Skip to main content
InclusiReads
Cover of From the Desk of Zoe Washington

Janae Marks

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

Ages 8–12

Zoe is working to prove to everyone around her that she is worthy of being on Food Network's Kid Bake Challenge. On her 12th birthday, however, she receives an unexpected letter from her father, who has been in prison for a crime. A crime he says he did not commit. With recipes and the weight of her father's confession on her mind, it is up to Zoe to search for truth as she questions assumptions and strives to do what is right - even in the face of opposition.

$8.99$10.99

Prices are indicative. Final price is set by the retailer at checkout.

Why this book

We keep this on the shelf for race, identity, and seeing yourself on the page — a story kids can feel, not just a lesson adults want to teach.

Who it's for

Ages 8–12. Especially helpful for celebrating the family you have — chosen or given.

Conversation starter

Ask: What made someone in this story feel proud of who they are?

Try this

Classroom tip: pair a chapter with a short journal prompt — no grades, just honest noticing.

Pair with

Two titles that deepen the same conversation.

Cover of As Brave As You

Ages 8–12

As Brave As You

Genie's summer is full of surprises. The first is that he and his big brother, Ernie, are leaving Brooklyn for the very first time to spend the summer with their grandparents all the way in Virginia. The second surprise comes when Genie figures out that their grandfather is blind. Genie thinks Grandpop must be the bravest guy he's ever known, but he starts to notice that his grandfather never leaves the house. And when he finds the secret room that Grandpop is always disappearing into, he begins to wonder if his grandfather is really so brave after all.

$8.99$10.99
Cover of Brown Girl Dreaming

Ages 8–12

Brown Girl Dreaming

A New York Times Bestseller and National Book Award Winner Jacqueline Woodson, the acclaimed author of Red at the Bone, tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse.

$10.99$12.99

More like this

Cover of Can't sit still

Ages 3–8

Can't sit still

Skipping, hopping, biking, and dancing her way through the seasons of the year, a young girl explores her big-city neighborhood. Exuberant text and art celebrate a child's relationship to her world. Full color.

$17.99$19.99
Cover of Clean Getaway

Ages 8–12

Clean Getaway

Fasten Your Seatbelt: G'ma's never conventional, so this trip won't be either. Use the Green Book: G'ma's most treasured possession. It holds history, memories, and most important, the way home.

$8.99$10.99
Cover of Concrete Rose

Ages 13+

Concrete Rose

Forced to flee Kurdistan by the Iraqi government, young refugee Mevan travels from country to country seeking safety and feels more and more alone until a stranger's gift changes everything, in this true story and moving reminder of how ...

$12.99$14.99
Cover of Dear Martin

Ages 13+

Dear Martin

"In Dad is Fat, stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan, who's best known for his legendary riffs on Hot Pockets, bacon, manatees, and McDonald's, expresses all the joys and horrors of life with five young children--everything from cousins ( ...

$10.99$12.99
Cover of Evan's corner

Ages 3–8

Evan's corner

Evan's family lives in a crowded apartment too small for privacy. But Evan's mother lets him choose his own special corner. Evan fills it with a milk-crate table and chair, a bright painting, and even a pet turtle.

$17.99$19.99
Cover of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Ages 3–8

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity.

$18.99$20.99