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My Life Is a Zoo #3
How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue
What would middle school be like if you lived in a zoo? Just ask Ana Wright, star of the hilarious, award-nominated My Life is A Zoo series that combines first crushes, friendship fails...and pack dynamics. Surprise! Ana's long distance BFF is finally coming back to visit. But with her purple hair and new attitude, Liv is barely the girl Ana remembers. This new Liv probably thinks a birthday party at the zoo is lame. Maybe if Ana has a super-secret sleepover instead, she'd never have to introduce Liv to Ashley, former enemy and now Ana's best-ish friend. What could go wrong? Creature File for Species Best Frendicus New Zealand girl who used to be Ana Wright's best friend, girl who used to like getting milkshakes at Shaken, Not Stirred Feeds video chats with Leilani, attention from boys Life undetermined, but if things keep going the way they are, the lifespan of Ana and Liv, BFFs isn't going to be the "forever" they thought… Jess Keating combines the quirky humor and animal-centric plots of Carl Hiaasen with the awkward adolescent antics of Lauren Myracle in this fresh new middle grade series! Praise for How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied (My Life is a Zoo Book 1): 2015 Red Maple Award nominee 2015-2016 Georgia Children's Book Award nominee "Keating delivers a fun-filled, pitch-perfect book…about the perils of being 12 in a snake-eat-snake world."— Kirkus STARRED Review "Life is literally a zoo for shy twelve-year-old Anna, who is trying to avoid seventh-grade bullies while hiding that her family lives among crocodiles and elephants."— Los Angeles Times "A menagerie of laugh-out-loud antics."—Anna Staniszewski, author of The Dirt Diary "A wild romp, filled with humor and heart."—Lisa Schroeder, author of It's Raining Cupcakes
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2015
7 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Jess Keating
25 books264 followersJess 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/
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/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 6, 2015
This review (and others) can be seen in all its properly formatted glory on my blog Beauty and the Bookshelf.
4.5 foxy stars!
I adore this series and can't get enough of it. How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied introduced us to perfectly awkward Ana Wright, and How to Outswim a Shark Without a Snorkel helped show character growth as Ana was put in more unfortunate situations and built new (and surprising) friendships. Now, in How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue (say those titles five times really fast, I triple dog dare you), Ana's best friend Liv is back...and nothing is the same. In the latest installment of Jess Keating's adorkable and fantastic My Life is a Zoo series, a new side of friendship is explored: when friends grow up and change, and two friends are no longer as compatible as they were before.
One of my favorite things about this series is that, despite some serious subjects it touches on, it's ridiculously light and pure fun, and Outfox is no exception. I love the Creature Files (like in the synopsis), the Animal Wisdom at the beginning of each chapter (I learned some new facts!), Ana's lists, antics, quirks, and, well, everything. Ana is not a perfect person, and that's what makes her perfect. Really, she's real. She's a total dork who dances to her own music, and she doesn't really care what others think. All kinds of awkward and embarrassing things happen to her, but that happens to all of us, right? Her voice is full of wit and snark and sass, and I will never tire of being in her head. (And, similarly, I will never tire of Keating's writing.) This series is all about Ana and her crazy, (sometimes smelly,) wild life, and she totally brings it. I mean, she might fall flat on her face when she does. But she still brings it.
In Outfox, the big focus is on friendship. Spoiler alert for the previous two books, but Ana is now really good friends with previous Head Sneerer Ashley--they're a lot like best friends, actually. But Liv, Ana's BFF who moved to New Zealand, is back for a visit...and she has purple hair, likes a greasy-looking guy, is all about her NZ bestie Leilani (gag), makes fun of Ana...and isn't the Liv Ana thought she knew. (Honestly, I wasn't the biggest fan of her, and she can go back to New Zealand for all I care. But I do love her hair.) But there's a chance that Ana has changed, too. I mean, she's friends with Ashley. And she has a boyfriend. Kevin! (Keeeeeevvvviiiiinnnnnn. He was painfully absent for a lot of this novel and that broke my heart. Because Kevin!) People ask her for her autograph, she's not so afraid of public speaking anymore, and she's almost the big 1-3. They're all growing up. And for the first time in a long time, Ana and Liv aren't doing it together, and there are some serious cracks in their friendship. (They need some Spackle.) This book is about repairing those cracks--if they can be fixed at all.
I don't know what else I can say about How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue without just telling you about the whole book. But know this: This is a series that, if you haven't read it yet, then you are seriously missing out. Ana is an amazingly real character you just have to meet, and her story is told in a voice that is so well written and utterly memorable that you'll fall head over heels in love with it. (And the best thing ever happens in this book and I totally squealed, I kid you not.) And at the heart, it's just pure fun, plain and simple. Okay, and it's totally adorkable, too. But I love it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 foxy stars!
I adore this series and can't get enough of it. How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied introduced us to perfectly awkward Ana Wright, and How to Outswim a Shark Without a Snorkel helped show character growth as Ana was put in more unfortunate situations and built new (and surprising) friendships. Now, in How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue (say those titles five times really fast, I triple dog dare you), Ana's best friend Liv is back...and nothing is the same. In the latest installment of Jess Keating's adorkable and fantastic My Life is a Zoo series, a new side of friendship is explored: when friends grow up and change, and two friends are no longer as compatible as they were before.
One of my favorite things about this series is that, despite some serious subjects it touches on, it's ridiculously light and pure fun, and Outfox is no exception. I love the Creature Files (like in the synopsis), the Animal Wisdom at the beginning of each chapter (I learned some new facts!), Ana's lists, antics, quirks, and, well, everything. Ana is not a perfect person, and that's what makes her perfect. Really, she's real. She's a total dork who dances to her own music, and she doesn't really care what others think. All kinds of awkward and embarrassing things happen to her, but that happens to all of us, right? Her voice is full of wit and snark and sass, and I will never tire of being in her head. (And, similarly, I will never tire of Keating's writing.) This series is all about Ana and her crazy, (sometimes smelly,) wild life, and she totally brings it. I mean, she might fall flat on her face when she does. But she still brings it.
In Outfox, the big focus is on friendship. Spoiler alert for the previous two books, but Ana is now really good friends with previous Head Sneerer Ashley--they're a lot like best friends, actually. But Liv, Ana's BFF who moved to New Zealand, is back for a visit...and she has purple hair, likes a greasy-looking guy, is all about her NZ bestie Leilani (gag), makes fun of Ana...and isn't the Liv Ana thought she knew. (Honestly, I wasn't the biggest fan of her, and she can go back to New Zealand for all I care. But I do love her hair.) But there's a chance that Ana has changed, too. I mean, she's friends with Ashley. And she has a boyfriend. Kevin! (Keeeeeevvvviiiiinnnnnn. He was painfully absent for a lot of this novel and that broke my heart. Because Kevin!) People ask her for her autograph, she's not so afraid of public speaking anymore, and she's almost the big 1-3. They're all growing up. And for the first time in a long time, Ana and Liv aren't doing it together, and there are some serious cracks in their friendship. (They need some Spackle.) This book is about repairing those cracks--if they can be fixed at all.
I don't know what else I can say about How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue without just telling you about the whole book. But know this: This is a series that, if you haven't read it yet, then you are seriously missing out. Ana is an amazingly real character you just have to meet, and her story is told in a voice that is so well written and utterly memorable that you'll fall head over heels in love with it. (And the best thing ever happens in this book and I totally squealed, I kid you not.) And at the heart, it's just pure fun, plain and simple. Okay, and it's totally adorkable, too. But I love it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2015
I received an advanced reader copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *How to Outfox Your Friends...* is a super cute book for preteen girls, especially if they love animals. My daughter and I both enjoyed reading it together. The book is part of a series, always a bonus.
July 19, 2015
Loved this book as much as I did the other two! It is great to see Ana continue to grow! I couldn't stop reading!! Had to finish it in one sitting!
August 30, 2019
Junior high student Ana Wright learns to walk a tightrope between friends and former frenemies in
How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue
. Her trials and tribulations largely circled around a school project whereby Ana was to document five people who influenced her life in some form of media.
Ana's family previously lived in a zoo, and honestly her extended human family - from a baboon of a twin brother to a spunky grandfather with his Jessica Rabbit girlfriend - seem to be their own version of an animal park.
New to Ana's set of friends is a former nemesis to her and her best friend (Liv). Since Liv moved away to New Zealand, Ana never needed to relay that she and Ashley are now friends. The plot thickens - and the school project gets threatened - when Liv returns for a visit and Ana does not want Ashley or Liv to know she is friends with the other...
This was a fun read with lots of small "life lessons" packed in. There was nothing too dire that happened but it definitely showed that you can grow up a lot between being 12 and turning 13.
I would highly recommend this book to people who want to get their preteens into reading. This book is in a series (and this is Book #3), but just reading about Ana's concerns and then how she gains knowledge and confidence when solving problems could be a real help to kids in that age group.
Ana's family previously lived in a zoo, and honestly her extended human family - from a baboon of a twin brother to a spunky grandfather with his Jessica Rabbit girlfriend - seem to be their own version of an animal park.
New to Ana's set of friends is a former nemesis to her and her best friend (Liv). Since Liv moved away to New Zealand, Ana never needed to relay that she and Ashley are now friends. The plot thickens - and the school project gets threatened - when Liv returns for a visit and Ana does not want Ashley or Liv to know she is friends with the other...
This was a fun read with lots of small "life lessons" packed in. There was nothing too dire that happened but it definitely showed that you can grow up a lot between being 12 and turning 13.
I would highly recommend this book to people who want to get their preteens into reading. This book is in a series (and this is Book #3), but just reading about Ana's concerns and then how she gains knowledge and confidence when solving problems could be a real help to kids in that age group.
June 7, 2025
How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue is a fun book for preteen girls. It is part of the My Life is a Zoo series. I liked the way each chapter began with a fun animal fact. Ana and her twin brother Daz are eager to turn thirteen. Leading up to this monumental event, Ana deals with the awkwardness that is junior high. Her lifelong bff, Liv, is coming to visit plus she is now friends with Ashley, their previous enemy. What could go wrong? This story absolutely mirrors true life. It is told with humor. I enjoyed reading it.
July 18, 2017
I really liked the realizations Ana had about friendship in this one! It was also fun learning about what happens at a wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Want to read
April 16, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 5, 2020
This is book 3 in an MG novel series.
Ana's best friend, Liv, comes home for a visit after moving far away, and Ana is nervous to confess that her enemy is now a good friend. Their relationship gets stressed and very complicated, only to go from bad to worse on Ana's 13th birthday. Also, Ana's school project is weighing on her mind because how will Liv fit into it?
This is another great story.
Ana's best friend, Liv, comes home for a visit after moving far away, and Ana is nervous to confess that her enemy is now a good friend. Their relationship gets stressed and very complicated, only to go from bad to worse on Ana's 13th birthday. Also, Ana's school project is weighing on her mind because how will Liv fit into it?
This is another great story.
October 27, 2015
Surprise! Ana's long distance BFF is finally coming back to visit. But with her purple hair and new attitude, Liv is barely the girl Ana remembers. This new Liv probably thinks a birthday party at the zoo is lame. Maybe if Ana has a super-secret sleepover instead, she'd never have to introduce Liv to Ashley, former enemy and now Ana's best-ish friend. What could go wrong?
How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue is fun, adventurous, and heartfelt. Ana's a sweet girl, trying to figure everything out, trying to keep things the same. But sometimes friends change. What's a girl to do when that happens?
Ana is back. As inquisitive as ever, as helpful as ever. As fumbling through life like every other kid that's ever turned thirteen or had old friends come back to visit. She has no idea what to expect when it comes to life, school or friendships or anything else. All she has are hopes and expectations, what she thinks might happen from TV and movies and gossip. But those pale in comparison to how it actually unfolds.
Friends can be tricky. It can be hard to find them, harder to keep them. When you can, when they last, it's special. You feel like you've found that person that will understand you for the rest of your life. But sometimes they move away. Sometimes you're scrambling to find that feeling again. You'll never have the same kind of relationship with a different person, but that's fine. Friendships are never the same, they differ from person to person. You don't have to have everything in common in order to be friends. Ana was lost when Liv moved away, she felt cast adrift in the bizarre world of middle school. Now, now that's made peace with Ashley and gotten to know Bella. She's feeling better. But that doesn't discount what she had, has, with Liv. People can change. It's the lying that can ruin things.
I think this series is honest it how complicated it feels to be a kid, a new teen. You're supposed to start figuring some things out but you're not sure how. You don't want to change but every day is a step closer to the next big achievement. Thirteen. High school. Sixteen. Driving. Ana's is a great point of view. She's bright and curious, she loves animals, she has a good support structure, and she's awkward. A definite recommendation for those looking for fun, smart, realistic middle grade.
(I received an advance copy of this title to review from Raincoast Books.)
How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue is fun, adventurous, and heartfelt. Ana's a sweet girl, trying to figure everything out, trying to keep things the same. But sometimes friends change. What's a girl to do when that happens?
Ana is back. As inquisitive as ever, as helpful as ever. As fumbling through life like every other kid that's ever turned thirteen or had old friends come back to visit. She has no idea what to expect when it comes to life, school or friendships or anything else. All she has are hopes and expectations, what she thinks might happen from TV and movies and gossip. But those pale in comparison to how it actually unfolds.
Friends can be tricky. It can be hard to find them, harder to keep them. When you can, when they last, it's special. You feel like you've found that person that will understand you for the rest of your life. But sometimes they move away. Sometimes you're scrambling to find that feeling again. You'll never have the same kind of relationship with a different person, but that's fine. Friendships are never the same, they differ from person to person. You don't have to have everything in common in order to be friends. Ana was lost when Liv moved away, she felt cast adrift in the bizarre world of middle school. Now, now that's made peace with Ashley and gotten to know Bella. She's feeling better. But that doesn't discount what she had, has, with Liv. People can change. It's the lying that can ruin things.
I think this series is honest it how complicated it feels to be a kid, a new teen. You're supposed to start figuring some things out but you're not sure how. You don't want to change but every day is a step closer to the next big achievement. Thirteen. High school. Sixteen. Driving. Ana's is a great point of view. She's bright and curious, she loves animals, she has a good support structure, and she's awkward. A definite recommendation for those looking for fun, smart, realistic middle grade.
(I received an advance copy of this title to review from Raincoast Books.)
August 2, 2015
I will have to have a serious talk with Jess Keating when/if we meet, because her book made me cry. She does an excellent job of showing the misery you can experience as a tween or teen who is having friendship drama. In this third book in the series, Ana is about to turn 13, she still hasn't had her first kiss with boyfriend Kevin (her first attempt ended up in a head butt and Kevin having a bloody nose), she survived volunteering at the zoo with Ashley the "Sneerer," and her friend Liv is in town for a short visit from New Zealand. So, not much going on, right? But wait, there's more - she gets an F on her Shakespeare quiz, begins as a volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation shelter, and has an enormous multimedia project due in two weeks for her English teacher.
Fans of Ana's earlier books will remember her for things like having an allergic reaction to Nair, falling into the shark tank at the sea life exhibit, and other feats of incredible clumsiness and bad luck. That hasn't changed, even if Ana has officially become a teen at last. And, although her shyness and nerves about public speaking may have improved, she still gets terribly flustered when things don't go as planned. Most of us have probably had the experience of trying to fix something and having the situation get worse and worse the harder we try, so it is easy to empathize with Ana, even as we see she is not making the best choices. It makes us want to reach into the book and say, "No - that's only going to complicate things even more. Don't do it!" But have faith, our fearless author will work everything out and do it without waving a magic wand. That's part of the charm of these books; Ana and the other characters all act so human and the resolution always makes sense. It isn't a perfect ending with a rainbow and a great swell of triumphant orchestral music. It's a solution that could really happen, and it can encourage readers that whatever troubles they are having, there is a solution for them, too.
I cannot recommend Jess Keating's books highly enough. Middle grade readers (and up) will be laughing, gasping in shock or dismay, and maybe even shedding a tear or two as they enjoy this realistic fiction written with compassion and humor.
I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
Fans of Ana's earlier books will remember her for things like having an allergic reaction to Nair, falling into the shark tank at the sea life exhibit, and other feats of incredible clumsiness and bad luck. That hasn't changed, even if Ana has officially become a teen at last. And, although her shyness and nerves about public speaking may have improved, she still gets terribly flustered when things don't go as planned. Most of us have probably had the experience of trying to fix something and having the situation get worse and worse the harder we try, so it is easy to empathize with Ana, even as we see she is not making the best choices. It makes us want to reach into the book and say, "No - that's only going to complicate things even more. Don't do it!" But have faith, our fearless author will work everything out and do it without waving a magic wand. That's part of the charm of these books; Ana and the other characters all act so human and the resolution always makes sense. It isn't a perfect ending with a rainbow and a great swell of triumphant orchestral music. It's a solution that could really happen, and it can encourage readers that whatever troubles they are having, there is a solution for them, too.
I cannot recommend Jess Keating's books highly enough. Middle grade readers (and up) will be laughing, gasping in shock or dismay, and maybe even shedding a tear or two as they enjoy this realistic fiction written with compassion and humor.
I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
July 6, 2017
"How come one stupid move to the other side of the planet could make two friends feel so weird around each other?"
Ana is about to turn thirteen and enter her teenage years. "This is the last week of my life I will be a non-teenager." What better way for Ana to celebrate than for her friend, Liv, to return from New Zealand for a surprise visit? When Ana comes home and finds Liv in her bedroom, she can't believe her eyes, in more ways than one. "I didn't mean to be staring, but I couldn't help myself. She looked so ... different." Thinner, taller, and purple hair. But she's the same Liv inside, right?
Ana does her best to recreate their friendship: wearing clothes they used to wear and talking about old times, but Liv doesn't seem to be interested in that life anymore. She's constantly texting her friends in New Zealand and talking about all the great things that are happening for her. "It was almost like she was trying to be as different as possible, just to freak me out." She even seems irritated by Ana's recent successes and how Ana has changed. So, how on earth can Ana tell Liv that she is now friends with Ashley, the girl that Liv hated when she lived here? Isn't it just going to push them farther apart?
Ana decides to keep her old friend and new friends from encountering each other. If she plays her cards right, they won't even see each other at her birthday party, to which they are all invited. Unfortunately, this means Ana will have to lie and deceive her friends. She doesn't feel good about it, but what choice does she have?
Ana continues to grow as a character and comes to some important realizations in this novel about relationships, including the one with Kevin. The school project on influences gives her a great chance to reflect on how the people in her life play a role in her decisions and ideas. Funny, yet poignant, this is another gem for my 5th and 6th grade students.
Themes: friendship, honesty, life changes
Ana is about to turn thirteen and enter her teenage years. "This is the last week of my life I will be a non-teenager." What better way for Ana to celebrate than for her friend, Liv, to return from New Zealand for a surprise visit? When Ana comes home and finds Liv in her bedroom, she can't believe her eyes, in more ways than one. "I didn't mean to be staring, but I couldn't help myself. She looked so ... different." Thinner, taller, and purple hair. But she's the same Liv inside, right?
Ana does her best to recreate their friendship: wearing clothes they used to wear and talking about old times, but Liv doesn't seem to be interested in that life anymore. She's constantly texting her friends in New Zealand and talking about all the great things that are happening for her. "It was almost like she was trying to be as different as possible, just to freak me out." She even seems irritated by Ana's recent successes and how Ana has changed. So, how on earth can Ana tell Liv that she is now friends with Ashley, the girl that Liv hated when she lived here? Isn't it just going to push them farther apart?
Ana decides to keep her old friend and new friends from encountering each other. If she plays her cards right, they won't even see each other at her birthday party, to which they are all invited. Unfortunately, this means Ana will have to lie and deceive her friends. She doesn't feel good about it, but what choice does she have?
Ana continues to grow as a character and comes to some important realizations in this novel about relationships, including the one with Kevin. The school project on influences gives her a great chance to reflect on how the people in her life play a role in her decisions and ideas. Funny, yet poignant, this is another gem for my 5th and 6th grade students.
Themes: friendship, honesty, life changes
July 29, 2015
This book is awesome! I read a digital ARC from NetGalley, and I absolutely loved it. I read the first two books of this series (How to Outrun A Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied & How to Outswim a Shark Without a Snorkel) and they were popular with my 5th grade students. The characters are very believable 8th grade students, and the author does a terrific job of capturing their authentic voices.
The book picks up a few months after where the last one ended. Ana is a few months into 8th grade with her new friends (including a former enemy) and about to turn 13. When an old friend comes back for a visit, Ana struggles to revive a friendship that is strained. This book really delves into the pain and anguish kids experience when they realize that they're growing apart from old friends and changing into different people.
And while Ana is dealing with all of these friendship issues, she also becomes more involved in working with animals. In this book, she begins volunteering at a Wildlife Rescue Center. I love how this aspect of the book could inspire young people to start thinking about their passions and finding ways to learn more about potential career paths.
This third book in the series was exactly what I hoped it would be. Wouldn't it be great if we could follow Ana and her friends into high school?!
The book picks up a few months after where the last one ended. Ana is a few months into 8th grade with her new friends (including a former enemy) and about to turn 13. When an old friend comes back for a visit, Ana struggles to revive a friendship that is strained. This book really delves into the pain and anguish kids experience when they realize that they're growing apart from old friends and changing into different people.
And while Ana is dealing with all of these friendship issues, she also becomes more involved in working with animals. In this book, she begins volunteering at a Wildlife Rescue Center. I love how this aspect of the book could inspire young people to start thinking about their passions and finding ways to learn more about potential career paths.
This third book in the series was exactly what I hoped it would be. Wouldn't it be great if we could follow Ana and her friends into high school?!
July 26, 2015
Having an authentic middle school voice is important when writing books for that age. Middle grade school kids can see right through someone who is trying but just isn't authentic.
Not a problem in this series.
I've had the pleasure of meeting Jess Keating a couple of times now. But it's after reading this third book that I feel like Ana really does live somewhere inside Jess. She seems so real. Ana is a character that middle grade kids would want to be friends with.
In this third book of the series, we see Ana trying to get though the pitfalls of middle grade (and everything that happens to her certainly feels real, maybe a bit more so to those of us who have already survived middle school), with her trademark sense of sarcastic humor.
Thank you, Jess, for giving us Ana.
Not a problem in this series.
I've had the pleasure of meeting Jess Keating a couple of times now. But it's after reading this third book that I feel like Ana really does live somewhere inside Jess. She seems so real. Ana is a character that middle grade kids would want to be friends with.
In this third book of the series, we see Ana trying to get though the pitfalls of middle grade (and everything that happens to her certainly feels real, maybe a bit more so to those of us who have already survived middle school), with her trademark sense of sarcastic humor.
Thank you, Jess, for giving us Ana.
July 24, 2015
This is a great story about friendship sprinkled with lots of cool facts about animals. I love that Ana has an opportunity to work with animals again in this story- this time helping out at the wildlife rehab center. Ana is a strong character with excellent role models in her parents, grandfather, and her grandfather's girlfriend, Sugar. "...every young woman should have something great to wear on her feet while she climbs mountains and conquers the world."
Her best friend, Liv, visiting from New Zealand rang so true about friendships that struggle long distance as each one is growing and changing.I love the quote "Lets' be real friends and see who we become".
Her best friend, Liv, visiting from New Zealand rang so true about friendships that struggle long distance as each one is growing and changing.I love the quote "Lets' be real friends and see who we become".
December 5, 2015
When Ana's best friend Liv returns from New Zealand unexpectedly, Ana must figure out a way to balance both her old best friend and the new friends that she has made since Liv moved. But Liv has changed a lot, and Ana is afraid of losing what they had. With her big 13th birthday on the horizon, Ana feels even more pressure to do everything right. This is a realistic and humorous exploration of the changing relationships that characterize the middle school years. Highly recommended for grades 5 & up. (Must read the other two first.)
October 25, 2015
As a middle school teacher, I can see Ana sitting in my classroom and walking down the hall. If I could be 13 again, I think I would be Ana's friend...a real friend. What a great series! One of those where you understand why it has to end, but deep down you want to keep reading about Ana and her adventures.
April 14, 2017
This is such a fun series and one I can't wait to share with my daughter in a couple years. I love Ana's voice throughout the series. She is the perfect character with all her good and bad character traits that I think young girls can really relate to at such a confusing time in their lives. (I received this book as a giveaway through Goodreads. That does not influence my review in any way.)
January 29, 2016
First of all, thank you to Goodreads, NetGalley, and the publisher for a free copy of this book!
Cute! Cute! Cute! I love these books. They are full of wisdom and fun! Adding the who animal facts and notes from Ana is so perfect. She really thinks like me and I'm 43...scary, isn't it? LOL! I'm looking forward to more from this author!!!
Cute! Cute! Cute! I love these books. They are full of wisdom and fun! Adding the who animal facts and notes from Ana is so perfect. She really thinks like me and I'm 43...scary, isn't it? LOL! I'm looking forward to more from this author!!!
July 25, 2015
This was a great conclusion to Ana's series. She is a delightful character, and I loved seeing how she handled her relationships.
October 23, 2015
Love Jess Keating's books! The fifth grade girls in my school will enjoy this one.
November 28, 2015
I love the characters in this book, especially Ana! Jess Keating does a fabulous job of handling the issues of changing middle school friendships. What a great conclusion to the series.
July 26, 2015
Ana is still absolutely Ana. She is a "typical" 12-13 year old in so many ways and that is what makes her a delightful character.
August 12, 2015
This book will be great for middle grade readers as they approach the changes that come to themselves and their friendships as they approach the teenage years.
January 3, 2016
Loved this addition to Ana's story. This was the one that felt the most real to me. So many kids can relate to this.
August 27, 2015
*ARC provided by NetGalley
Another great book by Jess Keating! I love how each book does such a great job of tackling an important and relevant tween topic.
Another great book by Jess Keating! I love how each book does such a great job of tackling an important and relevant tween topic.
October 4, 2015
Net Galley ARC
Jess Keating gives us another wonderful entry in the My Life is a Zoo series. She gives us an honest, heartfelt and amusing view of the trials of tweens.
Jess Keating gives us another wonderful entry in the My Life is a Zoo series. She gives us an honest, heartfelt and amusing view of the trials of tweens.
October 9, 2015
You'll be smiling, laughing, and cringing all the way through Ana's story as she tries to keep peace with all the people and animals in her life.
January 2, 2016
Very good but predictable and cliché
May 24, 2016
Another smash hit from Jess Keating! Ana keeps growing up in heartbreaking and hilarious ways, with awesome animal adventures providing backdrop and metaphors.
November 11, 2016
great book. liv ana's (supposedly) best friend that moved away comes back but is too obsessed with ryan (her boyfriend) and leineii (her new zealand friend) and doesn't act livish.
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