How Zoe Made Friends

When Zoe has to start a new school after the summer holidays, she is naturally apprehensive. Making friends at a new school was hard enough but with her skin condition, that made it look like she had two different skin tones, it had always been harder. In her last school she had been lucky enough to befriend Quinn and that had changed everything. But now she would have to start all over and Quinn had already told her how horrible third graders could be. It isn't too long before Quinn's words are ringing in Zoe's ears, when class bully Nyla decides to try to turn the rest of the class against her by telling them that she has a disease and is contagious. Zoe fears the worst, but she is tougher than she thought she was and is determined that she will make friends and that others will like her for who she is. She just needs to work out how. I loved this book. It has a unique style based on the family characters which is endearing. Zoe or dough - never both is a cute girl with a visible difference voicing all the insecurities of trying to fit in at a new school. Her family are super supportive and give plenty of positive advice. In the end it is up to Zoe to keep her head up and make the friends she needs. It has a positive message for any child who is different and would be amazing to share with children in class. I believe children would easily relate to the characters and it would generate fabulous discussion on how we treat each other. Love it! Cute up lifting book for 8-9 year olds. A quick read that has some meaning and real life experience. I liked the topic this is not one you hear a lot about, yet it is pretty common really. What I really liked in this book was the "Zen" time. How her parents were not only positive and supportive, but taught her how to breath and how to calm herself down. Children at this age need tools on how to cope with life. I enjoyed the story of Zoe. I loved the relationship with her family, she was never afraid to talk to them when she felt nervous about something. It is an eye opener to kids that no matter what your parents are always there for you. Despite being scared at times she always stayed positive. The message is very strong for kids reading this book. They learn how through family and friends you can learn to overcome obstacles. Very well written and great story.