FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON

Narrator Bahni Turpin's soft yet buoyant tones are perfect for this audiobook about a preteen girl learning to navigate an unexpectedly complicated world. Zoe Washington has grown up knowing little about her father except that he's in prison. A letter from him on her twelfth birthday begins a secret correspondence. This leads Zoe to a new understanding of herself, her relationships, and the flawed criminal justice system. Turpin's confident narration captures the tender rapport that builds between Zoe and her father, as well as the loving connections linking the other people in Zoe's orbit. Her grandmother is a special treat, just the right mix of sweet and spicy. Since Zoe is an aspiring baker, the narration also includes several delicious-sounding recipes. N.M. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2020]