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Geek Chic: The Zoey Zone
Meet Zoey
Age: Eleven. Well, almost eleven. Backspace. Halfway to eleven.
Factoid: 198 days to sixth grade.
Problem: Coolability (see glossary inside).
Connect the dots: A bad hair situation . . . Growing earlobes . . .
Wanted:
1. A fairy godmother.
2. A molto chic makeover [molto = very in Italian].
3. A seat at the primo lunch table. [Primo is also Italian. It means best.]
The solution:
Tune in!
Age: Eleven. Well, almost eleven. Backspace. Halfway to eleven.
Factoid: 198 days to sixth grade.
Problem: Coolability (see glossary inside).
Connect the dots: A bad hair situation . . . Growing earlobes . . .
Wanted:
1. A fairy godmother.
2. A molto chic makeover [molto = very in Italian].
3. A seat at the primo lunch table. [Primo is also Italian. It means best.]
The solution:
Tune in!
192 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 2008
21 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 19, 2011
After the explosion in the bookosphere from the success of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, other writers have tried to appeal to girls with a similar diary style. To my mind, Geek Chic -- the Zoey Zone is a success.
Geek Chic is a cute fresh take on the pre teen life of an almost 11 year old Zoey. Zoey, who has a secret frog project with her friend Venus, is counting down the days until the start of 6th Grade and sort of dreading it because she is not cool. Zoey is hoping that a fairy godmother, not that she believes in one, will rescue her but in the meantime, we join her in the typical bad hair days, funny conversations with younger siblings, school room violations and the dreaded lunch room trials of unknown meats and table placement -- do you get to sit with the cool girls or the not cool kids. (Been there), lousy hair worries, clothing miscues caused by parents forcing you to wear ugly clothing and school rules. The various illustrations, interior thoughts, different fonts and notes will appeal to anyone.
Ultimately Zoey is photographed with the cool girls by UGrl magazine photographers in the school to take pictures at schools named for President. Zoey, who is a blurter, gets into the picture by saying she has cool stuff in her locker, which appears to have more stuff in it than a storage locker on cable tv. Jazz the head interviewer invites Zoey to her magazine's headquarters in New York, where Zoey imagines they are going to give her a makeover, but in fact its something completely different.
Cute and easily readable.
Geek Chic is a cute fresh take on the pre teen life of an almost 11 year old Zoey. Zoey, who has a secret frog project with her friend Venus, is counting down the days until the start of 6th Grade and sort of dreading it because she is not cool. Zoey is hoping that a fairy godmother, not that she believes in one, will rescue her but in the meantime, we join her in the typical bad hair days, funny conversations with younger siblings, school room violations and the dreaded lunch room trials of unknown meats and table placement -- do you get to sit with the cool girls or the not cool kids. (Been there), lousy hair worries, clothing miscues caused by parents forcing you to wear ugly clothing and school rules. The various illustrations, interior thoughts, different fonts and notes will appeal to anyone.
Ultimately Zoey is photographed with the cool girls by UGrl magazine photographers in the school to take pictures at schools named for President. Zoey, who is a blurter, gets into the picture by saying she has cool stuff in her locker, which appears to have more stuff in it than a storage locker on cable tv. Jazz the head interviewer invites Zoey to her magazine's headquarters in New York, where Zoey imagines they are going to give her a makeover, but in fact its something completely different.
Cute and easily readable.
March 16, 2013
Zoey Zinevich is almost-but-not-quite eleven years old. It's less than 200 days until sixth grade, which means it's less than 200 days to get molto chic. If she isn't by the time sixth grade starts, she will never be cool! That's what Venus's (read: Zoey's magnifico best friend) sister says.
It seems like nothing Zoey and Venus do can get the other kids--especially the Bashleys--to admit they're cool. What's not cool about catching bullfrogs, or bowling shirts with fedoras, or owl pellets? Zoey's only hope lies in getting a fairy godmother. It worked for Cinderella! So what if other ten-almost-eleven-year-old-double-digit kids don't believe in that kind of stuff anymore?!
This is a very creative middle-grade novel that deals with the preteen's most pressing concern: coolness. Author Margie Palatini enters into Zoey's story with great intentions and a sense of offbeat style. Unfortunately, there's a little too much style. Literally. There are so many font styles and embedded sketches that the pages--just as literally--made my head hurt worse than it already was. The pages are so busy that the reader's eye jumps helter skelter all over the place. It distracts from the story.
The story is full of heart. It speaks to the basic need for most American preteen girls to fit in with the popular crowd. Zoey is a free spirit who can't be leashed, and this will become quite apparent, especially toward the end.
The end of the story is one that parents will appreciate, even if it's a touch unrealistic. Even though the pages are visually busy, I recommend this for all preteen girls.
*****
The reviewer may have received a free copy of this novel from the publisher, author, or other representative in this book’s interest. This has no impact on the quality or consideration of the review. Wantz Upon a Time has not and will never accept money in exchange for reviews.
It seems like nothing Zoey and Venus do can get the other kids--especially the Bashleys--to admit they're cool. What's not cool about catching bullfrogs, or bowling shirts with fedoras, or owl pellets? Zoey's only hope lies in getting a fairy godmother. It worked for Cinderella! So what if other ten-almost-eleven-year-old-double-digit kids don't believe in that kind of stuff anymore?!
This is a very creative middle-grade novel that deals with the preteen's most pressing concern: coolness. Author Margie Palatini enters into Zoey's story with great intentions and a sense of offbeat style. Unfortunately, there's a little too much style. Literally. There are so many font styles and embedded sketches that the pages--just as literally--made my head hurt worse than it already was. The pages are so busy that the reader's eye jumps helter skelter all over the place. It distracts from the story.
The story is full of heart. It speaks to the basic need for most American preteen girls to fit in with the popular crowd. Zoey is a free spirit who can't be leashed, and this will become quite apparent, especially toward the end.
The end of the story is one that parents will appreciate, even if it's a touch unrealistic. Even though the pages are visually busy, I recommend this for all preteen girls.
*****
The reviewer may have received a free copy of this novel from the publisher, author, or other representative in this book’s interest. This has no impact on the quality or consideration of the review. Wantz Upon a Time has not and will never accept money in exchange for reviews.
November 26, 2012
Reviewed by Allison Fraclose for TeensReadToo.com
Eleven-year-old (Okay, more like ten and seven-eighths) Zoey Zinevich has figured out exactly what she needs before sixth grade starts in 198 days: a fairy godmother!
A good FG could fix up her hair, help her accessorize and make her "chic" (which can be used as both a noun and an adjective). Maybe with that kind of outside help, she and her friend, Venus, could eat lunch at The Table Bashley (ruled by Brittany and Ashley) instead of being banished to Table Ten, where Alex Shemtob inhales his food and exhales it again. Woe to those not wearing an art smock.
A surprise photo shoot at Harry S. Truman School by U GrL magazine brings Zoey's interests in presidents and molto retro clothing (molto means "very" in Italian, and retro means Zoey's grandpop's bowling shirt and fedora) to the spotlight. The creative director, a chic Lady in Black named Jazz, seems especially taken with Zoey's hat.
Could Jazz be the FG Zoey's been waiting for, or will she be stuck at Table Ten with bad hair forever?
Told in an almost multi-media format, using TV scripts and stills from "ZTube" videos produced by Zoey herself, this story will appeal to younger female fans of books like DIARY OF A WIMPY KID and MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF.
The ending may be a bit unrealistic, but I'm anxious to see if this might lead to more Zoey stories in the future.
Eleven-year-old (Okay, more like ten and seven-eighths) Zoey Zinevich has figured out exactly what she needs before sixth grade starts in 198 days: a fairy godmother!
A good FG could fix up her hair, help her accessorize and make her "chic" (which can be used as both a noun and an adjective). Maybe with that kind of outside help, she and her friend, Venus, could eat lunch at The Table Bashley (ruled by Brittany and Ashley) instead of being banished to Table Ten, where Alex Shemtob inhales his food and exhales it again. Woe to those not wearing an art smock.
A surprise photo shoot at Harry S. Truman School by U GrL magazine brings Zoey's interests in presidents and molto retro clothing (molto means "very" in Italian, and retro means Zoey's grandpop's bowling shirt and fedora) to the spotlight. The creative director, a chic Lady in Black named Jazz, seems especially taken with Zoey's hat.
Could Jazz be the FG Zoey's been waiting for, or will she be stuck at Table Ten with bad hair forever?
Told in an almost multi-media format, using TV scripts and stills from "ZTube" videos produced by Zoey herself, this story will appeal to younger female fans of books like DIARY OF A WIMPY KID and MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF.
The ending may be a bit unrealistic, but I'm anxious to see if this might lead to more Zoey stories in the future.
September 23, 2008
Meet Zoey Zinevich. She’s almost eleven years old and eager to start eighth grade. She’s only got one problem—Zoey is a bit of a geek, and in order to survive middle school (as she has heard), she’s got to become cool. With less than two hundred days to magically transform her appearance, Zoey doesn’t know what to do. And that fairy godmother hasn’t appeared yet to give her a makeover. In this short but hilarious novel, readers and Zoey Zinevich will learn to love who they are.
Normally, I don’t think I’d ever pick up this book because it is aimed at the middle school crowd or lower ages. However, I found Geek Chic to be a very funny and heartwarming read. Zoey’s character is intelligent and quirky, and I enjoyed her unique narrations. Zoey’s character authentically captures what it’s like to be an awkward tween. Zoey is easy to relate to, because I’m sure we’ve all, at one point or another, wanted to be cooler than we are now. I have to say that I immensely liked the creativity in the layout of this novel. I’ve become so used to standardized text that the illustrations and interesting fonts were surprising and refreshing.
Overall, Geek Chic was a quick and enjoyable book that younger readers will love and enjoy. The plot and story may be a bit too simplistic for older readers though.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Normally, I don’t think I’d ever pick up this book because it is aimed at the middle school crowd or lower ages. However, I found Geek Chic to be a very funny and heartwarming read. Zoey’s character is intelligent and quirky, and I enjoyed her unique narrations. Zoey’s character authentically captures what it’s like to be an awkward tween. Zoey is easy to relate to, because I’m sure we’ve all, at one point or another, wanted to be cooler than we are now. I have to say that I immensely liked the creativity in the layout of this novel. I’ve become so used to standardized text that the illustrations and interesting fonts were surprising and refreshing.
Overall, Geek Chic was a quick and enjoyable book that younger readers will love and enjoy. The plot and story may be a bit too simplistic for older readers though.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
June 4, 2010
I am interested in many genres. Fantasy, fiction, mythology, historical fiction, science fiction. But I find myself more enveloped in stories that are written first-hand and can-happen. Things you can relate to, you know? LUCY'S E-JOURNAL would be going a bit far into that 'zone' for me, but the zone of Zoey is just right!
Margie Palatini is a newly found author, or at least to me. She has expressed feelings and joy in GEEK CHIC: THE ZOEY ZONE. A geeky ten-year-old by the name of Zoey knows that by the time you are eleven, you can't believe in Fairy Godmothers. But lucky her, she's just halfway there. So, it comes to reason that if she's not eleven yet, Zoey can still wish upon twenty-seven stars. Doesn't mean she'll get any luck, though. She and her best friend Venus are absolutely, positively NOT The Bashleys or even FRIENDS of the Bashleys. But what happens when U GrL magazine people come to Zoey's school? Will they make her molto chic? Or maybe even primo chic/Bashley?
THE ZOEY ZONE is definitely for readers who, in their younger years, enjoyed Junie B. Jones and Judy Moody. And for kids that like a good, short book, that they can say, "Oh, yeah, that happens to me every day!" For all those people who rate THE ZOEY ZONE three stars or less, I can tell you this: you must not be a Geek Chic!
Margie Palatini is a newly found author, or at least to me. She has expressed feelings and joy in GEEK CHIC: THE ZOEY ZONE. A geeky ten-year-old by the name of Zoey knows that by the time you are eleven, you can't believe in Fairy Godmothers. But lucky her, she's just halfway there. So, it comes to reason that if she's not eleven yet, Zoey can still wish upon twenty-seven stars. Doesn't mean she'll get any luck, though. She and her best friend Venus are absolutely, positively NOT The Bashleys or even FRIENDS of the Bashleys. But what happens when U GrL magazine people come to Zoey's school? Will they make her molto chic? Or maybe even primo chic/Bashley?
THE ZOEY ZONE is definitely for readers who, in their younger years, enjoyed Junie B. Jones and Judy Moody. And for kids that like a good, short book, that they can say, "Oh, yeah, that happens to me every day!" For all those people who rate THE ZOEY ZONE three stars or less, I can tell you this: you must not be a Geek Chic!
July 6, 2010
A book that actually makes me think it was written by a 10 year old. One with a lot of energy and trouble focusing her thoughts. It was a little frustrating to read at first. She seemed to bounce all over the place. But once I got into it, that didn't bother me anymore.
The format is the odd thing about this book. It's sort of like a journal, in that there's different fonts at different points. Big cursive, etc. And then there's cartoons and drawings. And sometimes it even delves into screenplay format.
The story is Zoey wanting to become cool before sixth grade. Given that she likes catching frogs, and knows a ton of things about the US presidents, her chances seem slim.
This is a really good book for tweens or younger.
You can find more of my thoughts on this book at Triple Take. http://www.flaminggeeks.com/tripletake
The format is the odd thing about this book. It's sort of like a journal, in that there's different fonts at different points. Big cursive, etc. And then there's cartoons and drawings. And sometimes it even delves into screenplay format.
The story is Zoey wanting to become cool before sixth grade. Given that she likes catching frogs, and knows a ton of things about the US presidents, her chances seem slim.
This is a really good book for tweens or younger.
You can find more of my thoughts on this book at Triple Take. http://www.flaminggeeks.com/tripletake
August 16, 2010
Soon-to-be eleven year old Zoey has a predicament-or two or three. Her hair is an issue, her clothes are not "Bashley" worthy, and she is heading into sixth grade teetering dangerously into geekdom. Enter her favorite bowling shirt and a carefree attitude, and Zoey finds herself in the middle of a fashion shoot with the Bashleys. But will Zoey learn to accept her uniqueness, or resolve to be just like all the other girls in order to sit at the right table at lunch?
Reminiscent of Dork Diaries, I liked how Zoey's special qualities were celebrated. The ending will send a positive and powerful message to my tween girl readers struggling to find their own voice.
Reminiscent of Dork Diaries, I liked how Zoey's special qualities were celebrated. The ending will send a positive and powerful message to my tween girl readers struggling to find their own voice.
January 17, 2011
GeekChic: The Zoey Zone by Margie Palatini is a delightful book! There are many ten-year-old, almost eleven, girls who have the same thoughts and fears that Zoey must deal with. Moving from the fifth grade to the sixth grade is tough even in the best of circumstances. Imagine making that move when you are stuck in the geek zone. Zoey must find a way to transform herself so that she can move out of her geek zone and into the chic arena. Can she make the necessary changes in time? Follow Zoey and her best friend Venus as they embark on this hilarious and touching journey. This book is for everyone who has ever been in or known anyone in the geek zone. Prepare to be entertained!
January 26, 2009
Geek Chic is about a girl named Zoey who is amost eleven and wishes for a fairy god mother because she is such a geek and knows almost everything. There are people at school who she calls "the bashleys" because there names and Brittney and Ashley. They are the popular at her school. A magazine company goes to there and askes Zoey if she can be in there magazine. They are doing a page on her school and she thinks that will be a great way for her to get a total make over without a Fairy Godmother. Will she have the makover done and will she get a Fairy Godmother? Find out in Geek Chic.
May 2, 2010
A light, fun read with TERRIFIC voice. I love finding books that a reluctant reader girl would like- there aren't nearly as many as there are for boys. Give this one to the girl who loves Babymouse or Fashion Kitty and is ready to stretch a bit, or who is eyeing the Wimpy Kid books but wants a more girly read. Margie Palatini writes this book like she's been writing chapter books (instead of picture books) forever and has a great handle on the target audience. I really enjoyed Zoey and will look for her further adventures.
February 21, 2011
Light and fluffy book about Zoey who desperately wants to be friends with the most popular girls in the school. Unfortunately, Zoey is a bit of a nerd. She knows everything about the US presidents and her fashion sense is quirky at best. When a magaine comes for a fashion shoot, Zoey's life takes a turn for the wierd.
Book is written as a collection of Zoey's thoughts, notes, pictures and script format. While this is aimed at struggling readers, the scattered nature of the narative may make this novel too challeging.
Book is written as a collection of Zoey's thoughts, notes, pictures and script format. While this is aimed at struggling readers, the scattered nature of the narative may make this novel too challeging.
May 11, 2014
I though this book was okay, it wasn't the best, yet it was interesting at some parts. It is about a girl named Zoe who wants a fairy god mother, a chic makeover and a seat with the best table at lunch. Zoe is at a poor popularity meter and wish to be at the top by grade 6. Will she pull it off! I shouldn't spoil it for you! But here's a hint, something dramatic will happen, something that you might not except throughout the book. I would recommend this book to kids from 9 and up, as it's a little childish.
July 25, 2016
It was ok. The story is written in diary format from a self promoted geek, Zoey. She's anxious to become cool by the first day of (6th grade?) middle school. Her voice uses sarcasm, self-deprecating comments, and humor to describe her current social status in school. It's a cute story which preteens can definitely relate to. Illustrations and font add to the emotional structure of the story. It's the first in the series which is obvious in the abrupt ending. Girls trying to fit in will feel empathetic towards Zoey's plight.
December 20, 2008
I found Zoey's style annoying in the same way I find Junie B Jones to be annoying. The choppy, bounce all over the place, ADHD style bugged the heck out of me. And I found the whole thing predictable--especially the "you're great as yourself" wish fulfillment sort of ending.
That's what I think. But I am NOT an 11 year old girl. And I suspect that there are a whole lot of 11 year old girls out there who will eat this one up.
That's what I think. But I am NOT an 11 year old girl. And I suspect that there are a whole lot of 11 year old girls out there who will eat this one up.
August 27, 2014
Personally, I did not really enjoy the book. When I read it I was around the intended age group but I found all of the acronyms confusing. Perhaps I am not qualified to write a review since I read this book a few years ago, but I do remember having to look through the whole book to figure out what the acronyms stood for. I might just have a bad memory but I found the book confusing and only rated it 2 stars.
August 31, 2008
A great book, I enjoyed the layout and the authors use of pictures as well as words to tell Zoey's story. Zoey is not cool, and she so wants to be cool. She is almost 11 and is looking for a fairy godmother to come and make her cool. Zoey is unique and fun and in the end actually finds out a few things about herself. A fun and entertaining read.
April 21, 2009
Zoey is a kinda geek she has a bf and her name is Venus and Zoey wants to have the best seat at lunch,and wants a totally good makeover like the (Basheys) Brittney+Ashley=Bashleys! You would find this book in popularity and friendship! Zoey is kinda jealous about the Bashleys because they are prettier than her.You can find this book in any public library.
April 17, 2009
zoey is a geek and wants to sit in the popular table and wanted to always be popular so then she gets a make over from these 2 girls called the bashleys which are 2 popular girls you would find this book in the library .i recommend this book to elementary school students because i think thry can learn from this book.
September 16, 2009
Zoey thinks she's desperately uncool, and that the only fix to her predicament is a little help from a fairy godmother. She's wrong, though; she's an interesting, interested individual, and the style maven from a popular young girl's magazine recognizes her "geek chic," recruiting her as a writer for the magazine. Highly stylized, the book captures the essence of Zoey's smart take on her life.
October 4, 2010
Zoe is almost 11 and eager for the one thing that can save her from social disaster as she prepares to enter 6th grade--a fairy godmother. Zoe's story is enriched by illustrations, video stills, crumpled post-it notes, and some excellent fancy text. Female fans the Wimpy Kid series will enjoy Zoe's journey from zero to (maybe) hero.
June 3, 2010
A very very easy read with a lot of pictures. We learn about Zoey and how she tries to be cool before she goes to sixth grade. She wants a fairy godmother because everything seems to go wrong for her. Read and find out if she becomes cool before 6th grade.
August 25, 2010
In the mind of an almost 11-year old, I'm sure this book is important. To someone like me, it was light, full of fluff, and quite silly. I would recommend it to a tween audience. Geek Chic gives the personal view of the world of Zoey - Her horrors and joys and mostly how bad her hair is.
June 28, 2011
I sure do wish this book was written when I was a little girl. It would have made me feel so much better about being a geek. I also love the little trivia points about presidents that this little book gives you.
November 15, 2012
Not my favorite, but I can tell upper-grade elementary school kids would like it. All the different fonts and margin notes were actually really annoying for me to keep track of. I kind of love what ends up happening to Zoey, though. Great lesson for kids of that age.
March 18, 2013
I liked this book...it's just that I found it very short. I thought that because it was almost 200 pages, it would take me about 4 days to finish it but I was terribly mistaken! I finished this book in 2 days! I guess that doesn't sound TOO short but it really seemed short.
July 28, 2016
Can't find a reading level on this one -- I'd guess 3rd grade.
Almost a graphic novel - lots of little drawings, funky changes in font. I found it far too annoying to continue reading, but might appear to the Nate the Great and Diary of a Wimpy kid crowd!
Almost a graphic novel - lots of little drawings, funky changes in font. I found it far too annoying to continue reading, but might appear to the Nate the Great and Diary of a Wimpy kid crowd!
August 25, 2024
this is probably a weird book to give 5 stars to but i read this book atleast 30 times in the 5th grade because i related to it so much. i was zoey. as an adult i’m sure it’s not that great but the feeling of being seen when i was zoey’s age by this book was really nice.
November 13, 2008
I thought this book was pretty fun. It is definitely put it in the hands of several fifth grade girls.
December 9, 2014
Cute cute book about this geeky 5th grader who wants to be cool, but realizes that how she is just fine. It's a quick read, an entertaining story and has fun dialog. I liked it!
January 23, 2009
book was very fluffy but it did make me laugh out loud once or twice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews