From the Desk of Zoe Washington

Twelve-year-old Zoe Washington receives an unexpected letter from Marcus, her biological father in prison, on her birthday. While keeping the correspondence secret from her mother, Zoe begins writing back to Marcus, who claims he is innocent of his crime. Zoe splits her time between investigating her father's case and pursuing her dream of becoming a pastry chef through a summer baking internship. She enlists help from her grandmother and her friend Trevor to uncover new information about the crime Marcus was convicted of. With themes of justice, family bonds, and finding one's voice, this middle-grade novel examines how young people can take action when faced with difficult truths. The story navigates complex topics while maintaining focus on Zoe's personal growth and determination.

Readers highlight how the book handles serious topics like wrongful incarceration and racial justice while remaining age-appropriate for middle-grade audiences. Multiple reviews note the authentic voice of 12-year-old Zoe and her passion for baking. Readers appreciated: - Balance of heavy themes with lighter moments - Strong family relationships and character development - Accurate portrayal of middle school friendships - Integration of baking details and recipes Common criticisms: - Some plot points felt unrealistic or too convenient - Pacing drags in certain sections - A few readers wanted more complexity in the adult characters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (11,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "Perfect blend of serious issues and typical tween life," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review states, "The baking elements add fun without diminishing the weight of the social justice storyline."

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🎂 Author Janae Marks got the idea for Zoe's passion for baking while watching baking competition shows with her daughter, and she conducted extensive research by taking cake decorating classes. 📝 The book addresses wrongful incarceration, a real issue affecting thousands of Americans. The Innocence Project, mentioned in the story, has helped free over 375 wrongfully convicted people since 1989. 🎵 Marcus, Zoe's father, introduces her to Stevie Wonder's music in their letters. Stevie Wonder was actually a child prodigy who signed with Motown Records at age 11, similar to how Zoe is a young talent in baking. 🌟 The novel received multiple accolades, including being named a 2021 Schneider Family Book Award Honor recipient and appearing on the 2021 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List. 🧁 The book includes references to real bakeries in the Boston area, where the story is set, and Zoe's dream of appearing on Kids Bake Challenge is inspired by actual cooking competition shows like Kids Baking Championship.