Reviews

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

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webberinr's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

reeyabeegale's review against another edition

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4.0

This book made me cry!

I can’t even begin to imagine the emotional turmoil of the wrongfully convicted people and their families. It truly hurts to know that there’s not enough justice in this world to keep the peace and preserve innocence of individuals.

I was deeply affected by how realistic the emotions of Marcus is as he corresponds with his estranged twelve year old daughter. It was so strong and impactful, I can feel his love for Zoe jumping off the pages of his letters.

Realistically, I think this can be traumatic for some children and their guardians, but it was nice to see that the author made Zoe to be a mature 12-year old. She was strong-willed and was willing to do the right thing to uncover the truth.

I think the only downside I saw in this book is the lack of enough impact towards the end. It wrapped up so quickly that I almost got an emotional whiplash, I was crying over their first meeting and I was still tear-stained when I got to the epilogue — I don’t think the ending is forced but I wish I could have had a few more chapters before the epilogue.

Nonetheless, this is a strong and inspirational middle-grade book. I really enjoyed it!

anicesogiar's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

marieintheraw's review against another edition

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5.0

This is one of my favorite middle grades I've read recently.

roseleaf24's review against another edition

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5.0

I didn't realize this book, which I came across because it's getting Newbery buzz this year, would tie in so well with the nonfiction reading I've been doing lately. This middle grade novel is a personal tale of the mistakes that our justice system can make. Marks did an excellent job of putting this in the eyes of a twelve-year-old who has never known her father, though I think it likely that most twelve-year-olds now would have a slightly more developed view of Black Lives Matter than she does. This book both celebrates black joy, and brings racism to light.