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beths0103's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful middle grade novel that delves into the world of the wrongly convicted in both a gentle way but also in a way that pulls no punches. Highly recommend for classroom and school library collections.
courtneyps's review against another edition
A sweet, heartwarming middle grade that tackles hard conversations about having a parent in prison and injustices in the justice system.
sasha_in_a_box's review against another edition
4.0
The second I hear Bahni Turpin's voice, I'm IN! And this one didn't disappoint.
A spunky and curious main character, a lovely pair of parents (unusual in media for kids, I know), fantastic goal-setting with baking, a connection with family, and exploration of her own world that pushes the boundaries and lets her grow.
I enjoyed this one, blew right through it, and will be checking out the sequel. I just absolutely love the way healthy parenting is depcted here, including consequences and talking to kids at their own level. Also love the conflict about giving a former friend a second chance. Just all-around a great title for any kid's shelf.
A spunky and curious main character, a lovely pair of parents (unusual in media for kids, I know), fantastic goal-setting with baking, a connection with family, and exploration of her own world that pushes the boundaries and lets her grow.
I enjoyed this one, blew right through it, and will be checking out the sequel. I just absolutely love the way healthy parenting is depcted here, including consequences and talking to kids at their own level. Also love the conflict about giving a former friend a second chance. Just all-around a great title for any kid's shelf.
shandawarren's review against another edition
5.0
Cupcakes and social justice. Definitely here for it.
librariandest's review against another edition
4.0
Zoe Washington is pretty naive about the criminal justice system. She believes everyone in prison is guilty, including her father. He was incarcerated before Zoe was born so she has never interacted with him at all. Her life is full and happy; she likes baking and hanging out with friends. It’s not until she unexpectedly comes into contact with him that she starts to feel the absence of her biological dad.
This story will be very approachable for most kids, even though it’s about a heavy topic, namely the failings of our criminal justice system. (There is discussion of a murder which could be intense for some young readers.) Overall I was impressed by the engaging writing and how the plot unfolded.
Mild spoiler:
It’s all neatly done, ending with reassurances that feel a little too good to be true, but fit within the tradition of kid heroes and happy endings in children’s literature.
This story will be very approachable for most kids, even though it’s about a heavy topic, namely the failings of our criminal justice system. (There is discussion of a murder which could be intense for some young readers.) Overall I was impressed by the engaging writing and how the plot unfolded.
Mild spoiler:
It’s all neatly done, ending with reassurances that feel a little too good to be true, but fit within the tradition of kid heroes and happy endings in children’s literature.
whoisnyah's review against another edition
5.0
I am not crying you are...
I love middle grade so much, they are so easy to get into the story. THIS WAS AMAZING. It didn’t feel rushed or un realistic. I cared so deeply about the characters and this explored so many different topics.. ahhhh I will always cherish this book.
I love middle grade so much, they are so easy to get into the story. THIS WAS AMAZING. It didn’t feel rushed or un realistic. I cared so deeply about the characters and this explored so many different topics.. ahhhh I will always cherish this book.
dswhite's review against another edition
4.0
This book started out slow but had a great finish. I liked the relationship between Zoe, her Dad, biological Dad and Grandma and of course Trever. The characters were likable and believable. Even Zoe’s Mom by the end.
lilcraftybrarian's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
julie_responsibly's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the Zoe/Trevor dynamic, Zoe's relationship with her grandmother, and of course, what made me pick up the book in the first place, her budding relationship with her dad who is in jail. As an ex-public defender in MA though, I was annoyed at the old pds-don't-care about their clients and think they're all guilty anyway thing. The Massachusetts public defenders office is one of the best in the nation with an amazing training unit and a hybrid system that results in lawyers not having to take on too many cases at once. But you get paid shit. So the only people doing that work? The people who truly believe in it - the ones who go on to work for the Innocence Project. If you want to address racism and all that is wrong with our criminal justice system, I can think of about 15 other positions of power in the courtroom that would be a better starting point. But once my blood pressure returned to normal, I really appreciated what the book was trying to do, and am definitely picking up the other Zoe Washington!