What does a girl say to the father shes never met, hadnt heard from until his letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and whos been in prison for a terrible crime? A crime he says he never committed. Debut author Janae Marks follows one courageous girl as she searches for the truth and does what she believes is right, even in the face of great opposition.About the Book Avid baker Zoe Washington receives a letter on her twelfth birthday from her biological father, who is in prison for a terrible crime- Book Synopsis #1 Kids Indie Next List * Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book of the Year * SLJ Best Book of the Year * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * Junior Library Guild Selection * Edgar Award Nominee * Four Starred Reviews * Bank Street Best Childrens Book of the Year * An Indie Bestseller * From debut author Janae Marks comes a captivating story full of heart, as one courageous girl questions assumptions, searches for the truth, and does what she believes is right-even in the face of great opposition. The only thing she knows to be true: Everyone lies. But with bakery confections on one part of her mind and Marcus’s conviction weighing heavily on the other, this is one recipe Zoe doesn’t know how to balance. It’s Zoe’s dream to become a star baker, and she can’t afford to mess anything up. Everyone thinks Zoe’s worrying about doing a good job at her bakery internship and proving to her parents that she’s worthy of auditioning for Food Network’s Kids Bake Challenge. Even if it means hiding his letters from her mom and stepdad. What does a girl say to the father she’s never met, hadn’t heard from until his letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and who’s been in prison for a terrible crime? A crime he says he never committed.Ĭould Marcus really be innocent? Zoe’s determined to uncover the truth. Zoe Washington isn’t sure what to write next. Perfect for fans of Front Desk and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T.

With equal parts mystery and heart, this middle grade debut by Janae Marks follows Zoe Washington after she receives an unexpected letter on her twelfth birthday from the incarcerated father she’s never met and her courageous journey to uncover the truth about his crime.

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