by Reina Luz Alegre (Author)
Twelve-year-old Zoey navigates the tricky waters of friendship while looking for a way to save her grandfather's struggling business in this heartwarming, coming-of-age debut novel perfect for fans of Kristi Wientge, Donna Gephart, and Meg Medina.
Zoey comes from a family of dreamers. From start-up companies to selling motorcycles, her dad is constantly chasing jobs that never seem to work out. As for Zoey, she's willing to go along with whatever grand plans her dad dreams up--even if it means never staying in one place long enough to make real friends. Her family being together is all that matters to her. So Zoey's world is turned upside down when Dad announces that he's heading to a new job in New York City without her.
Instead, Zoey and her older brother, José, will stay with their Poppy at the Jersey Shore. At first, Zoey feels as lost and alone as she did after her mami died. But soon she's distracted by an even bigger problem: the bowling alley that Poppy has owned for decades is in danger of closing! After befriending a group of kids practicing for a summer bowling tournament, Zoey hatches a grand plan of her own to save the bowling alley. It seems like she's found the perfect way to weave everyone's dreams together...until unexpected events turn Zoey's plan into one giant nightmare.
Now, with her new friends counting on her and her family's happiness hanging in the balance, Zoey will have to decide what her dream is--and how hard she's willing to fight for it.
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Gr 3-5--Twelve-year-old Zoey is used to going along with her dad's ever-changing dreams, even if it means moving every few months. After all, he's the only parent that Zoey and her older brother José have left. When Zoey's father announces that he's heading to a new job in New York City and leaving Zoey and José to stay with their Cuban grandfather at the Jersey Shore, she's not sure how to feel. However, Zoey is soon distracted by trying to save her grandpa's bowling alley from bankruptcy, and a middle school bowling league that desperately needs another member. Zoey is a realistic and likeable protagonist doing her best for her family and new community in a stressful situation. Grief is a frequent topic, but it never dominates the story: Zoey and her family are still dealing with both her mom and abuelita's recent deaths, and their absence is often mentioned. While Zoey's family members are sometimes sel f-absorbed, their affection for each other and their care for Zoey is always clear. The outcomes for the bowling league and bowling alley are slightly predictable, but earned all the same. VERDICT Alegre has written a warm, funny, empowering book that's sure to appeal to fans of Meg Medina's Merci Suarez Changes Gears or Pablo Cartaya's The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora. Recommended for all collections.--Kelsey Socha, Springfield City Library, MA
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