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valli200's review against another edition
5.0
What an absolutely crucial story to have out there for young children to access. I find it utterly fascinating to see how authors can condense such hard topics into works children can understand and this was done beautifully. I highly recommend.
chickchick22's review against another edition
3.0
Amazing. WOW. But uh…the ending was a bit too….happy. A bit too complete for such a heavy topic (her dad was accused of murder!). The ending was like “I figured out how to save dad! Yay. He is out now and all is happy. Whoopee.” Um…hello? If the ending was more like “I found a lawyer from the Innocence Project. Its getting there, getting dad free.” That is far more realistic.
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
There's lots to love about this MG novel. Even though it's a fast read, it packs a punch as it explores themes of racism, wrongful imprisonment, forgiveness, goal-setting, etc. Zoe is a sympathetic character and it's easy to root for her success. She doesn't get a perfect ending, but her search for answers feels both realistic and satisfying. I enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what Marks does next.
alice_hesse's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
reading_giraffe's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent book with a compelling story and lovable cast of characters. I look forward to the newly announced second book
laylabetweenthelines's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
“What was the point of a legal system if it didn’t work a lot of the time?”
What a stunning middle grade debut. It is equal parts informative and comforting. What I liked: the acknowledgment of our very flawed justice system. The strength of familial bonds. The sweet uncertainty of fickle middle school friendships. And freshly baked cupcakes! Some might say this type of subject matter is too "heavy" for a kid, and to that, I will repeat what the incredible Ebony Lynn Mudd always says: If kids can live it, they can read it.
So many kids, particularly BIPOC kids, deserve to see themselves in the stories they read. Not just the stories of struggle and perseverance, but also those of prosperity, joy, excellence. Here's to more Zoe Washingtons in children's lit.
I greatly enjoyed Marks' writing and look forward to reading more from her!
What a stunning middle grade debut. It is equal parts informative and comforting. What I liked: the acknowledgment of our very flawed justice system. The strength of familial bonds. The sweet uncertainty of fickle middle school friendships. And freshly baked cupcakes! Some might say this type of subject matter is too "heavy" for a kid, and to that, I will repeat what the incredible Ebony Lynn Mudd always says: If kids can live it, they can read it.
So many kids, particularly BIPOC kids, deserve to see themselves in the stories they read. Not just the stories of struggle and perseverance, but also those of prosperity, joy, excellence. Here's to more Zoe Washingtons in children's lit.
I greatly enjoyed Marks' writing and look forward to reading more from her!
reading_rachel's review against another edition
4.0
LOVED this. An excellent story about a girl who learns about the racism within the justice system, and her efforts to right a wrong.
emilymreads's review against another edition
3.0
I don’t think I’ve read middle grade since I was at that age, and it’s normally not something I go for. This was a pleasant surprise! Zoe gets a letter from her father in prison saying he’s innocent. She sets out to prove he didn’t commit the crime while juggling complicated friendships and a baking internship. This book is really fun and a good look at the injustices of the criminal system in the US. Some of the writing wasn’t my favorite, and there were times when I didn’t love Zoe as a character. I still think it’s an important book for young people, and anyone who wants to learn more about anti-racist reading.
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, reading it in almost one sitting. Zoe never knew her birth father who is serving years in prison for being convicted of murder. When they start corresponding via letters Zoe starts to question her father’s innocence and attempts to prove it. I got Nancy Drew vibes mixed with Just Mercy and #ProjectLIT. So many students can relate to this issue and it’s so important that there are books out there about it.
jazzsonnet's review against another edition
5.0
I had added this to my women authors of color reading list when it came out, and my 8-year-old daughter read it first. Then we listened to the audiobook together as a family, and we're so glad we did. With this sweet story about family, friends, and truth, Janae Marks introduces young readers to issues of systemic racism and problems with the criminal justice system. She challenges stereotypes in ways that are both overt (a tender black father wrongfully imprisoned, presented as a major plotline) and covert (a woman teaching math at Harvard, with a woman TA, presented without comment). We'll definitely keep an eye out for her next book!