Zoe is a 12 year old girl who lives just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. It is summertime, and she is focused on becoming the best kid baker that has ever been. Her world is changed when she receives a letter from her birth father, Marcus, who has been in prison since before she was born. From the Desk of Zoe Washington is a heartwarming story about family and loyalty. It also educates readers about systemic racism within the justice system in present day America.
Describe songs mentioned in From the Desk of Zoe Washington and how they connect to the story.
Storyboard Text
"Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder
My baby Zoe is so lovely.
"Hang On Little Tomato" by Pink Martini
Now I know why he calls me, "Little Tomato"!
This wonderful song is a tribute to Stevie Wonder's daughter, Aisha. It is about how he never thought he could love someone so much, and how his daughter is truly a blessing. Although Marcus has never met Zoe, he loves her dearly and wants her to know how very important she is to him and those who love her, just like the song says.
This jazzy song is all about persevering through difficult times. One of the lines says, "And so I hold on to this advice. When change is hard, and not so nice. You listen to your heart the whole night through, your sunny someday will come one day soon to you." This is Marcus' way of giving Zoe the fatherly advice that he hasn't been able to give. This song is also important because it is how Zoe got her nickname Little Tomato.