Reviewer: Connie Payne
Title: Solving Zoe
Author: Barbara Dee
Publisher: McElderry Books
ISBN-13: 9781416961284
Release Date: April 2009
Genre/Sub-genre: Youth/Juvenile fiction
Publisher’s Age/Grade Recommendation: 8-12
OUAR’s Age/Grade Recommendation: 8-12
Year/Setting: Present day/Brooklyn NY
Overall rating: 4.5
Barbara's Website: www.barbaradeebooks.com
Zoe Bennett’s older sister and brother both have special talents and gifts. In fact they all go to a private school for gifted or special students. A new school year puts thirteen-year old Zoe in the Middle Division of Hubbard School. It’s now expected that she find a direction in her schooling and life. Her classmates are all starting to recognize their individual talents. Even her best friend, Dara, has discovered her talent and desires for her future and is drifting away from Zoe.
The sad thing is, Zoe isn’t feeling special at all. Zoe is just floundering and doodling her way through classes as Dara and most of her classmates forge ahead. She can’t see that she has any unique talents. Until a new student arrives.
Lucas is an annoying know-it-all. Yet Zoe’s a bit intrigued and baffled by him. He’s annoying, yes, but different in a curious way. If Zoe were being completely honest, she’d also admit (without frustration or sarcasm) that he’s a genius at deciphering hieroglyphics and codes. A bit of time spent with Lucas and Zoe finds she does have a gift. She can cipher codes, too. Lucas says she’s a natural cryptanalyst and that scares her.
Trouble and accusations lead to Zoe having a couple of weeks off from school. It’s during this time that Zoe finds she really might have a gift for codes and it doesn’t have to be creepy or scary. She just has to develop it and be passionate about it.
We’re given a peek at a turning point in Zoe’s life. I was riveted by Zoe and the changes and challenges coming at her one after another and how she did or didn’t deal with them. She’s a special girl and I really enjoyed getting to know her.
Between the pages of Solving Zoe is an insightful and thought-provoking story that eases the sting of growing pains with wit and understanding. It will touch you and make you smile, and, if you’re a mom or dad reading this along with your child, it might bring back memories. Unfortunately, some things just haven’t changed.
Barbara Dee is an "extra-ordinary" author. Every young girl should be lucky enough to read one of her books.
Connie
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