How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied

My Life Is a Zoo #1

by Jess Keating

Age 9 and up | Grade 4 to 7

From surviving middle school to feeling like a misfit, Ana Wright tackles it all in How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes are Untied. This heartwarming, coming of age story is the perfect summer reading book for middle school girls!

Ana Wright's social life is officially on the endangered she lives in a zoo (umm, elephant droppings!?), her best friend lives on the other side of the world, and the Sneerers are making junior high miserable. All Ana wants is to fade into the background.

Yeah, that's not going to happen.

Creature File for Ana

Species Anaphyta Normalis

The Zoo, Junior High

Girls Whose Best Friend Just Moved To New Zealand; Girls Who Are Forced To Live In A Zoo With Their Weirdo Parents And Twin Brother

Classified

Feeds Daydreams about Zackardia Perfecticus and wish cupcakes

Life Soon to become extinct due to social awkwardness

A 2015 Georgia Children's Book Award Winner

A 2015 Children's Choices Reading List Title

A 2015 Red Maple Award Nominee

"A fun-filled, pitch-perfect book…An amusing, highly readable book about the perils of being 12 in a snake-eat-snake world."—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED Review

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Childrens, Young Adult, Contemporary, Friendship

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Jess Keating is an award-winning author, cartoonist, and zoologist, whose work has been featured in the New York Times, CBC, Buzzfeed, Parents Magazine, and more.

She is the creator of over a dozen fiction and nonfiction books, including Eat Your Rocks, Croc!, Shark Lady, Pink is for Blobfish, the Elements of Genius middle grade series, and the graphic novel series, Bunbun & Bonbon.

Get printables, videos, and more fun stuff for kids at https://www.jesskeating.com/

Reviews

[Alina Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to be this book's agent. More than once I gushed about its charms and hilarity while chauffeuring editors to and from SCBWI conferences, It is THAT GOOD, I'm telling you. Funny and whimsical and one of my favorites ever.

[Rachel Seigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming and adorable and perfect for tweens who are not reading YA yet. It's funny, authentic and really captures the anxieties of being 12 and a half and in junior high. Fans of SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE will enjoy this.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both of Ana's parents work with animals in the zoo. So it seems only fitting that Ana, Daz, her twin brother, and their parents live in the zoo... only it would be better if they didn't live so close to the hippos!

This is a middle school chapter book about a 7th-grade girl whose best friend must have carried all of the weight of the friendship. The friend just moved to New Zeland and seems to be making friends and rather likes her new home... this really does Ana in. All through the book, Ana seems fairly weighted down with self-pity and a lack of confidence and reminds herself of how much the friend had protected her from those at school, despite having so many talents and good characteristics of her own.

I thought that the book was pretty whiney. Maybe 7th graders are now.. I don't know any to compare to, but Ana's attitude set her up for being a doormat to the girls she thought were always picking on her. While I thought the girls were snooty, Ana's lack of self allowed her to be victimized by these girls who smelled blood in the water every time she was near.

I tired of her woe is me attitude and almost dnf'ed this with two chapters to go. I am glad that I finished it as she grew a backbone and showed herself and the world that she was valuable. I assume that is the lesson here... be yourself, but be your whole self...

3 stars

Happy Reading!

[Aeicha · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorkable, lovable heroine; sweet, crush-worthy boys; hilariously and awkwardly epic moments; and an out of the box setting? Check, check, check, and check! I love everything about Jess Keating’s wildly funny and charming middle-grade debut How To Outrun A Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied...I mean, just that title alone bakes my cupcakes!

Seventh-grader Ana is having a less than fun end of the school year. Her BFF moved across the world, her zoologists parents; reptile loving twin brother; and famous grandpa can be cringe-worthily embarrassing, her crush Zack doesn’t exactly notice her, and the Sneerers, a group of nasty, mean girls, have decided Ana is their favorite prey. Then the unthinkable happens: Ana’s parents decide to move the family INTO the zoo, forcing an unwanted spotlight on poor Ana. Ana must decide whether she’ll fade into the background or shine bright!

Author Jess Keating combines her zoologist background, sparkling storytelling, fun imagination, and has used them to craft a wonderfully written middle-grade debut that is full of laughs, relatable characters, and heart. With a pitch-perfect and genuine voice, Keating captures the middle-grade years so fantastically. From embarrassing family members, mean kids, schoolwork troubles, confusing crushes, and awkward encounters, Ana’s contemporary world feels so real and relatable. And so so funny! I seriously giggle-snorted from beginning to end! I just love the wildly fun and unpredictable zoo setting. Keating brings so much knowledge and interesting info to this zoo party!

The setting, storytelling, and humor are all awesome, but what I love best about How To Outrun A Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied is the main character, Ana! Ana is such a lovable, endearing kindred spirit! Her witty observations amused me, her honest musings charmed me, and her courage moved me. Young readers will easily relate to Ana and want to be her new BFF (I know I do!!)...after all, we ALL have a little bit of Ana’s adorakable, awkward, awesome spirit in us! Ana is surrounded by a memorable and entertaining cast of quirky and surprising characters that readers will love getting to know.

I just love the way this book concludes in such a sunshine-in-your-heart-makes-you-smile-big (but not in an overly cheesy way)-and-wanna-high-five-Ana kind of way!

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: A little bit of romance, a little bit of well deserved revenge, and a whole lot of laughs, heart, spirit, and “I can SO relate” moments, fill the pages of How To Outrun A Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied. Readers young and old will go wild for this book and impatiently be awaiting its sequel. A definite MUST read!

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana Wright was having a horrible year. Her best friend, Liv, has moved to New Zealand (A.K.A. Half-Way around the World), and doesn’t seem to want to move back. Her famous grandfather is having a documentary on his life filmed, and will be featuring his family in it, including socially awkward, extremely shy Ana (UGH!). It doesn’t help that her parents, zoo workers at the local zoo, are moving them into a house at the zoo for the summer (now Ana actually LIVES in a zoo). And don’t forget those nasty Sneerers (the three popular girls who hate Ana)! Will Ana Wright ever make her life right?

This was a great book. I read it in one sitting – that’s how good the story was – I didn’t want to put it down. It was very realistic, and I thought that, given certain circumstances, it could actually happen. Ms. Keating has gotten the middle school experience down pat. Ana is a nice girl and I think if I knew her, I would be friends with her. I was cheering her on while she tries to make sense of her life. Ms. Keating is a great author. Her writing style draws one in. There is a good amount of humor in it. I love the ending of the book. I thought it suited the book well. I would like to read other books from her and am looking forward to the next book in this series. I think that the book is a good length, and that it is good for kids who like school stories.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Randy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ana is having a difficult time as she nears the end of Grade 7. Her best friend and only support has moved to New Zealand leaving Ana to fend off the bullies at her school by herself. Her twin brother does not understand her at all, and she has not confided in her parents. When an art project deadline looms, and Ana finds herself having to make a presentation at the zoo where her parents work and their family lives...well, you can see how that might upset someone.

I picked this book up as it is one of this year's Red Maple nominees. I was also intrigued by the title.


I finished the book because though the beginning was weak, the plot picked up.

I would recommend this to Alex and Elesie. I think they would like the way Ana faces the things that are troubling her and finds a way to deal with all the stuff that is happening to her.

[zane deann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book turned out much better than I was expecting, but it left me wondering... why are the schoolchildren so mean, even Ana's own brother? I mean, really, really mean. Like posting unflattering pictures of Ana all over the school mean. If this is what middle school is really like, I'm glad I've been homeschooled my entire life.
It is a very secular book, with Ana using the Lord's name in vain several times, people calling each other rude names, and some girl-boy stuff that really got on my nerves. I mean, all of these kids are twelve. Do we really need romantic relationships in books for twelve-year-olds? Why?
Ana's brother Daz, even, was cruel. He was irresponsible and did and said some rude things to Ana. Although there's a nice wrapped-up ending, the book just felt very worldly and... sad. I was sad for Ana the entire book, even when she "overcame" her fears and became strong and courageous. For those reasons I only gave the book three stars.
If I had to sum up the book in one word, it would be "Why?"

[Kiran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good, a light, fun read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes are Untied is a charming book for ages 10+, but this adult reviewer found it hilarious and poignant. Ana (for ANACONDA!) Wright, the narrator, is about to celebrate her 12 and a half birthday, but the person she has celebrated it with for her whole life, her best friend Liv, has moved to New Zealand, and Ana is bereft. Ana has a twin brother, Daz, who is four minutes younger than she, and he seems to live to torment her. Ana's mom and dad are zookeepers, and Ana is very fond of any sort of animal, including reptiles (who wouldn't be if they were named after a snake!). However, Ana is somewhat shy and retiring, a good target for jokes and pranks from a group of girls she calls the "Sneerers," and without her friend Liv, is pretty miserable. The story is the standard middle school story of the ugly duckling, but I have never read a story like this with such colorful characters and unusual adventures (living in a zoo, for example, and having a grandfather who is a famous TV zoo personality). Ana lacks self-confidence in many ways, but as the story unfolds, she finds an untapped potential within herself and by the end of the book, she has come into her own as a vibrant, self-confident, girl on the cusp of womanhood, person. The writing is clever and quick and well-paced, and each chapter begins with either a quotation or a "species identification" written by Ana.

Although the main protagonist is a girl, I think girls and boys can relate to this story. And, as Daz is not a secondary character but one who has an important role in the story, I think boys would like it to. Finally, Ana's issues are universal, and not just only for tweens. I think this would make a good read-aloud chapter book for a classroom, as well as a great chapter book for kids who like adventures, challenges, and, WILD ANIMALS. I would like to read other books by Jess Keating and I have recommended it to my sister who is a middle school Language Arts teacher, and my other sister who is a speech pathologist. AND, I would definitely recommend it to any kid I know in this age group.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley

[Amruta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ana Wright isn't the usual middle schooler just like you and I because her life is far from weird. Her parents work at the zoo in breeding, her grandpa is a celebrity, she lives in the zoo and her best friend Liv has moved to New Zealand. Along with these problems, her status at school is on the line and her courage as well as self esteem is decreasing. She'll have many problems to solve and her amazing solutions give a nice laugh to any reader! Since I have a great passion for reading, I joined the Read Maple Club at school. There are a variety of good books there and this one just caught my eye. Maybe it was the funny title, or was it the bright colours ? All of those factors had made me pick the book up and check it out. As I read it I realized that this book was very different from the usual ones I read. This one was more layed back and a laugh then the action packed, intense ones that I usually read. I read this book whenever I needed a good laugh or a way to get out of my problems and look at hers that are much worse. This book was sometimes a relief for me. I continued reading this book because I just had to know how after facing so many problems she solved them and after embarrassing moments she kept on going. This book really taught me many things like, courage is grown and not something you're born and much more. I recommend this book to the readers that like a good laugh and yes, even to those that like me read intense books, because its always fun to read different genres! I think that Bianca C and Vaishni would enjoy this book because as I said reading layed back books are sometimes fun! So take a seat, relax from a long tiring day and read this book!

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures perfectly the intensity, intelligence, and sincerity of middle school life. Not to mention it's hilarious and packed with more personality than you can shake a snake at (not that you should shake a snake, they don't care for it). Keating is an expert on animals and that knowledge shines through naturally on every page, making this a unique and stimulating read for any zoology geek.

The characters are endearing, interesting and just wacky enough to make poor Ana's life a little too strange for her to blend into the wall. So she'll just have to step up to her challenges, from dealing with crushes and bullies at school, missing a far-away friend, accomplishing assignments and oh, living in a zoo with her annoying twin brother, and incredibly nerdy biologist parents.

Sometimes when you finish a book you realize that you are saying goodbye to some of the most amazing friends you've had for the past couple weeks. The only solace I have here is that I'll get to see Ana et al again in the future.

For any 10-14 year old this is a fantastic read. For adults it is still just as witty and engaging, and plunks you right back in the thick of grade 7.

[Akoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected a laugh out loud (until you cry) book. Instead I found a book filled with a lot of heart. Of course it was funny in the right places but I can't shake off how I felt while reading it.

Ana's journey from feeling alone and hopeless, without her best friend Liv, to gaining self confidence and discovering new friends she could rely on was real and raw. The bullies at her school sure didn't go easy on her. You know that feeling you get when you think the entire world is witnessing your epic failure? Yeah, that times two. So I rejoiced when Ana got her "revenge". Don't worry, it was smart and sleek and definitely funny. Not mean spirited at all.

I also loved reading about all the different animals you can meet at the zoo. And it was interesting to realize how not-so-scary some of them seemed after you've learned more about them.
The last thing I want to share about this book is the chemistry between the characters. How some struggled between what was right and what wasn't.

I'm glad there is a second book because I want to see more of Ana's world.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ana wrights life is going downhill. Her best friend has moved to the other side of the world, the 'sneerers' will embarrass her every chance they get and her family is moving to live on a zoo! To top it all off, her celebrity grandfather is coming to visit! How will Ana deal through all these crazy circumstances?

I picked up this book because it was recommended by a friend and I thought the title was interesting. I also wanted to read a bigger variety of book genres.

I finished the book because I wanted to see how Ana would deal with all the things that have been happening lately. I also finished the book because I could relate to a lot the things she was feeling, and I felt sympathetic for her.

I recommend this book to athena and amruta because I think they will love all the humour and the crazy things that are happening to Ana.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

It truly isn't easy being twelve years old. If you could somehow fast forward to twenty or even ten years ahead, watching and shadowing yourself living day to day at twelve, you might be able to return viewing your considerable trials with a more open outlook. Unfortunately this does not happen but with a gifted author, we can follow another twelve year old, laughing like a loon remembering. How To Outrun A Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky) written by Jess Keating will have you smiling so much your face will hurt (in a good way).

My full review: http://bit.ly/TeF3BI

[Marci Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

GUYS. This book. I can see why everyone is gushing about it. Hilarious and heartwarming and charming, it captures all the awkwardness and genuineness of the middle-school years and coils it up neatly in, yes, a crocodile tail. Jess Keating gives us real, likable, multifaceted characters in a voice that springs off the page. Ms. Keating is one to watch, guys: pure talent.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book more than I did. I think that is because I had read a lot of hype about it and my expectations were out of line. Still, this is a great book about a young girl who manages to overcome her fears and anxiety to become who she wants to be. I suspect that many readers will empathize with Ana and her struggle to stand up for herself.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute, funny book! I'm so glad to find a book that my kids at the library will enjoy! With the trend being so dark this past year, I was excited to read a book that is heavy on the humor. I cannot wait to read the next one!!! I laughed out loud at this book...VERY ENJOYABLE!!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun novel for tweens, filled with humor and heart.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I teared up, I was distinctly reminded of what it felt like to be 12. I can't wait to book talk it to my students in the fall.

[Izzyloveslions · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great book. And is very funny!

[kulisap · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟

"My summer stretched ahead of me like a blank, open notebook, and for the first time, I couldn’t wait to fill it up."

oh this was so good!!!!! i was quite unsure at first but it really did justice to the MC's character and i loved the nice lesson it stretches out to young readers i feel like crying actually cuz it's just so cute!!!!

in a matter of days, ana's life changed drasticallyㅡher best friend moved to new zealand, and their family moved into a zoo. initially i thought it was unlikely that a kid whose parents worked with animals their whole lives would not be so stoked at having to live in the zoo where you could visit awesome animals any time of the day, but it all was handled so well! ana is anxious and worried due to having no one to back her up like her best friend does at school filled with bullies, and she's got self-esteem issues which worsens her worries and stops her from seeing the full potential of the position she's in. i like the gradual but very well-written journey of ana into building up self-confidence and finding her true self and accepting it wholly.

i feel like it really imparts an important message to insecure and self-conscious kids out there. often times great things are waiting beyond the valley of fear and self-doubt and the only way to build courage is to keep choosing to be brave in every scary situation you find yourself in.

in case i haven't yet alluded to it: it's such a WONDERFUL middle-grade book!!! bonus is that it's fun with all the zoo/animals anecdotes.

i also really loved the intro of every chapter where ana gives an animal trivia and adds a comment. highly recommended to anyone looking for a hilarious, fun and wholesome middle-grade book! 💛

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book “How To Outrun A Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied” by Jess Keating, is a book, kind of like a diary, which is written by the main character, Ana Wright, a school girl, who has to survive unexpected situations through her journey of middle school. Her superstar grandfather and his girlfriend moved in their house, so that meant that they had to move into the zoo Ana’s parents and herself worked in, because they couldn't afford another one. If that isn’t enough, the news company that her grandfather worked with had to interview with her and her whole family. Little did she know that she accidently said the name of her crush while the whole thing was globally live. Excluding all of the insane and crazy things that Ana has been through, she learned to overcome her fear of stage fright, and to not accept bad things about what people think of you, yet the good things.

This book is a great book for twelve year old girls and boys because of its message. The message of this book is to be brave, and not care about what others think of you. The main character, Ana, has a lot of problems throughout her middle school life that she doesn’t want to happen because she is scared about what others will think of her. This situation actually happens in the real world because people think its funny to make fun of people because of what’s wrong with their life, how they look, what they are suffering with, etc. People believe that that’s is true about themselves, so they back down in everything. This message makes the book an excellent read for twelve year old girls and boys who think that they “aren’t like everyone else”.

[Katie O. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear, strong voice. Effective 'long-game' analogy for budding/blooming self-confidence. Clever, realistic insertions of 'not all relationships are based on fluff & nonsense - even in middle school' message. Fun & smart on-going asides, assertions, character points, and theme 'nuggets' shared via science tidbits. Resolution and 'revenge scene' tie together so well. Extremely reminiscent of the 'Mean Girls' story with a healthy side of 'The Crocodile Hunter.' A LOT of constant angst and familiar teen anxieties & interactions. Several descriptors somewhat casually (aiming for humor) refer to more extreme mental health issues; this may not gel with some audiences.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ana is facing the end of seventh grade without her best friend. Oh, and her famous grandfather is back in town and wants to film the whole family for his TV special, her mom is moving the family into the house at the zoo and the Sneerers are eager to witness her humiliation.

Why I started this book: Purchased this book a while ago... I'm being virtuous and reading what I bought before I buy more.

Why I finished it: Hilarious but I would not recommend this book to anyone who suffers from second hand humiliation like I do. I had to repeatedly put it down and then restart it.

[Deena Abutaha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was surprising. I thought it would be a funny story about a girl in a zoo but I was wrong. Ana struggles with finishing seventh grade after her best friend Liv moved away. She deals with bullies, anxiety and first crushes. The story pulled at my heartstrings and I would recommend it to students who are struggling to find themselves.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story, the first in a series, interesting, funny, believable. Twelve-year-old Ana (who has a twin brother) is picked on by kids at school and feels alone when her best friend moves far away. Then her parents who work at the zoo move all of them to live in a house there for the summer. Ana thinks her life will never get better. Great story.

[Patti Sabik · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like animals, girl drama, good laughs, and a protagonist you can really relate to look no further. Keating writes with smart wit and compassionate wisdom with a good dose of zoology trivia that kept me turning pages. I’ll be sure to continue on in the series to see how Ana matures and survives after losing her best friend to New Zealand.

[Tisheika Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read. I love every inch of this book !!! It's so hilarious and the fun facts at the blog each chapter was very informative. The only downside is that I remember there being a few grammatical errors through the story other than that it's a wonderful read. Would definitely recommend.

[Cara Noyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a touching, creative novel.
I loved how Ana grows through bullying and family challenges.
But really, who names their child after an anaconda??? Zoologist parents, of course!
I enjoyed the take and will recommend it to my students.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great humorous tween read.