This novel is so cute! It captures the voice and dreams of an 11 year old girl perfectly. I love how Zoe grew up a bit and learned to appreciate what she had. The unconditional support she had from her dad and Wheeler was amazing. I also loved the representation of nurodivergents in her dad, because he clearly had autism and/or bad social anxiety. Overall, a very cute, easy read perfect for middle grade readers. ( )

Signed by Linda Urban (2009-04) ( )

I was looking forward to reading this one, after meeting the author a few weeks ago and hearing so many good things about it. I wasn't disappointed. The first-person, present-tense narrative is intimate and spare- in the best sort of way. The characters are delightful and new, even as they are familiar, and the story is very satisfying. This is the kind of solid, good story that I will recommend over and over. It reminds me of Ida B by Katherine Hannigan or Saffy's Angel by Hilary McKay. ( )

Zoe is a funny and verbal 10 year old who dreams of playing the piano at Carnegie Hall. She may be a little odd, but so is everyone around her and her running commentary on her agoraphobic Dad, workaholic Mom and friends who are not always what they seem keeps the story bubbling along. The narrator of the audiobook is able to convey youth and energy without being overly perky. ( )

I wish I could be more articulate about why this book was so much more satisfying than other YA I have read recently. ( )