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Zoe Washington #2
On Air with Zoe Washington
Two years ago, Zoe Washington helped clear Marcus' name for a crime he didn't commit. Now her birth father has finally been released from prison and to an outpouring of community support, so everything should be perfect.
When Marcus reveals his dream of opening his own restaurant, Zoe becomes determined to help him achieve it--with her as his pastry chef of course. However, starting a new place is much more difficult than it looks, and Marcus is having a harder time re-entering society than anyone expected.
Set on finding a solution, Zoe starts a podcast to bring light to the exonerees' experiences and fundraise for their restaurant. After all, Zoe knows full well the power of using her voice. But with waning public interest in their story, will anyone still be listening?
When Marcus reveals his dream of opening his own restaurant, Zoe becomes determined to help him achieve it--with her as his pastry chef of course. However, starting a new place is much more difficult than it looks, and Marcus is having a harder time re-entering society than anyone expected.
Set on finding a solution, Zoe starts a podcast to bring light to the exonerees' experiences and fundraise for their restaurant. After all, Zoe knows full well the power of using her voice. But with waning public interest in their story, will anyone still be listening?
293 pages, Hardcover
First published February 14, 2023
63 people are currently reading
3,983 people want to read
About the author
Janae Marks
9books545followersJanae Marks is an author of middle grade novels. Her debut From the Desk of Zoe Washington is an indie bestseller and was named a Best Book of the Year by Parents Magazine, Book Riot, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Chicago Public Library and the Boston Globe. Her second novel is A Soft Place to Land. She has an MFA in Writing for Children from The New School, and lives in Connecticut with her husband, daughter and miniature schnauzer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
May 3, 2023
I can't stop singing the praises of this book series. It is so good and has so much heart. it handles such a hard adult topic so well. Everything in the book is intentional and thoughtful. I love the ambition and spirit of Zoe. I love all the adults in Zoe's life supporting her and encouraging her to believe she can do anything. This book tackles a traumatic experiences and hardships with so much care and allows Zoe to keep her innocence.
May 19, 2024
4 stars
I loved the first book in this series (From the Desk of Zoe Washington) so I was excited to see a new book out. Zoe Washington is a fantastic character and is just as determined and full of grit as always. I loved watching her follow her dreams, deal with friend issues, and navigate family time between her parents and her birth father, Marcus. Overall this was a fantastic read.
I loved the first book in this series (From the Desk of Zoe Washington) so I was excited to see a new book out. Zoe Washington is a fantastic character and is just as determined and full of grit as always. I loved watching her follow her dreams, deal with friend issues, and navigate family time between her parents and her birth father, Marcus. Overall this was a fantastic read.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Bahni Turpin
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Middle Grade
Length: 6h 12m
February 17, 2023
4.5 stars
I'm noticing some unusual review activity on this book, so I'd like to start by saying that (1) I actually read this novel and did so carefully, (2) I know and love Zoe, and (3) my students (college undergrads who primarily aspire to teach English or language arts in K-12, college, and/or university) are always wild for the first book in this series. My hopes were high, and I'm finishing the read feeling pretty satisfied with this book, especially as a follow-up to its predecessor.
Zoe, the m.c. and titular character, has her life and goals more together than most adults I've met. What's wild is that she also achieves her goals and always puts her plans into action, and while this might seem unrealistic at times, Marks provides her with an incredible support system and immense emotional intelligence that make even the borderline implausible seem totally fine for Zoe. In this novel, one character tells her that she is basically the living embodiment of Black Girl Magic, and it's impossible to disagree.
As readers of the first book will expect, there is a lot happening here. The family relationships and friendships continue to evolve, though there is a lot more of Marcus and Maya than mom, grandma, and Trevor in this round. The fellowship is still intact, but I did like getting to explore some of these other relationships in a new context. Zoe's still baking her heart out, and WOW. I hope Jasmine Guillory is reading this book. Zoe, in 20 years, needs to be a romantic lead in a Guillory novel. She is not only living her best life even as a kid; she also demonstrates an unwavering love for food that rivals only what I've seen in Guillory's characters. These authors need to be making plans if that's not already happening! Oh, and Zoe's continued fight against injustices surrounding the prison industrial complex, racism, and generally not getting what she wants? She's still the fiercest and most effective advocate around.
There are three details that I wanted to see refined a bit here. Two are brief but important moments: Zoe's interaction with a customer, which needs some follow-up (why did this happen, what is she supposed to learn, how does this help her going forward) and the idea that Zoe would be able to go on public radio as a young kid, say where she works, and then this is just...left in (?!) by the interviewers/producers. That seemed WILD to me, especially considering her mom's response (like it's on Zoe...?!). The bigger sticking point for me is considering the title, the cover, and the at times really important role of Zoe's pod, how incredibly late it comes up in the book. In the first book, the letters are at the center, and they are present from the jump; this structure works so well. I'd have loved to see the podcast eps and interviews work more like this. Get them happening earlier, in a clearer format (visually and structurally), and in a way where they can really help readers chart Zoe's growth (as the letters do in book 1). These instances and choices didn't kill the vibe for me, but I did find them a little messy considering the detail I've seen in all of Marks's other works. I'm hoping this is early draft specific and on the way to pre-publication edits already.
I love Zoe and Janae Marks's writing in general, and I expect that fans of the first book will find a lot to enjoy about this sequel. Of course, I'll be recommending this one to my students, who can't get enough of Zoe in just one novel, and I'll be eagerly anticipating Zoe's continued exploits, which I fully anticipate will end in her presidency (unless the country implodes before she's of age, which is a real concern these days) and then her great love story written by Guillory (and I am really hoping that Hannah is the other half of that pairing). Recommended, obviously, with a dash of wish list items included!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Katherine Tegen Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I'm noticing some unusual review activity on this book, so I'd like to start by saying that (1) I actually read this novel and did so carefully, (2) I know and love Zoe, and (3) my students (college undergrads who primarily aspire to teach English or language arts in K-12, college, and/or university) are always wild for the first book in this series. My hopes were high, and I'm finishing the read feeling pretty satisfied with this book, especially as a follow-up to its predecessor.
Zoe, the m.c. and titular character, has her life and goals more together than most adults I've met. What's wild is that she also achieves her goals and always puts her plans into action, and while this might seem unrealistic at times, Marks provides her with an incredible support system and immense emotional intelligence that make even the borderline implausible seem totally fine for Zoe. In this novel, one character tells her that she is basically the living embodiment of Black Girl Magic, and it's impossible to disagree.
As readers of the first book will expect, there is a lot happening here. The family relationships and friendships continue to evolve, though there is a lot more of Marcus and Maya than mom, grandma, and Trevor in this round. The fellowship is still intact, but I did like getting to explore some of these other relationships in a new context. Zoe's still baking her heart out, and WOW. I hope Jasmine Guillory is reading this book. Zoe, in 20 years, needs to be a romantic lead in a Guillory novel. She is not only living her best life even as a kid; she also demonstrates an unwavering love for food that rivals only what I've seen in Guillory's characters. These authors need to be making plans if that's not already happening! Oh, and Zoe's continued fight against injustices surrounding the prison industrial complex, racism, and generally not getting what she wants? She's still the fiercest and most effective advocate around.
There are three details that I wanted to see refined a bit here. Two are brief but important moments: Zoe's interaction with a customer, which needs some follow-up (why did this happen, what is she supposed to learn, how does this help her going forward) and the idea that Zoe would be able to go on public radio as a young kid, say where she works, and then this is just...left in (?!) by the interviewers/producers. That seemed WILD to me, especially considering her mom's response (like it's on Zoe...?!). The bigger sticking point for me is considering the title, the cover, and the at times really important role of Zoe's pod, how incredibly late it comes up in the book. In the first book, the letters are at the center, and they are present from the jump; this structure works so well. I'd have loved to see the podcast eps and interviews work more like this. Get them happening earlier, in a clearer format (visually and structurally), and in a way where they can really help readers chart Zoe's growth (as the letters do in book 1). These instances and choices didn't kill the vibe for me, but I did find them a little messy considering the detail I've seen in all of Marks's other works. I'm hoping this is early draft specific and on the way to pre-publication edits already.
I love Zoe and Janae Marks's writing in general, and I expect that fans of the first book will find a lot to enjoy about this sequel. Of course, I'll be recommending this one to my students, who can't get enough of Zoe in just one novel, and I'll be eagerly anticipating Zoe's continued exploits, which I fully anticipate will end in her presidency (unless the country implodes before she's of age, which is a real concern these days) and then her great love story written by Guillory (and I am really hoping that Hannah is the other half of that pairing). Recommended, obviously, with a dash of wish list items included!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Katherine Tegen Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
March 25, 2023
I dived into this sequel right after finishing the 1st book. So happy the author wrote a sequel, because I wanted to know what would have happened next if she hadn't(it had a very satisfying ending, but still would be curious about some things I mean). And what an amazing sequel she wrote. I loved this so much. My heart is so full once again after finishing. Great topics again in here. Like changing friendships, new friendships, & some important themes that I don't want to mention because they'll spoil things from the 1st book. But very important issues, & especially the way we automatically view people in regards to certain things. So much baking again which I love of course, & even a podcast in here! Amazing engaging writing, with endearing, relatable, lovable characters. HIGHLY recommend. BEAUTIFUL cover by Mirelle Ortega too. 💜
May 20, 2024
I was happy to see a continuation of Zoe Washington's story.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Narrator: Bahni Turpin
Length: 6h 12m
Audio book source: Hoopla
Narrator: Bahni Turpin
Length: 6h 12m
March 21, 2023
The sequel to “From The Desk of Zoe Washington”. Very satisfying follow-up to the first one; only wish the author had included recipes for all the yummy desserts mentioned! I hope there’s a third one to this series; Zoe is a wonderful character whom I’d love to read even more about.
January 29, 2023
I really loved Janae Marks's first book featuring Zoe (From the Desk of Zoe Washington) and while I didn't love this one AS much, it was a great follow-up to Zoe's story + further explores the failures of our justice system and the lives of those who have been incarcerated.
February 15, 2023
4-4.25/5
April 23, 2023
This was yet again a stunning book that touched upon very important topics. In my opinion it was also done in an age appropriate manner (but also, who am I to judge that).
July 28, 2023
If I could give it more than five stars, I would.
August 4, 2024
These books definitely have soft spot in my heart!!!
May 6, 2023
Zoe is a bit precocious and strangely successful at everything she does. But I probably would have found her inspiring if I was reading about it when I was 12ish.
October 30, 2022
This sequel is fabulous!!
Zoe is still tenacious and fierce! She's the kind of MC I want my girls reading about. She has goals and plans to make it happen!! This book picks up a few years after From the Desk of Zoe Washington. The family dynamics are so well written. I love seeing her dedication to her family. It's so refreshing to read!!
And I love Zoe's baking! It sounds so scrumptious! I want Zoe to get her own YA book next!! She's so much fun to read!! She's a great role model for my kids to read as well!! She's got grit and determination!! I highly recommend this series for family read alouds or tweens!!
Zoe is still tenacious and fierce! She's the kind of MC I want my girls reading about. She has goals and plans to make it happen!! This book picks up a few years after From the Desk of Zoe Washington. The family dynamics are so well written. I love seeing her dedication to her family. It's so refreshing to read!!
And I love Zoe's baking! It sounds so scrumptious! I want Zoe to get her own YA book next!! She's so much fun to read!! She's a great role model for my kids to read as well!! She's got grit and determination!! I highly recommend this series for family read alouds or tweens!!
November 5, 2022
I was so excited to see this title and I couldn’t wait to read it! Lucky for me, I was able to read this before its publish date via a NetGalley ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.
There is a lot going on in this sequel. Working towards dreams, friendship drama and growing pains, and other relationship building!
The main storyline is that Zoe and Marcus are working towards their dream of opening a restaurant. One of the coolest things about Zoe is her drive to go for what she wants! Zoe wants to bake for others, and she wants to do it now - not just when in a few years when she is 18. This starts her summer of hard work, with the help of Marcus, trying to get the funding for a restaurant.
At the heart of the story is that life after prison isn’t easy for exonerees or those who have committed a crime. Even Zoe has to face her own thoughts and feelings about those who have served time for a crime.
Zoe’s activism and drive are inspiring. Zoe is a great example for students as someone who strives (and achieves!) to make positive change.
This would be a great book for students who have or have had someone in their family in jail for a crime. It also serves as a great example that kids can do anything they put their minds to!
There is a lot going on in this sequel. Working towards dreams, friendship drama and growing pains, and other relationship building!
The main storyline is that Zoe and Marcus are working towards their dream of opening a restaurant. One of the coolest things about Zoe is her drive to go for what she wants! Zoe wants to bake for others, and she wants to do it now - not just when in a few years when she is 18. This starts her summer of hard work, with the help of Marcus, trying to get the funding for a restaurant.
At the heart of the story is that life after prison isn’t easy for exonerees or those who have committed a crime. Even Zoe has to face her own thoughts and feelings about those who have served time for a crime.
Zoe’s activism and drive are inspiring. Zoe is a great example for students as someone who strives (and achieves!) to make positive change.
This would be a great book for students who have or have had someone in their family in jail for a crime. It also serves as a great example that kids can do anything they put their minds to!
March 13, 2024
I like my realistic fiction to be just a tiny bit more...realistic.
I had really enjoyed the first book in this series, , and was looking forward to reading more about Zoe. Overall I did like this one too, but I think it had some weak spots. I love that Zoe is so ambitious and confident in herself, and that she has such a passion for baking and throws herself into it. I also appreciated the side plot with her two best friends starting to date and how that was a little awkward for Zoe as she worried if she would just become a third wheel. I was in that position a few times as a teenager and it was crummy even if the other people made sure to include you and all that. And I liked Zoe and Marcus coming together to work on this dream of opening their own restaurant. Zoe's family is great and supportive, including her stepfather, whom she calls Dad, and Marcus, her birth father, even though there is obviously a bit of awkwardness between them.
However, I felt like this book suffered from the same thing I took issue with in by Kelly Yang (although it was much worse in that book), which is that the author is tackling a serious societal issue which many kids do experience IRL, but does it in a way that is rather unrealistic and makes it seem like it's super easy to fix these big issues, or at least it should be super easy and when it isn't, the kid protagonists get upset. Zoe is 14 and is old enough to understand that just because you want something doesn't mean you get it or that it should fall right into your hands. Thinking that they should be able to open a restaurant within months of Marcus getting out of prison after being exonerated is absurd, and when it turns out that he can't get a bank loan and also that, you know, neither of them have any culinary training whatsoever and that opening a whole ass restaurant is a way bigger prospect than they can handle...Zoe gets a little huffy and depressed about waiting until she's out of college in 8 years. But like, girl. Most teens don't open restaurants, and most restaurants are run by people who actually have culinary education. And all along the way as they decide to go for a food cart instead and start making plans for that, it's true that there would be things that wouldn't work out...but then magically things always did. It's pouring rain the morning of the live podcast event? Ta-da, the rain completely stopped minutes beforehand! The Kickstarter is only 63% funded less than 24 hours before the end? Ta-da, the radio show you were on two years ago posted a link to it on their social media and strangers donated over $19,000 in less than a day! And so on. Like in Front Desk, the problems aren't really problems because everything works out, and that's just not how it goes IRL and I think writing a story for kids that way would make them feel worse about their own situation because no magic solution is going to materialize out of nowhere for them.
I also didn't like the glossing-over of the vast spectrum of criminality. I absolutely believe that if someone has served a sentence and gotten out, they should be able to find ways to support themselves and make a living. But the author kept dancing around the details, even having Zoe wonder to herself what the dude on the podcast panel had done, while never telling us. The implication is that everyone who has committed a crime and gone to prison is basically the same and that there's no need to get into the specifics. But come on. There is a huge difference between someone who stole a car or forged a check and someone who molested children or murdered people in a home invasion. And yeah, if we're talking about someone potentially working around kids, you might wanna know if that person was in prison for violently harming children. Again, I don't think formerly incarcerated people should never be allowed to work at all or that they don't deserve any rights whatsoever. But we're talking about a massive spectrum and hand-waving that away, even in a book meant for tweens/teens, just feels like not wanting to engage with reality.
So, while I did largely enjoy this, I think it tried too hard to tie everything up with pretty little bows and in doing so, did a disservice to the young readers at whom the book is aimed.
I had really enjoyed the first book in this series, , and was looking forward to reading more about Zoe. Overall I did like this one too, but I think it had some weak spots. I love that Zoe is so ambitious and confident in herself, and that she has such a passion for baking and throws herself into it. I also appreciated the side plot with her two best friends starting to date and how that was a little awkward for Zoe as she worried if she would just become a third wheel. I was in that position a few times as a teenager and it was crummy even if the other people made sure to include you and all that. And I liked Zoe and Marcus coming together to work on this dream of opening their own restaurant. Zoe's family is great and supportive, including her stepfather, whom she calls Dad, and Marcus, her birth father, even though there is obviously a bit of awkwardness between them.
However, I felt like this book suffered from the same thing I took issue with in by Kelly Yang (although it was much worse in that book), which is that the author is tackling a serious societal issue which many kids do experience IRL, but does it in a way that is rather unrealistic and makes it seem like it's super easy to fix these big issues, or at least it should be super easy and when it isn't, the kid protagonists get upset. Zoe is 14 and is old enough to understand that just because you want something doesn't mean you get it or that it should fall right into your hands. Thinking that they should be able to open a restaurant within months of Marcus getting out of prison after being exonerated is absurd, and when it turns out that he can't get a bank loan and also that, you know, neither of them have any culinary training whatsoever and that opening a whole ass restaurant is a way bigger prospect than they can handle...Zoe gets a little huffy and depressed about waiting until she's out of college in 8 years. But like, girl. Most teens don't open restaurants, and most restaurants are run by people who actually have culinary education. And all along the way as they decide to go for a food cart instead and start making plans for that, it's true that there would be things that wouldn't work out...but then magically things always did. It's pouring rain the morning of the live podcast event? Ta-da, the rain completely stopped minutes beforehand! The Kickstarter is only 63% funded less than 24 hours before the end? Ta-da, the radio show you were on two years ago posted a link to it on their social media and strangers donated over $19,000 in less than a day! And so on. Like in Front Desk, the problems aren't really problems because everything works out, and that's just not how it goes IRL and I think writing a story for kids that way would make them feel worse about their own situation because no magic solution is going to materialize out of nowhere for them.
I also didn't like the glossing-over of the vast spectrum of criminality. I absolutely believe that if someone has served a sentence and gotten out, they should be able to find ways to support themselves and make a living. But the author kept dancing around the details, even having Zoe wonder to herself what the dude on the podcast panel had done, while never telling us. The implication is that everyone who has committed a crime and gone to prison is basically the same and that there's no need to get into the specifics. But come on. There is a huge difference between someone who stole a car or forged a check and someone who molested children or murdered people in a home invasion. And yeah, if we're talking about someone potentially working around kids, you might wanna know if that person was in prison for violently harming children. Again, I don't think formerly incarcerated people should never be allowed to work at all or that they don't deserve any rights whatsoever. But we're talking about a massive spectrum and hand-waving that away, even in a book meant for tweens/teens, just feels like not wanting to engage with reality.
So, while I did largely enjoy this, I think it tried too hard to tie everything up with pretty little bows and in doing so, did a disservice to the young readers at whom the book is aimed.
February 28, 2023
4.5 stars
I really loved this follow-up to the first book, which charts her life after Marcus is exonerated and they continue building their relationship together. Some things I loved about this book:
1) Zoe's continued love of food and how it draws the people in her life together, but also the role it plays in motivating her to seek justice for the exonerated and later for the formerly incarcerated.
2) That Zoe had to go through a journey just like we do in learning about the challenges that both the exonerated and the formerly incarcerated folks face. I especially appreciated the discussions she had with Marcus and the speakers at her event. I liked that it wasn't just automatic that Zoe jumped on board, but that she (and her parents) talked through and came around to realizing that even those who were convicted rightfully can be good people and need a chance to change their lives and that many times, crime was a last resort that got them to where they did.
3) Speaking of those who were convicted--I really appreciated Hannah's story and her perspective and I loved that Marks took us through her pain and anger with her mom and how Zoe was able to help her open up a path to communication. I also liked that Hannah was able to work through this not just with her conversations with Zoe, but also with the help of a therapist. I really do hope we continue seeing the friendship (and something more?) between them grow and develop and that her other friends Maya and Trevor, end up becoming friends with Hannah.
4) I loved that even as she spent more time with Marcus, she realized she wanted to continue making room in her life for her dad and that they ended up having some good discussions about it. For those who have multiple parental figures that mean something to them, this was a good part of the story. I love Zoe's dad, both in the first book and in this one, and even though he doesn't have a lot of screen time in either book, the moments in which he appears are meaningful and really add to who Zoe is.
5) I loved how Zoe worked through her feelings about Maya and Trevor in a realistic way. There may have been SOME jealousy, but I think it was more about feeling like she was going to lose something. And even though she initially pulled back and didn't talk to them about it, I like that she stopped herself from doing anything rash (even if she thought about it) and took the time to process her feelings and then eventually speak to each of them alone. I love that the friendship between the three of them is one that is full of honesty and love, and they just want to find the best way to support each other.
6) I loved that instead of just saying no to something like the podcast, her mom decided to jump in and help her with the recording and the edits, to make sure that things were done in a safe way. Similarly, I loved that Marcus supported her desire to help him by making suggestions, but never telling her what she should do. I loved that her parents, Marcus, and Grandmother all did what they could to support her (and talk her down when she needed it) but never outright told her she could or couldn't do something. If they thought something was unsafe, they would tell her so, or they would point out if something might not work, but ultimately, they let her make many of the decisions.
One thing I thought could have been done better:
I was a little bit uncomfortable with the fact that she shared something personal about herself (where she worked) and this was left in the podcast. I know it was part of the plot so that Hannah was able to find her, but still, she is a minor (not even a teen) and I would think there would be laws against revealing personal information about minors on a public broadcast.
Overall, I loved this book and I know many of my students will as well! I can't wait for the next book! I hope there will be a next book because Zoe has a lot of things to say!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really loved this follow-up to the first book, which charts her life after Marcus is exonerated and they continue building their relationship together. Some things I loved about this book:
1) Zoe's continued love of food and how it draws the people in her life together, but also the role it plays in motivating her to seek justice for the exonerated and later for the formerly incarcerated.
2) That Zoe had to go through a journey just like we do in learning about the challenges that both the exonerated and the formerly incarcerated folks face. I especially appreciated the discussions she had with Marcus and the speakers at her event. I liked that it wasn't just automatic that Zoe jumped on board, but that she (and her parents) talked through and came around to realizing that even those who were convicted rightfully can be good people and need a chance to change their lives and that many times, crime was a last resort that got them to where they did.
3) Speaking of those who were convicted--I really appreciated Hannah's story and her perspective and I loved that Marks took us through her pain and anger with her mom and how Zoe was able to help her open up a path to communication. I also liked that Hannah was able to work through this not just with her conversations with Zoe, but also with the help of a therapist. I really do hope we continue seeing the friendship (and something more?) between them grow and develop and that her other friends Maya and Trevor, end up becoming friends with Hannah.
4) I loved that even as she spent more time with Marcus, she realized she wanted to continue making room in her life for her dad and that they ended up having some good discussions about it. For those who have multiple parental figures that mean something to them, this was a good part of the story. I love Zoe's dad, both in the first book and in this one, and even though he doesn't have a lot of screen time in either book, the moments in which he appears are meaningful and really add to who Zoe is.
5) I loved how Zoe worked through her feelings about Maya and Trevor in a realistic way. There may have been SOME jealousy, but I think it was more about feeling like she was going to lose something. And even though she initially pulled back and didn't talk to them about it, I like that she stopped herself from doing anything rash (even if she thought about it) and took the time to process her feelings and then eventually speak to each of them alone. I love that the friendship between the three of them is one that is full of honesty and love, and they just want to find the best way to support each other.
6) I loved that instead of just saying no to something like the podcast, her mom decided to jump in and help her with the recording and the edits, to make sure that things were done in a safe way. Similarly, I loved that Marcus supported her desire to help him by making suggestions, but never telling her what she should do. I loved that her parents, Marcus, and Grandmother all did what they could to support her (and talk her down when she needed it) but never outright told her she could or couldn't do something. If they thought something was unsafe, they would tell her so, or they would point out if something might not work, but ultimately, they let her make many of the decisions.
One thing I thought could have been done better:
I was a little bit uncomfortable with the fact that she shared something personal about herself (where she worked) and this was left in the podcast. I know it was part of the plot so that Hannah was able to find her, but still, she is a minor (not even a teen) and I would think there would be laws against revealing personal information about minors on a public broadcast.
Overall, I loved this book and I know many of my students will as well! I can't wait for the next book! I hope there will be a next book because Zoe has a lot of things to say!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 5, 2024
ENGLISH VERSION BELOW
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Das zweite Buch rund um Zoe (From the Desk of Zoe Washington) hat mir auch wieder sehr gut gefallen. Es war interessant zu lesen, wie es mit Zoe und vor allem ihren Vater Marcus weitergeht. Zoe hat neben Familienthemen auch wieder mit Themen zu kämpfen, die eben so passieren. Wie gehe ich damit um, wenn sich meine Freunde plötzlich annähern, was darf ich sagen, was nicht, darf ich verletzt sein, darf ich mich dabei komisch fühlen, muss ich mich schlecht fühlen, wenn ich eine neue Freundin finde usw. Zoe wächst daneben in einer „normalen“ Familie auf, es gibt keine großen innerfamiliären Probleme, Gewalt, Armut oder Probleme, die eine Triggerwarnung benötigen. Sie findet viel Halt und Unterstützung in ihrer Familie, was zum Lesen einfach schön war. Dadurch hat Zoe auch den nötigen Raum ihre Projekte anzugehen, zu backen (ja, es gibt wieder viele leckere Bachwaren) und einen Podcast aufzuziehen, der sich mit Fehlern im amerikanischen Justizsystem sowie mit dem Leben Inhaftierter bzw. dem Leben nach dem Gefängnis beschäftigt. Auch hieraus ergeben sich diverse Themen für Zoes Privatleben, ihre Zukunftsträume sowie Alltagsdiskussionen.
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I also really enjoyed the second book about Zoe (From the Desk of Zoe Washington). It was interesting to read how things continue with Zoe and especially her father Marcus. As well as family issues, Zoe also has to deal with issues that just happen. How do I deal with it when my friends suddenly get closer, what can I say, what can I not say, can I be hurt, can I feel weird about it, do I have to feel bad when I make a new friend etc.? Zoe is also growing up in a "normal" family, there are no major problems within the family, violence, poverty or problems that require a trigger warning. She finds a lot of stability and support in her family, which was great to read. This also gives Zoe the space she needs to tackle her projects, bake (yes, there are lots of delicious baked goods again) and set up a podcast that deals with flaws in the American justice system as well as life in prison and life after prison. This also gives rise to various topics for Zoe's private life, her dreams for the future and everyday discussions.
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Das zweite Buch rund um Zoe (From the Desk of Zoe Washington) hat mir auch wieder sehr gut gefallen. Es war interessant zu lesen, wie es mit Zoe und vor allem ihren Vater Marcus weitergeht. Zoe hat neben Familienthemen auch wieder mit Themen zu kämpfen, die eben so passieren. Wie gehe ich damit um, wenn sich meine Freunde plötzlich annähern, was darf ich sagen, was nicht, darf ich verletzt sein, darf ich mich dabei komisch fühlen, muss ich mich schlecht fühlen, wenn ich eine neue Freundin finde usw. Zoe wächst daneben in einer „normalen“ Familie auf, es gibt keine großen innerfamiliären Probleme, Gewalt, Armut oder Probleme, die eine Triggerwarnung benötigen. Sie findet viel Halt und Unterstützung in ihrer Familie, was zum Lesen einfach schön war. Dadurch hat Zoe auch den nötigen Raum ihre Projekte anzugehen, zu backen (ja, es gibt wieder viele leckere Bachwaren) und einen Podcast aufzuziehen, der sich mit Fehlern im amerikanischen Justizsystem sowie mit dem Leben Inhaftierter bzw. dem Leben nach dem Gefängnis beschäftigt. Auch hieraus ergeben sich diverse Themen für Zoes Privatleben, ihre Zukunftsträume sowie Alltagsdiskussionen.
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I also really enjoyed the second book about Zoe (From the Desk of Zoe Washington). It was interesting to read how things continue with Zoe and especially her father Marcus. As well as family issues, Zoe also has to deal with issues that just happen. How do I deal with it when my friends suddenly get closer, what can I say, what can I not say, can I be hurt, can I feel weird about it, do I have to feel bad when I make a new friend etc.? Zoe is also growing up in a "normal" family, there are no major problems within the family, violence, poverty or problems that require a trigger warning. She finds a lot of stability and support in her family, which was great to read. This also gives Zoe the space she needs to tackle her projects, bake (yes, there are lots of delicious baked goods again) and set up a podcast that deals with flaws in the American justice system as well as life in prison and life after prison. This also gives rise to various topics for Zoe's private life, her dreams for the future and everyday discussions.
February 16, 2023
I'd like to thank NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Edition, or Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC), of On Air With Zoe Washington (Zoe Washington, #2). I was thrilled to be chosen to read this book in exchange for my honest review. The expected publication date of this book is February 14, 2023. When I asked to review this book and was waiting on approval, I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series. It can definitely be read as a stand alone book, but I personally would recommend reading the books in order as it will help the reader understand the background of the characters.
I am glad to see that there are more books representing people of color as it's important for everyone to be represented. Another thing I'm glad to see is that it talks about people who were incarcerated that were innocent and the important work of the Innocence Project. Additionally, I was pleased that On Air With Zoe Washington deals with a family dynamic that is more prominent in today's society where a child is raised by a biological parent and a step parent.
Is there anything negative I can say about this book? Nope! It's a fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed On Air With Zoe Washington (Zoe Washington, #2) by Janae Marks and give it five out of five stars.
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I am glad to see that there are more books representing people of color as it's important for everyone to be represented. Another thing I'm glad to see is that it talks about people who were incarcerated that were innocent and the important work of the Innocence Project. Additionally, I was pleased that On Air With Zoe Washington deals with a family dynamic that is more prominent in today's society where a child is raised by a biological parent and a step parent.
Is there anything negative I can say about this book? Nope! It's a fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed On Air With Zoe Washington (Zoe Washington, #2) by Janae Marks and give it five out of five stars.
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March 11, 2025
The sequel to From the Desk of Zoe Washington, this book follows Zoe and Marcus two years later, after he has finally been freed from prison. As he's getting used to free life and working two jobs, Zoe learns how hard it is from ex-convicts to get back on their feet after prison, even if they were proven innocent. And when Marcus mentions wanting to open a restaurant, Zoe is determined to help.
I'm in awe of how Janae Marks can pack so much in a story both in terms of plot and character development and get such a great story out. In this book Zoe has to challenge some of her own preconceptions about previously incarcerated people, deal with a major change in her friendship and find a balance between making up for lost time with Marcus and her relationship with her stepdad. It's such a lovely story about a girl who is allowed to be flawed, even prejudiced, but who has an immense determination and ability to learn from her mistakes and from the people around her.
Content Warnings: the story deals with imprisonment and discrimination towards the previously incarcerated, it mentions the racism of the prison and justice systems, and has a side character whose mother is an addict and in prison for drug-related charges. The topics are presented in a way that's well-suited for the intended audience.
I'm in awe of how Janae Marks can pack so much in a story both in terms of plot and character development and get such a great story out. In this book Zoe has to challenge some of her own preconceptions about previously incarcerated people, deal with a major change in her friendship and find a balance between making up for lost time with Marcus and her relationship with her stepdad. It's such a lovely story about a girl who is allowed to be flawed, even prejudiced, but who has an immense determination and ability to learn from her mistakes and from the people around her.
Content Warnings: the story deals with imprisonment and discrimination towards the previously incarcerated, it mentions the racism of the prison and justice systems, and has a side character whose mother is an addict and in prison for drug-related charges. The topics are presented in a way that's well-suited for the intended audience.
Shelved as 'read-audiobooks'
March 29, 2023“I needed to do better. I needed to stop judging and remember that previous offenders were like many of us—worthy of another chance.”
Zoe is such a determined young lady. Anything she puts her mind to she sees through until the end, and never gives up looking for solutions. She is such a fierce advocate and will be an inspiration for so many, young and old.
This was a perfect follow up story, because we see the truth of what life is like after prison. For those wrongfully convicted, and not. Zoe had to face her own concerns about people who have committed crimes, and these conversations are so important.
My only qualms were that the podcast elements weren’t introduced until late in the story. Since it was part of the title, I thought it would’ve been a larger part of the book overall. It was also concerning that she said where she worked during a radio interview, but she made a new friend of this so I guess it’s okay?
Zoe is such a determined young lady. Anything she puts her mind to she sees through until the end, and never gives up looking for solutions. She is such a fierce advocate and will be an inspiration for so many, young and old.
This was a perfect follow up story, because we see the truth of what life is like after prison. For those wrongfully convicted, and not. Zoe had to face her own concerns about people who have committed crimes, and these conversations are so important.
My only qualms were that the podcast elements weren’t introduced until late in the story. Since it was part of the title, I thought it would’ve been a larger part of the book overall. It was also concerning that she said where she worked during a radio interview, but she made a new friend of this so I guess it’s okay?
February 1, 2023
African American Zoe, now fourteen, is moving from strength to strength. She won both her dream job
at Ari’s Cakes and her father’s freedom from prison in From the Desk of Zoe Washington (Katherine
Tegen Books, 2020). Now, with a podcast, Zoe’s trying to raise awareness about the difficulty
parolees have restarting their lives, while simultaneously advancing her own goal of opening a restaurant with her father, Marcus. Together the father-daughter team plan on serving up amazing barbecue and employing other parolees.
While the voice can seem overly expository, and Zoe’s tasks are daunting, her determination and ability
to break down and think through seemingly insurmountable challenges is both compelling and inspiring.
Happily the wish-fulfillment never becomes absurd, and Zoe’s ability to recalibrate in the face of
setbacks is impressive. Marks includes more typical fourteen-year-old concerns, such as how to navigate
the feelings about a romantic relationship between best friends. Fans of the first book will be happy
there is still plenty of time for baking, as Zoe works on coming up with a signature dessert and puts
together mouth-watering meals. Review based on an ARC. Thanks to NetGalley and Katherine Teegan Books for a review copy in return for an unbiased review.
at Ari’s Cakes and her father’s freedom from prison in From the Desk of Zoe Washington (Katherine
Tegen Books, 2020). Now, with a podcast, Zoe’s trying to raise awareness about the difficulty
parolees have restarting their lives, while simultaneously advancing her own goal of opening a restaurant with her father, Marcus. Together the father-daughter team plan on serving up amazing barbecue and employing other parolees.
While the voice can seem overly expository, and Zoe’s tasks are daunting, her determination and ability
to break down and think through seemingly insurmountable challenges is both compelling and inspiring.
Happily the wish-fulfillment never becomes absurd, and Zoe’s ability to recalibrate in the face of
setbacks is impressive. Marks includes more typical fourteen-year-old concerns, such as how to navigate
the feelings about a romantic relationship between best friends. Fans of the first book will be happy
there is still plenty of time for baking, as Zoe works on coming up with a signature dessert and puts
together mouth-watering meals. Review based on an ARC. Thanks to NetGalley and Katherine Teegan Books for a review copy in return for an unbiased review.
February 14, 2023
4.5 stars. Zoe Washington is back! It's the summer after 8th grade (two years after the first book) and Zoe's dad is out of prison after being exonerated and is now part of her daily life. They work together at a bakery as they get to know each other better. When Zoe realizes how hard it is going to be for her dad to start a restaurant because he has no credit history, she devises a plan to help him achieve his dream. The book is filled with baking, navigating friendships, food, and family. Marks does a good job in this book of illustrating that all formerly incarcerated people deserve help when leaving the prison system - not just those wrongfully convicted. Fans of the first book will love this one but it could also be read as a stand-alone book. ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley.
June 1, 2024
My kids and I love this series. My 9-year-old has planned out a letter to Janae Marks asking her to write a third book and asking if it's okay for him to continue the series while he waits, as long as he doesn't make money off of writing her characters. His love for this series just delights me!
I also read it because it's my fall middle school book club pick for my new library. The previous librarian usually gives the kids choices, but we jointly decided to just assign this one, and the kids were so excited! It was not a miss!
I love how Marks has found a new issue for Zoe to learn about and new projects for her to tackle! She's such a great (and intense!) protagonist!
I also read it because it's my fall middle school book club pick for my new library. The previous librarian usually gives the kids choices, but we jointly decided to just assign this one, and the kids were so excited! It was not a miss!
I love how Marks has found a new issue for Zoe to learn about and new projects for her to tackle! She's such a great (and intense!) protagonist!
January 31, 2025
Phần 2 trong series về cô bé Zoe Washington đã mất đi chút yếu tố trinh thám hay ho được triển khai khá ổn ở phần 1, thay vào đó là hành trình trưởng thành của cô bé Zoe trong việc giúp đỡ Marcus mở tiệm ăn sau khi ra tù. Zoe vẫn giữ được đức tính quyết tâm, làm gì cũng đều đặt hết tâm sức vào, cũng như sự tốt bụng, ấm áp với mọi người.
Điều thú vị mình thích trong phần 2 này, đó là việc tác giả không đi theo lối mòn trong việc tác hợp Zoe với người bạn thanh mai trúc mã Trevor, mà bẻ lái cho Zoe thành kỳ đà cản mũi khá vui (và tất nhiên không có mối tình tay ba nào ở đây hết). Chính vì thế mà câu chuyện hơi nhàn nhạt 3 sao này mình vẫn ưu ái cho lên 4 sao.
Điều thú vị mình thích trong phần 2 này, đó là việc tác giả không đi theo lối mòn trong việc tác hợp Zoe với người bạn thanh mai trúc mã Trevor, mà bẻ lái cho Zoe thành kỳ đà cản mũi khá vui (và tất nhiên không có mối tình tay ba nào ở đây hết). Chính vì thế mà câu chuyện hơi nhàn nhạt 3 sao này mình vẫn ưu ái cho lên 4 sao.
August 12, 2023
3.5. I really love Zoe and her family. Janae Marks writes books that deal with tough topics worthy of conversation, but generally they are uplifting reads where everyone is kind and empathetic. Anyone who enjoyed the first Zoe book would love this one, though collecting evidence to exonerate your birth dad is a bit more interesting than collecting money to start a restaurant business. Zoe is maybe too far-fetched in that everything always goes right; even when things seem to go sour, something magical occurs to save the day. As an adult reader, this is my only qualm. Cute book!
April 21, 2023
I loved From the Desk of Zoe Washington so I was super excited when the sequel was announced and it did not disappoint! Life after prison is such a struggle for so many and, like Zoe says, it just isn't talked about enough. Marks does an excellent job of entertaining and educating, just like she did in the first book. I loved seeing Zoe come to terms with her best friends having feelings for each other and of course, I loved the baking aspect. But I also really appreciate the care that Marks took in explaining- through Zoe and Marcus' journey- how hard life after prison can be.
This book is thoughtful and made me think and it was also a lot of fun.
This book is thoughtful and made me think and it was also a lot of fun.
January 24, 2023
It was so much fun to see Zoe as a young teen!
Marks has penned an amazing addition to the original story, this time really highlighting Zoe’s changing family dynamics and friendships. The book explores the challenges of Marcus’s life after being exonerated and readers will root for him and Zoe as they embark on new adventures together.
Marks has penned an amazing addition to the original story, this time really highlighting Zoe’s changing family dynamics and friendships. The book explores the challenges of Marcus’s life after being exonerated and readers will root for him and Zoe as they embark on new adventures together.
August 10, 2023
4.5 stars - this was such a great book to read with Drew! I loved how it tackled such a complicated issue (racism and the justice system) in a way that made it easy for kids to understand. I also think Zoe is just the best female lead, such an awesome girl for my girl to look up to. I hope Janae keeps telling more of her stories!
November 24, 2023
I didn't like this book. Zoe was so optimistic and yet depressed at the same time that throughout the book, I felt like I was reading a thriller. There wasn't anything creepy, but I really did expect something horrible to happen.
I didn't finish this book.
Content: CLEAN. No curse words or other bad content.
I didn't finish this book.
Content: CLEAN. No curse words or other bad content.
August 7, 2022
Fantastic follow-up to From the Desk of Zoe Washington! It has all the charm of the original and builds upon the foundation set in the first book (though readers can pick up this title solo and not feel lost). Marks writes honestly about the challenges of an eighth grader without oversimplifying. Kids will love Zoe's refusal to give up, her love for her family and friends, and her willingness to change her mind when she sees her blind spots. The story is well-plotted and paced, making it a fun read for adults and children, and the topics within are a jumping off point for all sorts of valuable family conversations. Loved it!
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