A review by roseleaf24
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

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.