About the Book

Book: Taking Chances
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Middle Grade
Release Date: April 15, 2020

Zoey knows her days are numbered. At least when it comes to remaining in Cedarville. So when Louisa coaxes her to be part of a garage band, Zoey tosses her insecurities aside to make music with her friends. And she even goes out for the basketball team. But what will happen when her mom shows up and pulls the plug on everything?

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MY THOUGHTS.....

Taking Chances is the fourth and final book of the Being Zoey series and I have thoroughly enjoyed these books that are geared toward middle school girls. Author Melody Carlson has successfully captured the emotions and adventures of sixth grade student Zoey Petrizzo after her mother drops her off at her grandparent's house in Cedarville, Oregon. Taking Chances allows readers to see Zoey's growth since that time; she has made friends, gained confidence, and been introduced to the joy of believing in God and His son Jesus. The girl who couldn't believe that she had to spend the summer in a small town with her grandparents is now the girl who hates the thought of having to go back to Seattle. Will Zoey once again be uprooted and have to make new friends at a new school? Will she ever admit to her BFF Louisa Cardwell that Jefferson Combs isn't too bad...for a boy?

Being bullied is still an issue for Zoey and forgiveness and being able to forget the past is a big part of Taking Chances. Carlson has once again been able to write a fun story with life lessons and a wonderful faith message. This is a book that is enjoyable reading for many ages!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

Sometimes I feel guilty for ‘torturing’ my teen and tween characters, but I do it for my readers. It’s not easy being an adolescent, and reading about someone who’s facing hard times is comforting. But in the final Zoey book, I really wanted to give her some victories too. So when challenges come her way, she stands up to them. And she even puts her newly found faith to work. The goal is for readers to feel hopeful about their own lives when they see Zoey rise above her tough circumstances.