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A review by laylabetweenthelines
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
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!