Zoe Washington series
This article needs a plot summary. (April 2023) |
The Zoe Washington series is a series of middle grade novels by Janae Marks, consisting of the following books: From the Desk of Zoe Washington (2020) and On Air with Zoe Washington (2023). Several outlets included From the Desk of Zoe Washington in their list of the best children's books of 2020. It is also slated to be adapted into a film by Disney Branded Television.[1]
From the Desk of Zoe Washington (2020) edit
From the Desk of Zoe Washington was published January 14, 2020 by Katherine Tegen Books. It has also been adapted into an audiobook narrated by Bahni Turpin.[2]
Critical reception edit
From the Desk of Zoe Washington was generally well received by critics, including starred reviews from Booklist,[3] Kirkus Reviews,[4] Publishers Weekly,[5] and School Library Journal.[6]
Booklist's Shaunterria Owens highlights how "Marks tells this story of forgiveness and redemption in a way that will make sense to tween readers without being patronizing or overly complicated. The troubling ways race affects the characters ... will facilitate important conversations about racial profiling and incarceration rates for people of color. Fortunately, Marks’ capable storytelling and engaging characters also combine into a wondrous confection of a book, full of heart and hope and promise."[3]
Kirkus Reviews called the novel "an extraordinary, timely, must-read debut about love, family, friendship, and justice."[4]
Publishers Weekly writes, "Debut author Marks seamlessly weaves timely discussions about institutionalized racism into this uplifting and engaging story that packs an emotional punch. Zoe is a relatable tween, with friendship and familial frustrations that will resonate with readers."[5]
School Library Journal's Elizabeth Giles called the book "a smart, necessary, and hopeful middle grade debut that expertly balances a gentle, heartwarming tone with searing insight into systemic racism."[6] Giles recommended it for readers who enjoy Lisa Ramee’s A Good Kind of Trouble and Kekla Magoon’s The Season of Styx Malone.[6]
Awards and honors edit
Both the book and audiobook editions of From the Desk of Zoe Washington are Junior Library Guild selections.[7][8]
The Chicago Public Library,[9] Kirkus Reviews,[10] Parents,[11] School Library Journal named From the Desk of Zoe Washington one of the best middle grade novels of 2020,[12] and Booklist included it on their 2020 "Top 10 First Novels for Youth" list.[13] Bank Street College of Education also included the novel on their list of the best books of 2021.[14]
| Year | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Cybils Award for Middle Grade Fiction | Winner | [15] |
| 2020 | Goodreads Choice Award for Middle Grade & Children's | Nominee | [16] |
| 2020 | New England Book Award for Middle Grade | Finalist | [17] |
| 2021 | Agatha Award for Children's/Young Adult Mystery | Nominee | [18][19] |
| 2021 | ALSC Notable Children's Books | Selection | [20][21] |
| 2021 | ALSC Notable Children's Recordings | Selection | [22] |
| 2021 | Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults | Selection | [23] |
| 2021 | Anthony Award for Best Juvenile / Young Adult | Nominee | [24] |
| 2021 | Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Juvenile | Finalist | [25] |
| 2022 | Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award | Finalist | [26][27] |
Film adaptation edit
On August 18, 2021, Disney Branded Television announced they would be adapting From the Desk of Zoe Washington into a full-length film directed by Kerry Washington and Pilar Savone.[1][28] On November 17, 2022, author Janae Marks revealed that the film is still in pre-production and the screenwriter is still working on the script.[29]
On Air with Zoe Washington (2023) edit
On Air with Zoe Washington was published February 14, 2023 by Katherine Tegen Books.
Critical reception edit
In their review, Booklist's Aryssa Damron highlights how "Marks captures the exuberance and energy of early teens in her prose and delicately balances Zoe as a likable protagonist."[30] Kirkus Reviews called the novel "a thoughtful sequel that revisits an admirable protagonist and accessibly explores challenging subjects."[31] School Library Journal referred to it as "a delightful and inspiring read."[32]
References edit
- ^ a b Leiber, Sarah Jae (2021-08-18). "Disney Branded Television Developing Original Movie FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON". Broadway World. from the original on 2021-11-26. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON by Janae Marks Read by Bahni Turpin | Audiobook Review". AudioFile Magazine. from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ a b Owens, Shaunterria (2019-11-15). "From the Desk of Zoe Washington". Booklist. from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
- ^ a b "From the Desk of Zoe Washington". Kirkus Reviews. 2019-09-15. from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
- ^ a b "From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks". Publishers Weekly. 2019-10-30. from the original on 2022-06-26. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ a b c Giles, Elizabeth (2020-01-17). "From the Desk of Zoe Washington". School Library Journal. from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "From the Desk of Zoe Washington (Audiobook) by Janae Marks". Junior Library Guild. from the original on 2021-10-28. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks". Junior Library Guild. from the original on 2021-10-16. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ ChiPubLib_Kids. "Best Fiction for Older Readers of 2020". Chicago Public Library. from the original on 2022-09-28. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "Best of 2020". Kirkus Reviews. from the original on 2023-03-08. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ Meredith Corporation (2020-11-10). "PARENTS Magazine Names The Best Children's Books Of 2020". PR Newswire. from the original on 2020-11-13. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ Beasley, Emily; Blair, Monisha; Speight, Myiesha; Williams, Ashleigh; Worley, Taylor (2020-11-23). "Best Middle Grade Books 2020 | SLJ Best Books". School Library Journal. from the original on 2023-02-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ Smith, Julia (2020-11-01). "Top 10 First Novels for Youth: 2020". Booklist. from the original on 2022-01-20. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
- ^ "The Best Children's Books of the Year, 9-12" (PDF). Bank Street College of Education. (PDF) from the original on 2021-09-16. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
- ^ "2020 Cybils Winners". from the original on 2022-11-05. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
- ^ "From the Desk of Zoe Washington (Zoe Washington, #1)". Goodreads. from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "Awards: New England Finalists". Shelf Awareness. 2020-07-24. from the original on 2022-07-05. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ Schaub, Michael (2021-03-29). "Nominees for Agatha Awards Are Revealed". Kirkus Reviews. from the original on 2021-03-29. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- ^ "The Agatha Award Nominees". Poisoned Pen Press. 2021-03-27. from the original on 2022-12-24. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- ^ "Notable Children's Books: 2021". Booklist. 2021-03-15. from the original on 2022-01-16. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
- ^ Schulte-Cooper, Laura (2021-03-30). "ALSC names 2021 Notable Children's Books". American Library Association. from the original on 2022-02-01. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ Schulte-Cooper, Laura (2021-02-17). "ALSC announces 2021 Notable Children's Recordings". American Library Association. from the original on 2021-02-22. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "2021 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). 2021-01-04. from the original on 2022-01-07. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "Anthonys 2020 - 2022". Bouchercon. from the original on 2023-02-21. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "Congratulations to the Winners of the 2021 Edgar Awards". CrimeReads. 2021-04-29. from the original on 2021-06-21. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ^ "2022 Master List Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Illinois Children's Choice Award" (PDF). Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award. (PDF) from the original on 2022-11-16. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
- ^ ChiPubLib_Kids. "2022 Rebecca Caudill Award Nominees". Chicago Public Library. from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ Petski, Denise (August 18, 2021). "Kerry Washington To Produce From the Desk of Zoe Washington Movie Adaptation At Disney Branded Television". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
- ^ Marks, Janae (November 17, 2022). "What's happening with the next Zoe Washington book & Disney movie? 👀". us17.campaign-archive.com. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
- ^ Damron, Aryssa (2023-01-06). "On Air with Zoe Washington". Booklist. from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
- ^ "On Air with Zoe Washington". Kirkus Reviews. 2022-12-24. from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
- ^ Cronce, Tracy (2023-03-01). "On Air with Zoe Washington". School Library Journal. from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.