The Amazing Life of Azaleah Lane

Writtey bu: Nikki Shannon Smith

Illustrated by: Mari Lobo

A Capstone Imprint, 2020. Fiction.

Azaleah lane is a good student and a big help at home with her little sister. She has hardworking parents who try to give her an amazing life but sometimes life can get a little crazy even for someone like Azaleah. When it's announced at school that her class is going on a field trip to the National Zoo she is so excited and can't wait to go. Things get even better when her teacher tells everyone they can earn extra credit by doing a project on an animal they see at the zoo. She knows exactly what she wants to make and she can't wait to get home and work on her assignment. When she arrives home she discovers that her little sister, Tiana, is very upset. She can't find her favorite stuffed animal and she just knows someone has stolen it. Her mom and dad are both busy and it seems like Azaleah is the only one who has time to help Tiana find her missing stuffed animal. Just when she is about to give up on finding time to work on her extra credit project for school things take a turn for the better.

This is the first book in a new series about a smart, brave and funny girl named Azaleah. This would be a great book to hand to someone who is just starting into chapter books and reading on their own. There are some beautiful vivid full color illustrations that help the reader visualize the story as well as discussion questions, writing prompts, and a science glossary at the back of the book. The story is sweet and the author teaches some important skills, like pausing and taking a deep breath when things don't go your way. A great book to add to any library.

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