Girl on the Ferris Wheel

Gr 8 Up–Both Dmitri and Eliana come from large families: Eliana’s large Jewish family is close but crowded in her small home, while Dmitri is surrounded by his larger-than-life, outgoing Greek family. Eliana deals with depression that continuously threatens to submerge her, while Dmitri, the outward-facing epitome of confidence as the drummer in a band, nonetheless is unsure of himself as he navigates life and his relationships. At the start of sophomore year, Eliana transfers into film class and catches the eye of her polar opposite: Dmitri. She avoids him yet is intrigued. He is smitten. Determined to win her love, Dmitri surrounds Eliana with his presence. When he invites her to join his family at the Greek festival, she says yes. There she meets Dmitri’s grandma, Yia Yia, and other family members. Their Ferris wheel ride allows them to get to know each other and results in a song Dmitri writes to commemorate their newfound love. Eliana, while honored, becomes frightened by Dmitri’s intensity. Alternating chapters tell their story from each perspective, revealing their hopes, desires, and thoughts. As Eliana strives to understand how her depression clouds her view of life, forcing her to shut down and avoid everyone, Dmitri must likewise turn inward and learn to slow down and not crowd.