Ready to Wear

An aspiring fashion designer is the affable heroine of this first book in the Sew Zoey series. When Zoey Webber’s middle school drops its uniform requirement, she tells her two best friends, “After all these years of all dressing alike, we can finally be ourselves.” That takes more courage than Zoey anticipates: after her friends encourage her to start a fashion blog to showcase her designs, Zoey wears an outfit of her own creation on the first day of school, including a skirt with inside-out seams, a necktie belt, and high-tops with neon laces. Mocked by the class mean girls as well as a teacher, Zoey realizes that “standing out from crowd was kind of scary.” But with the support of her friends, a few adult allies, and the memories of her own late mother, Zoey’s sewing skills and confidence blossom. In a smoothly written story of overcoming challenges with ingenuity and style, Taylor shows a knack for characterization and dialogue, and her detailed descriptions of Zoey’s designs will entice young fashionistas. On Pins and Needles pubs simultaneously. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. (June)