From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski
Melody J. Bremen
Published August 20, 2024
Amazon | Goodreads
About From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski
When 8th grader Lizzie Lazowski receives a pen pal assignment, she puts her letter into a bottle and throws it into the ocean. A few days later, she receives an anonymous response in her mailbox. She continues to write to her mystery pen pal, answering prompts like what’s your favorite food (milkshakes), and who is your best friend (she doesn’t have one at the moment).
Through her letters, she tells about her biggest dream: to secure a spot at Northcrest High School for the Arts. If she submits a creative project—a true story about one person—she can win a scholarship. And Chloe, the new girl at school, just might be the one to help her complete the project (and maybe even fill the best friend role).
As the deadline for the scholarship draws near, her project flops and her budding friendship goes horribly wrong. All she has is the help of a mystery pen pal to put her life back on track.
This companion novel to The Boy Who Painted the World delivers a story about friendship, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
My Review
I really enjoyed this one. The story is told through emails between thirteen-year-old Lizzie and an anonymous pen pal as well as text message conversations and video transcripts. This made it seem like the story moved pretty quickly. The letters remain mostly pretty short, and they’re filled with funny moments and quippy phrases.
We learn that Lizzie’s pen pal (an adult) has permission from Lizzie’s mom to correspond with her, but until the end of the book, Lizzie doesn’t know the identity of her mystery friend. She learns a lot through the messages back and forth. Sometimes just writing out her thoughts helps her sort through how she feels, which I found pretty relatable! Haha.
Lizzie’s mom has been in a long-term relationship, and Lizzie’s feelings about the relationship and possible changes to her family also drive some of the story. She has pretty mixed feelings, which I also found realistic and understandable.
If you like stories about intergenerational friendships and unexpected connections, I definitely recommend this one.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.
Representation
Major characters are white. One character is disabled after having had polio as a child. Lizzie’s dad died while serving in the military when Lizzie was three. Lizzie is a cancer survivor.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.
Romance/Sexual Content
None.
Spiritual Content
None.
Violent Content
None.
Drug Content
None.
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday
I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle-grade posts called Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday. Check out other blogs with posts about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle with Greg Pattridge.
Sounds a very interesting story addressing some great themes, I’m glad the pen pal is approved by Mom (but it seems a little sneaky!!!) I am intrigued by the story though, thanks for your review!
This sounds like a good way to tell a story. Kids like books that are short and easy to read. Sounds like this one would be a quick and interesting read. Thanks for the review.
That’s really true! Thanks, Rosi. 🙂
This sounds like an interesting premise. I’ll try to find a copy. Thanks for the heads up.
I love the throwing-a-note-in-a-bottle idea as a way to find a pen pal. It lends itself to serendipity. Looking forward to reading this one.
Ooh, I hadn’t thought of the serendipitous aspect. That’s so true! I hope you enjoy the book. 🙂
Interesting plot description. Lizzie has had a hard life–cancer survivor and missing father. SOunds like a lot of trauma and drama! Thanks for the review. Made me think about MG books these days!
I thought the author handled Lizzie’s past illness and family loss really tenderly. MG books these days– yes! I love seeing the growing diversity of perspectives on the shelves today. 🙂
I haven’t read anything by this author- but this does sound like an interesting book. I like the cover and the idea of a pen pal (glad the adult pen pal was “mom” approved). 🙂
This is the first I’ve read by the author as well, but I now want to check out her other book. Yes! Really early on, we realize this is an adult communicating with Lizzie, and I had a moment where I worried considering the implications of a secret exchange between an adult and child. But the book addresses that. 🙂
I haven’t read any of Bremen’s novels but the plot of this one sure would appeal to young readers (even though they are hooked on Snapchat instead of emails). Lizzie has the qualities to carry this story well. Thanks for featuring your review on MMGM this week.
You know, I had that thought about email maybe being a little outdated for kids. Yes! Lizzie is awesome. I enjoyed her as a character a lot. 🙂 Happy MMGM!