Having read the other books in this series, I was looking forward to reading this next installment. Zoey learns the power of forgiveness and being a friend to some who hurt her in the past.

This book illustrates all the angst and drama that comes with being a “tween”. Zoey learns to find her way through beginning a band with her best friend and two boys her best friend brings with her. Zoey learns the importance of being open and honest both with her grandparents she is living with, her mother, and the people around her.

By joining the basketball team, she finds a place to belong and other people she can be a witness to of Christ’s love. Moreover, she and her friends find their way to become more than themselves by reaching out to others who are hurting.

This book does an incredible job of illustrating Christ’s love for us and for those around us as well as forgiveness.

So check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review. ( )

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. ( )

Zoey is back and facing some new challenges in her young life (and some not-so-new ones pop up again too).

In Taking Chances, Zoey discovers she and her best friend Louisa have different interests. But she’s learning to stand up for herself and say no to her friend instead of getting dragged along.

Melody Carlson adds another (smaller) focus on bullying and brings in many characters from the previous three books, giving them a more prominent role in book four of the Being Zoey series. Zoey’s new faith is blossoming and it shows juxtaposed next to many of her friends.

If you are looking for a series for your tween girl(s), Zoey is a great role model. She doesn’t always do things the right way and her emotions often overpower her decisions, but she learns the important lessons from them. She discovers that family, friendships, and speaking up are important.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I have enjoyed getting to follow Zoey and her friends in this fun series. It is geared towards middle school and the author nails their attitude and problems perfectly. Even though you can read this book as a stand alone, I would recommend reading from the beginning. Each book focuses on Zoey and the problems she faces as a pre teen. This story finds Zoey branching out and getting involved with school activities. There is also a very fun adventure that she and a few of her friends get involved in. To me this was an important part of the story because it shows Zoey becoming more confidant in herself.
Another aspect of the story I really liked was the lesson on forgiveness. Zoey has learned to forgive someone who hurt her last year. When another rumor starts about Zoey, will she blame the wrong person for starting the vicious lie? This storyline was used in the last book but the author takes it a step further. The faith element in the book is just the right amount for this age group. It is on a level that they will fill comfortable without feeling preached to.
I am sad to see the series ending but the author has ended the story with a great lesson that we can all learn from. When you forgive someone, you need to let the past go. I hope this series is put libraries and used in youth groups to help pet teens understand the value of friendship and a forgiving heart.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )