Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rousing tale about girl's entrepreneurship and activism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When ON AIR WITH ZOE WASHINGTON begins, Zoe, a 14-year-old Black girl living in Boston with her mom and stepdad, has just begun working at a bakery shop with her birth dad, Marcus. Marcus has recently been exonerated of a murder and released from prison thanks to Zoe's resourcefulness. Marcus dreams of owning his own restaurant someday. Zoe wants to do more than dream. She's determined to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
Is It Any Good?
This spirited book shows kids how they can make a difference when they recognize their own gifts and are willing to take action. In On Air with Zoe Washington by Janae Marks is a New York Times bestseller and the sequel to From the Desk of Zoe Washington, which was named to "best books" lists from School Library Journal and Kirkus, among many other awards. It touches on numerous worthwhile topics, including re-entry from prison, baking, entrepreneurship, and first romance. The attempt to cover so much in one story sometimes leads to passages that feel forced. Otherwise, this is a really fun and inspiring read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the idea of second chances in On Air with Zoe Washington. Have you ever made poor choices that had negative consequences? Is there anything in your own life that helps you have empathy for people who have done something wrong?
What's the most ambitious group project you've ever worked on at school or with your family or friends? When you had setbacks, how did you overcome them? How did teamwork make a difference?
Do you have an idea for a creative project or business? What is it? How might your project be a way to express compassion and serve your community?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Activism , Cooking , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication date : February 14, 2023
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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