Book Description Review “This powerful debut packs both depth and sweetness, tackling a tough topic in a sensitive, compelling way. An extraordinary, timely, must-read debut about love, family, friendship, and justice.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))“This exceptionally sweet debut from Marks illustrates profound cracks in the American criminal justice system while telling an affecting story grounded in the middle-grade experience. The troubling ways race affects the characters…will facilitate important conversations about racial profiling and incarceration rates for people of color. Fortunately, Marks’ capable storytelling and engaging characters also combine into a wondrous confection of a book, full of heart and hope and promise.” (Booklist (starred review))”Debut author Marks seamlessly weaves timely discussions about institutionalized racism into this uplifting and engaging story that packs an emotional punch.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))“A smart, necessary, and hopeful middle grade debut that expertly balances a gentle, heartwarming tone with searing insight into systemic racism.” (School Library Journal (starred review))“Marks delivers a spirited central character whose determination to get to the truth is admirable. An involving family story, this novel could also serve as an introduction to social justice for elementary schoolers.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)”Never heavy-handed, Marks’ prose is as sweet as one of Zoe’s confections. And as the icing on the cake, From the Desk of Zoe Washington imparts important lessons about judging other people, whether by the color of their skin or by their presumed guilt or innocence.” (BookPage)“Marks tackles the complex costs of the pursuit of justice and motivates readers to feel equipped—and energized—to stand up for what’s right, right now. Readers will recognize that, like Zoe Washington, they need not wait until they grow up to make their actions count.” (Tanita S. Davis, author of Mare’s War)“A delightful confection of a novel! Zoe is a wondrous heroine who inspires a deeper love for food, family, and friends. Advocating for social justice, she creates a new recipe for a better, sweeter world. An enticing and enthralling debut from Janae Marks.” (Jewell Parker Rhodes, New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Boys)“A touching, tender, and absorbing read!” (Jodi Kendall, author of The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City)“With a dash of mystery, sprinkle of passion, and whole lot of heart, From the Desk of Zoe Washington has found a winning recipe.” (Coe Booth, author of Kinda Like Brothers) Read more About the Author Janae Marks graduated from the New School with an MFA in writing for children. When she isn’t writing fiction, she’s spending time with her husband and daughter at home in Connecticut. From the Desk of Zoe Washington is her debut novel. Visit Janae online at www.janaemarks.com. Read more Customers Review: This debut grabbed me from the start. Zoe Washington’s dad Marcus is in prison, and when she starts to receive letters from him, she begins to write back … and suspects he might be innocent.This book captures the tone and emotion of middle-grade age characters perfectly. Zoe is a captivating character, one that challenge how you think, have you cheering for, and probably make you want to eat cupcakes. Highly recommended!
Oh I read this book and it is lovely, lovely, lovely.This book is two books in one – it is both a fun, sweet story of a girl who takes charge of her baking dream and a necessary, tough look at our justice system. Marks balances both expertly. Zoe is a little force and a terrific middle grade narrator. I loved her best when she was defying her parents. I think readers will too ;)Listen you might be tempted to eat all the sweets while you read. And it’s got a banging soundtrack.
So thrilled to have read this story of a courageous 12 year old who challenges stereotypes and misconceptions with the spirit and fortitude of someone with an older more mature spirit. This author skillfully brings an important justice story to light through the voice of Zoe and cannot wait to read more from this debut author.
This phenomenal middle grade tackles the issue of race with sensitivity and expertise. Marks handles this theme appropriately for young readers and crafts and engaging and moving story about family along the way. I highly recommend this title for all classrooms and readers!
This book is wonderful. I am so glad it exists and that I got to read it.I loved how sweet and supportive the step-father character is; step-parents get a really bad rap in most books for kids, but in this one his love for Zoe is clear.And I was impressed by how the author introduced exposition throughout the book and explored the realties of racism in America. Zoe learns a lot about herself and her family and the world in this book.
The themes of social justice, friendship, and standing up for what is right make this a great addition to middle grade classrooms. I can’t wait to hand it off to my readers and other grown-ups who should know about it, too.
Thank you very much to the author and Harper Kids for sharing an early copy with #bookexpedition.On her 12th birthday, Zoe receives a letter from Marcus, her father, a man she’s never met because he’s been in prison, convicted of a violent crime before she was born. Zoe decides to secretly correspond with him because she knows her mom would not approve. Through their correspondence, Zoe learns that her father may be innocent, and she sets out to find the witness that may prove it.There’s a lot to love about this middle grade novel. The theme of family is front and center. But it’s also about Zoe’s passion for baking, friendship ups and downs, and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. I appreciated the way the author approached the theme of social justice, sharing information about the Innocence Project that middle grade readers could glean knowledge from and perhaps research more on their own.This book published Jan 14, and with an exceptional playlist of songs from Marcus to Zoe, I’ll be purchasing a copy for my 4/5th grade classroom library right this minute!
From the Desk of Zoe Washington is a moving, true-to-life middle-grade novel that highlights just how potent perseverance can be — even when you’re just twelve. This book is one of those middle-grade novels that tackles issues without taking away the joy of the mundane.Debut author Janae Marks explores parental incarceration, wrongful imprisonment, friendship missteps, and more in this novel. I couldn’t help but think of Alicia D. Williams’s Genesis Begins Again. Zoe jumps off the page as much as Genesis does.If you loved Genesis Begins Again and The Parker Inheritance, you’ll enjoy this book! The latter’s investigative element is quite similar to this book’s. I highly — oh so highly — recommend this novel. |
25 reviews