his classes, and is easy to get along with. He has two older brothers, so he doesn’t think he’s anything special. Zing drives him crazy because he causes unnecessary commotion wherever he goes.
The Trio: Courtney, Whiny Beth, and Megan seem to move as one.
– Courtney is the leader of The Trio. Her parents have high expectations for her in all areas of her life, but Courtney doesn’t seem to mind the pressure. She’s a take-charge, get-things-done kind of person who the other kids admire while also finding her intimidating.
– Whiny Beth has four older sisters and lives a life filled with hand-me-downs. She spends most of her time complaining that she’s not being treated fairly, so no one is as surprised as she is when she stands up for Zing.
– Megan is so quite, it’s easy to forget she’s in the room. She’s a solid part of The Trio, though, and the other kids like her. They also listen when she does have something to say.
Siblings
Maya is Ben’s older sister. She’s in ninth grade, has lots of friends, and really likes her brother. She also listens and gives him good advice.
Carly is Zing’s little sister. She’s in Pre-K and considers Ben a very good friend because he pays attention to her. She calls him Ben-Ben, which Ben secretly loves. As her older brother, Zing considers her the gum on his shoe.
Grace is Zing’s baby sister. She wants to be wherever Carly is, doing whatever Carly is doing. Since Carly wants to do whatever Zing does, Grace is often the third person in Zing’s personal parade. Ben enjoys teaching her to walk.
Parents
Ben’s parents expect him to do well in school while staying out of trouble. They’re proud of him, and he knows it. If he needs any help, they are always there for him. They also expect him to think about his choices.
– Ben’s Mom: When Ben and Zing get in trouble, she asks if he’s his own person or Zing’s puppet. Not something Ben wants to consider.
– Ben’s Dad: When Dad takes him out for breakfast, he asks Ben if he’s being in integrity with himself–being who he says he is. This give Ben some pause.
Zing’s parents are concerned about Zing. He seems to be having trouble making friends, his grades aren’t what they think they should be, and they really wish he’d call himself Danny.
– Zing’s Mom: When Zing and Ben let the mice loose in the basement, she’s chill. When they make Carly and Grace brownies and have a tea party with them so she can take a break, she nearly cries.
– Zing’s Dad: He’s beginning to realize that one more move may not be the best thing for his young family.
Teachers
Ms. Glenny is their homeroom and science teacher. She is strict but fair. She’s also fun and helps the kids review important material by making it into a game. She invites Ben to do a science fair project because she’s sure he can handle it.
Mr. Flint had been teaching math forever. If he has a sense of humor, no one can prove it. He expects his students to pay attention and participate.
Mr. Abbott keeps things in his PE classes fun. He genuinely enjoys the kids and hopes as much as they do that Ben will finally get a solid kick in kickball.
Principal Morgan is absolutely stern. His school has just been awarded a National Blue Ribbon, and he intends to keep up the good work.
What Do Ben And Zing Learn?
The social and emotional learning messages/themes in Zing! speak to kids in grades 3-5:
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