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dude_watchin_with_the_brontes's review against another edition
5.0
I think this would make a good book for an upper elementary class read-aloud and discussion, or to be read independently by middle schoolers and some upper el readers too.
jkiebo's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent, page-turning story that confronts serious issues in a tender, age-appropriate way. Highly recommend!
rdyourbookcase's review against another edition
5.0
My favorite thing about "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" was that it didn't underestimate what children understand. It's easy for adult writers to inadvertently talk down to their younger readers, but Marks doesn't do that. The story is interesting and shows that young people can make a difference in the world. I loved it.
kthornette's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t realize this was a middle-grade book till I started it … that didn’t stop me because I love middle-grade books. Zoe’s story was so much fun to read. It had simple language yet dealt with mature themes still suitable for a child audience. It was interesting to see how they balanced her love for baking with her learning about the unfair justice system, seeing her thoughts on the latter to mature and see the reality of it. I loved seeing her get to know her father and try to help him out of prison.
Spoiler
Also love that her friendship with Trevor stayed as a friendship and became nothing more.pattydsf's review against another edition
3.0
I started this book as an audiobook, but never got around to finishing it until I checked the book out of the library. This is a good middle-grades story. It was just a bit too pat for this adult.
maryhannawilson's review against another edition
4.0
Everything changes for Zoe Washington when she intercepts a birthday card she was never meant to read. The card is from her father, Marcus, who is serving time in jail for a terrible crime that he claims he didn't commit. Despite her mother's refusal to let her communicate with her father, Zoe continues to correspond with him and becomes determined to find the truth.
In the meantime, Zoe is also trying to balance her commitment to an internship at the local bakery while handling her anger at a former best friend. With so much on her plate, how will Zoe handle everything coming her way?
I really enjoyed this book and thought it addressed the important topic of systemic racism in our criminal justice system in addition to the general "middle grade" problems that come along with growing up. Zoe is a likable character and I appreciated her relationship with her grandmother, though I didn't care for all of the deception required to hide everything going on with Marcus from her mother. The mother's refusal to allow Zoe to communicate with her father seemed a little far-fetched to me as well as the mother's own refusal to hear him out.
This book addresses the topic of systemic racism in a meaningful way. It's a great opening for discussions with your kids. I would include the movie, Just Mercy, for older to dive into some of the work Bryan Stevenson is doing in this arena.
In the meantime, Zoe is also trying to balance her commitment to an internship at the local bakery while handling her anger at a former best friend. With so much on her plate, how will Zoe handle everything coming her way?
I really enjoyed this book and thought it addressed the important topic of systemic racism in our criminal justice system in addition to the general "middle grade" problems that come along with growing up. Zoe is a likable character and I appreciated her relationship with her grandmother, though I didn't care for all of the deception required to hide everything going on with Marcus from her mother. The mother's refusal to allow Zoe to communicate with her father seemed a little far-fetched to me as well as the mother's own refusal to hear him out.
This book addresses the topic of systemic racism in a meaningful way. It's a great opening for discussions with your kids. I would include the movie, Just Mercy, for older to dive into some of the work Bryan Stevenson is doing in this arena.
ambi_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
chelsireads2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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
4.0
mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you Katherine Tegen Books and Janae Marks for sharing this gutwrenching and emotional story with the LitReviewCrew.
3 things about this book:
1-How do you know who to believe?
2-Baking
3-Justice
I hope you read and enjoy too!
3 things about this book:
1-How do you know who to believe?
2-Baking
3-Justice
I hope you read and enjoy too!
neglet's review against another edition
Really compelling MG, with a main character who makes mistakes but is trying so hard to make things right (and not just cupcakes). Read in one sitting.