Zoe in Wonderland

Eleven-year-old Zoe Reindeer, a “shy, perfectly plain girl-person” stuck between a popular older sister and a genius younger brother, may be “just Zoe” in real life, but she’s powerful and strong in her frequent daydreams. Zoe wishes she could be more like “Imaginary Zoe” at home and at school, but there are some good things in her real life, too, like her father’s exotic plant store, Doc Reindeer’s Exotic Plant Wonderland, and spending time with her best friend and fellow nerd Quincy. When a tall, mysterious astronomer who hails from Madagascar comes into “the Wonderland” seeking a baobab tree, then returns to give Zoe a book by Carl Sagan, he starts her on a journey toward discovering that she might be more like Imaginary Zoe than she realized. Woods (The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond) handles big challenges—such as Quincy’s move out of town, middle-school hierarchies, and an elderly neighbor with memory loss—with sensitivity and a light touch. Readers will find it easy to sink into Zoe’s warm family life, realistic in its squabbles, worries, and powerfully evident love. Ages 8–12. (Aug.)

Gr 3-6-Zoe Reindeer is the middle child, sandwiched between her pretty, popular older sister and her science genius younger brother. Shy and introverted, she feels comfortable only when she is working in her family's exotic plant nursery; spending time with her best friend, Quincy; or daydreaming. One rainy morning, a customer visits the nursery asking about a baobab tree from his native Madagascar. Zoe and Quincy research the tree and discover that it is endangered. They decide to buy and plant baobab seeds and grow the trees themselves as a surprise for Zoe's father. After Quincy's mother is diagnosed with cancer and he must move away, Zoe struggles without her only friend. A new friendship and the support of her parents and grandparents help Zoe figure out where she fits both at school and at home. When a fire wipes out her family's plant nursery, the now-sprouted baobab tree plant gives them the sign they need to move on. This is a quiet, family-centered story. Many readers will see themselves in Woods's authentic portrayal of an African American girl finding her place in her family and in the world around her. VERDICT Purchase where character-driven middle grade novels, particularly those featuring protagonists of color, are popular and needed.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Zoe in Wonderland

"Spunky and inquisitive narrative voice. . . . Woods balances serious issues with humor. Zoe's character is consistently relatable and encouraging to those who might not feel very special and who are trying, like Zoe, to understand themselves and the world around them."—The Horn Book

"Woods develops a realistic adolescent struggle with self-acceptance. . . . Young readers will easily identify with Zoe's unbridled curiosity and wishes for the future, and the ending satisfies. . . . This touching tale about finding strength in uniqueness is a well-crafted read from start to finish."—Kirkus Reviews

"Woods handles big challenges . . . with sensitivity and a light touch. Readers will find it easy to sink into Zoe's warm family life, realistic in its squabbles, worries, and powerfully evident love."—Publishers Weekly

"Many readers will see themselves in Woods's authentic portrayal of an African American girl finding her place in her family and in the world around her."—School Library Journal