From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on January 14, 2020
ISBN: 006287585X
Pages: 304
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

On Zoe’s 12th birthday, she finds a letter from her biological father who she has never met because he was sent to prison before she was born. She begins corresponding with him although she knows that her mother and stepfather would not approve. Her grandmother discovers the letters and ends up helping Zoe but promises that they will have to tell her Mom soon. As Zoe learns about her father, she also learns that African-American men are not always treated fairly by our legal system. She begins to investigate his role in the crime. Could he be innocent? This is also a story about dreams — Zoe loves to bake and wants to be a professional baker — and a good school/friendship story. Zoe is navigating the new world of middle school and changing friendships while getting to know her father. While this book covers challenging and timely topics, Marks writes with a lightness that makes this a great book for young people to start learning about these issues.  Now I need to find a cupcake and I wish I could eat it with my new friend Zoe!

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham