Zoe Rosenthal Is Not Lawful Good

Zoe’s journey of self-discovery is a nerdy trip through pop-culture easter eggs that will have like-minded readers smiling knowingly with each allusion…the fast-paced and enjoyable plot make this book a fun, quick read. Jewish Zoe is presumed White; secondary characters who are diverse across multiple dimensions make this book a great fit for today’s teen readers. A charming story of a closet nerd realizing her full potential and finding her fandom family.—Kirkus ReviewsA fast-paced character-driven story full of geekiness. Werlin highlights the need for racial and gender inclusivity in geek culture, demonstrating how fandoms can allow people to truly express themselves… Teens will also relate to Zoe’s relationship and college search woes…a quick, fun read.—School Library JournalReaders in the know will delight in the abundance of pop culture name-drops and the author’s clear appreciation for fans and fandoms alike, while a broader audience will enjoy watching Zoe learn to let her fan flag fly, even in the face of others’ snobby derision… a feel-good read that will leave readers proud to be fans.—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s BooksThe novel highlights the unique atmosphere of the con—a community in which “anybody belonged who wanted to be here”—and brings its attendees, in all their passionate, cosplaying glory, to life, including Zoe’s friends: Sebastian, who’s on the autism spectrum and who (hilariously for plot purposes) faints at the sight of blood; Cam and Liv, affable twins who are gay and nonbinary, respectively; and Meldel, an enthusiastic fanfic author and reformed bully. Their influence helps Zoe to discover her spontaneous side and imagine a different, less-scripted future for herself, in this joyful story of fandom, friendship, and finding common purpose.—The Horn BookWerlin (Impossible) vividly paints fandom antics, tracing Zoe’s evolution during her thrilling, often hilarious trips to cons around the country… messages of self-discovery will resonate—Publishers WeeklyThis was a fast read that taps into the binge-watching, fan culture with which many teens will identify. The message of being your own person, while not overt, will also resonate with readers. Well-written and fast paced.—School Library Connection

Nancy Werlin (she/her) is the author of ten previous books for teens, including the National Book Award Finalist The Rules of Survival, the Edgar Award winner The Killer’s Cousin, and the New York Times bestseller Impossible. Nancy Werlin lives outside Boston.