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47 pages 1 hour read

Janae Marks

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

Janae MarksFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Janae Marks

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Boston, Massachusetts • 2020s

Theme
Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

660L

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Super Short Summary

In From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks, twelve-year-old Zoe discovers a letter from her incarcerated biological father, Marcus, who claims he is innocent of the murder for which he was convicted. Determined to uncover the truth and secretly communicating with Marcus, Zoe embarks on a mission that tests her friendships and her trust in family, while pursuing her passion for baking. The novel includes themes of wrongful conviction and systemic racism.

Hopeful

Emotional

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

15,013 ratings

88%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks is praised for its compelling storytelling and strong, relatable protagonist. Reviewers appreciate the nuanced exploration of social justice themes, particularly wrongful imprisonment. Some critique the pacing, feeling it can be slow at times, but overall, it is considered an engaging and thought-provoking read for middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read From the Desk of Zoe Washington?

Readers who enjoy middle-grade fiction with themes of social justice, family, and perseverance will find From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks captivating. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and The Crossover by Kwame Alexander will appreciate its heartfelt narrative and relatable protagonist.

4.5

15,013 ratings

88%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Boston, Massachusetts • 2020s

Theme
Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

660L

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