Small-girl Zora and the Shower of Stories

Name: Small-girl Zora and the Shower of Stories
ISBN: 9780593404898

A Tall Tale Based on the Life and Work of Zora Neale Hurston

Giselle Anatol

Penguin Young Readers Group · Print & ebook · January 13, 2026

A tall tale inspired by the life and works of American writer, folklorist, and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston Small-girl Zora knows her stories are going to change the world.

US: African American Stories Fairy Tales & Folklore US Biographies african

children black

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Who it’s for: Zora’s stories aim to end a drought in this tall tale inspired by Hurston.
Themes: The power of storytelling, Creativity and determination, Bringing a garden back to life
Genres: US Biographies, US: African American Stories, Fairy Tales & Folklore

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About this book

A tall tale inspired by the life and works of American writer, folklorist, and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston Small-girl Zora knows her stories are going to change the world. Although her neighbors might not believe her outlandish tales, she's sure they're the key to ending the drought in her town. If she can make people laugh at her stories, she'll be able to gather enough tears to bring back her mama's garden and more.

But when things don't go exactly as planned, Zora learns that with creativity, determination, and faith, a little magic might be possible. Filled to the brim with references to Zora Neale Hurston's classic characters and details from her own life, Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories is a joyful tribute to an icon of American literature and the everlasting power of storytelling.

Hurston’s Story References

Zora’s stories aim to end a drought in this tall tale inspired by Hurston.

Come here for

A tall tale inspired by Zora Neale Hurston’s life and work
References to Hurston’s characters and life

Expect

A story about creativity, determination, and faith
A tribute to storytelling’s power

Where it sits

US: African American Stories	51%
US Biographies	40%
Fairy Tales & Folklore	34%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

US: African American Stories
Imagination & Play
Poetry

Authors: Giselle Anatol
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: January 13, 2026
Format: Print & ebook
Theme: The power of storytelling · Creativity and determination · Bringing a garden back to life
Reading lane: US: African American Stories