Dear Elizabeth Atkinson:

I found your book, From ALICE TO ZEN, when I was at Barnes and Nobles searching for a book to read for my project. My mom and I were looking in the teen section for appropriate book for my age. But, my mom thought that all the books were too old for me or not appropriate. They were for high school readers. We were looking at the Gossip Girl series and other novels that were about “older” situations.

So my mom and I headed for the children section, but there were books that I might have read in 2nd grade. We searched in the back where the cover of your book caught my eye. Well, my mom went away to search again in the teen section, again. I stayed and read the back of your book. All the books that my mom was looking at (I thought) were the same, old same old. The ones where they go on adventure in the woods. Or the books tell the story of their present life about their friends and nothing is really different.

But, as I read the back of your book I was amazed of how different the story was. About a boy who acts more of a girl than the girl does. I thought that the part where Zen says, “I just got a new curling iron and it crimps too” really made me just want to read on. I showed my mom the book and she thought that it would be funny and a good read for my age. So I took it home and once I started reading I just couldn’t stop. I thought that the book was so realistic and tells a real story of what a middle school student really has to go through. Picking what you want to be, or picking to be cool and popular. I really loved your book!

(MALLORIE – 7th grade – Liverpool, NY)

Dear Elizabeth Atkinson:

I just finished reading From ALICE TO ZEN and Everyone in Between and found it to be utterly delightful. The characters are very likable and believable and I enjoyed the "winks" to our West Newbury locality throughout which makes it fun for kids living around here to read. I found it to be lovely story about unlikely friendships and their special value, peer pressure, the elusive nature of popularity, and ultimately learning to march to your own drummer. If anyone has a special middle school reader in their life, this is the book for them. I am planning on giving it to my 11 year old niece for her birthday this month.

(JEN – Parent - West Newbury, MA)

Dear Elizabeth Atkinson:

I LOVED your book!! It was GREAT!! Once I read it, I recommended it to my friends because I liked it so much, and they loved it too! I can’t wait for your next book to come out.

(SARAH – 6th grade – Ipswich, MA)

Dear Elizabeth Atkinson:

"Alice to Zen" is one of the most delightful pieces of young adult fiction that I've encountered in a great while. It addresses issues that are so urgent to middle school aged kids; acceptance, fitting in, and being yourself, with warmth, humor, and great sensitivity.

As the parent of a "tweenage" girl (very much like Alice) I watch my daughter as she attempts to deal with these very issues everyday. It's a great read for parents and kids alike.

(PETE, Sarah’s Dad - Parent - Ipswich, MA)

Dear Elizabeth Atkinson:

I picked up From Alice to Zen at the bookstore when I was looking for a book to give to my 14 year old brother. He doesn’t like to read too much so I thought it would be perfect for him – funny, middle school stuff that involves some sports. Well, I read it first when I got home and I really, really liked it! There weren’t many fun, relatable books like this when I was in middle school. I think anyone at any age would love reading it!

(MADELEINE – College Student – Lovell, ME)

I'd love to hear from you too!!