Reviewed by Cana Rensberger for TeensReadToo.com

A CROOKED KIND OF PERFECT by Linda Urban is a funny, refreshing read. Zoe's voice is so authentic it grabbed me right away. The reader will easily relate to Zoe's disappointment in getting almost what she wished for.

Zoe dreams of being a concert pianist, performing in Carnegie Hall, wearing elbow length gloves and a tiara. But when Zoe asks for a piano, she gets a Perfectone D-60 organ. Mix in an I-found-someone-better best friend, a mom who works too much, and a dad who is afraid to leave the house, and you have a delightful, flaky pastry the reader will devour. Top it off with Wheeler, the cute boy on her bus who spends more time at Zoe's house than his own, and it's an irresistible treat.

Debut author Linda Urban has whipped up a delicious, charming read not to be missed. This reader will be pleased if Ms. Urban follows A CROOKED KIND OF PERFECT with another book featuring Zoe and Wheeler. ( )

its an awsome book i really enjoyed !!!!!!!! you sould read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( )

ive read this book at least 50 times and i love it every time great storyline lagh uot loud funny ( )

Recommended Ages: Gr. 4-7

Plot Summary: Zoe dreams of playing the piano, but when her father, who has some level of social anxiety disorder, buys an organ instead, Zoe starts taking lessons. Her lack of friends upsets Zoe, especially after her best friend called it quits on them. But when Wheeler just follows Zoe home one day and becomes friends with her father, she finds a support group which she needs it for her big performance at Perform-a-rama.

Setting: unclear, seems like modern-day

Characters: Zoe Elias - 10
Dad - Zoe's dad who takes classes from Living Room University
Mom - works full-time
Emma - Zoe's old best friend
Wheeler - becomes friends with Zoe and her father
Colton - has a crush on Zoe
Miss Person - Zoe's organ teacher
Vladimir Horowitz - famous pianist
Judy - another 11-year old organist who helps Zoe at Perform-a-rama
Mona - Judy's mom

Recurring Themes: friendship, music, piano, family, agoraphobia (afraid to leave house), social anxiety disorder, recital

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts: Each chapter is very short (between 1-2 pages). The chapter titles are very good at summarizing the chapter. A quick read. I liked how Zoe didn't feel she had to change in order to fit in, but I was surprised her mom seemed to play a very small role in her life until the very end.

Shallow friends, musical dreams, embarrassing parents and heartfelt friendship - from beginning to end this book is refreshing and fun. Zoe is a great character for middle school girls. It has a little bit of everything: an ex-best friend, a cute boy, a new friend, and adults to look up to. Her Mom works too much, her teacher is odd but likeable and her father seems to socially wrong is really agoraphobic. Her best friend turns on her when Zoe gives her the “wrong” birthday present. Wheeler Diggs is her unlikely new friend who likes to cook with her father. The Elias family is quirky and loveable. I really enjoyed reading this book, told in first person in short funny chapters. ( )