Zoe Reindeer has a very big imagination, but in real life she considers herself 'just Zoe1 - not measuring up to her too perfect older sister and her smarty pants little brother. Truthfully, though, she'd rather just blend in with the plants at the family business, Doc Reindeer's Exotic Plant Wonderland. That is until a tall astronomer from Madagascar comes into the nursery looking for a Baobab tree, and starts a ball rolling that makes Zoe long for real adventures, not just imaginary ones. When her family is suddenly forced to relocate, they find themselves heading to a place reindeer have never gone before - and to Zoe, it feels like her first real adventure is finally beginning.

Coretta Scott King Honor winner Brenda Woods introduces Zoe - an endearing eleven year old who's afraid her real life will never be as exciting as her imaginary one.

About the Author
Brenda Woods (www.brendawoods.net) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, grew up in southern California, and attended California State University, Northridge. Her award-winning books for young readers include The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond (a CCBC choice and a Kirkus Best Book), Coretta Scott King Honor winner The Red Rose Box, ALAN Pick Saint Louis Armstrong Beach, and VOYA Top Shelf Fiction selection Emako Blue. Her numerous awards and honors include the Judy Lopez Memorial Award, FOCAL award, Pen Center USA's Literary Award finalist, IRA Children's Choice Young Adult Fiction Award, and ALA Quick Pick. She lives in the Los Angeles area.

Reviews
Praise for Zoe in Wonderland:

"Spunky and inquisitive narrative voice. . . . Woods balances serious issues with humor. Zoe's character is consistently relatable and encouraging to those who might not feel very special and who are trying, like Zoe, to understand themselves and the world around them."-The Horn Book

"Woods develops a realistic adolescent struggle with self-acceptance. . . . Young readers will easily identify with Zoe's unbridled curiosity and wishes for the future, and the ending satisfies. . . . This touching tale about finding strength in uniqueness is a well-crafted read from start to finish."-Kirkus Reviews

"Woods handles big challenges . . . with sensitivity and a light touch. Readers will find it easy to sink into Zoe's warm family life, realistic in its squabbles, worries, and powerfully evident love."-Publishers Weekly

"Many readers will see themselves in Woods's authentic portrayal of an African American girl finding her place in her family and in the world around her."-School Library Journal



Book Information
ISBN 9780425288917
Author Brenda Woods
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Nancy Paulsen Books
Publisher Nancy Paulsen Books
Weight(grams) 173g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 127mm * 14mm