The Zone

by Jennifer Phillips

160 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 1, 2027

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Washington near a national park, this HiLo/Quick Reads features Zane a rising high school freshman who is struggling to apply techniques learned in counseling in order to control episodes of rage that sometimes leave furniture broken and holes in the walls. With triggers for his outbursts including too much noise, insults from annoying classmates, social interactions that leave him feeling inadequate or out of place, his parents worry his summer plans to work with the Youth Conservation Corps at the park is not the best idea but he is able to convince them to allow him to try it for a week and see how it goes. A week comes and goes and Zane begins to form friendships with several of the teens on his work team and experiences some success applying the techniques learned in therapy even when one co-worker, Peyton, seems intent on targeting him and forcing a confrontation.

Finding short novels for reluctant and/or emerging readers in junior high and high school is very difficult as the lower reading level and reduced page count often yields overly simplistic plots that seem more appropriate for less socially and emotionally mature elementary readers. This title features teens who are able to hold jobs, date, and make more serious life choices making it much more in line with older students. Zane’s difficulties making friends, handling highly stressful situations and the trail work he does with the conservation corps will also appeal to those in upper grades.

Great choice for libraries needing Quick Reads in grades 7-10.

Thanks for sending a preview copy, Jolly Fish Press. It will be donated to the high school library in the district where I retired and was recommended to the junior high library as well.