The Heart Within the Zebra written by
Antonio Sims II, Kaia Starks, Taylor Gladney illustrated by
Sydney Smith narrated by
Kaia Starks
In honor of the National Day of Service on January 18, 2016, Memphis Challengers created “Tell Me a Story: Service Through Storytelling.” Through this project, 62 Memphis Challengers in grades 9-12 wrote and produced specialized storybooks and poems for children. The project aimed to bring smiles, excitement and the love of storytelling to children, as well as enrich the process of using creativity to give back for Memphis Challenge students. Learn more about The Memphis Challenge at www.memphischallenge.org. Copyright ©2016 Memphis Challenge Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. For information address The Memphis Challenge, 516 Tennessee St., Suite 129, Memphis, Tennessee 38103. First Edition | Printed in the USA ISBN 978-1-944843-05-2 “The Heart Within The Zebra” Written by Antonio Sims II (10th grader, Collierville High School), Kaia Starks (10th grader, Hutchison High School) and Taylor Gladney (10th grader, Bolton High School) Illustrated by Sydney Smith (9th grader, Germantown High School) Narrated by Kaia Starks Funded by a generous grant from the Pyramid Peak Foundation Special thanks to the Project Production Team – Heather Bruce, Cierra Burnett, Avery Cunningham, Jamien Sills, Lisa Smith, McKenzii Webster, Christa Wininger and Cassandra Webster, Executive Director – for your expertise, commitment, vision and leadership. Parents and guardians thank you for your trust and support.
The Heart Within the Zebra written by
Antonio Sims II, Kaia Starks, Taylor Gladney illustrated by
Sydney Smith narrated by
Kaia Starks
One summer evening in the Jungle, a group of zebra friends were hanging out at the local watering hole. While most of the zebras were striped, Anthony, the youngest zebra, had black and white polka dots.
Anthony was really sad because the rest of the zebras had black and white stripes and he didn’t. Because of his polka dots, Anthony was constantly made fun of.
While all the zebras were at the watering hole, Anthony saw a group of animals who looked different from him. Anthony felt lonely and decided to go talk to the new animals.
Anthony came across a lion named Ruben, a giraffe named Elizabeth, and a bird named Alex.
“The others make fun of us!” said the animals. “Why?” asked Anthony.
“I don’t have friends because I’m
a lion with no mane,” said Ruben. “I don’t have friends because I’m
a short giraffe,” said Elizabeth. “I don’t have any friends because I’m
a bird who cannot sing,” said Alex.
Anthony said, “Alex, although you are not able to sing, you have courage in your heart to be who you are. That can be better than the ability to sing the prettiest tune.” “And Elizabeth you may have a short neck, but the true beauty of your heart lies within you, and that’s worth more than the longest neck.” “Ruben, even though your mane is absent, your strength and perseverance are present, and that’s what makes a real lion.” “You’re right, Anthony,” said Ruben. “And you know what, Anthony?” said Elizabeth.
“Although you have dots, you have a big heart. What makes you different makes you the nice person you are.� The animals realized that although they were different, they each were unique and special in their own way.