Great middle school school book - granddaughter loved this series

Zee is trying to find her footing at her new school in London, but the pressures of living away from home at a boarding school with strangers is starting to take its toll. She feels jealous as she spends less and less time with Jasper, and he seems enamored with YouTube sensation, Izzy. At the same time, Zee finds herself spending more and more time with the elusive Archie Saint John. Zee enjoys her visit with Ally in Paris, but when it is over, she worries when she doesn't hear from Ally as much as she hoped. She's not sure how she is going to survive the upcoming school Festival performance.

All that Glitters continues the story of Zee and her friends. With more conflict than the first book, this one is more interesting and enjoyable. The idea of therapy being a way to deal with problems is presented in a way that makes it seem like a realistic option for young people. One problem with the story is that it jumps perspectives from one character to another making it a bit confusing. Overall, however, All That Glitters is an entertaining book that tells the story of a young woman who is figuring out her new life. ( )

Book 2 of the Zee Files series, this one follows Zee in a boarding school in England. I did like how the author wrote about Zee's anxiety about school and her parents' divorce and getting counseling by a therapist for her mental health. However, I'm not sure all readers would appreciate or empathize with her privileged lifestyle - for example, one of her friends lives in Paris! ( )

This realistic story will interest many middle grade readers. Zee is attending a British boarding school, attempting to fit in and make friends, all while studying and trying to prepare a song for the school’s Creative Arts Festival. Readers will relate to Zee’s changing friendships, crushes/new relationships, and daily struggles. I love how the author normalizes therapy and shows the positive impact it can have. There are some minor verb tenses that disagree and don’t seem to flow with the story, which throw things off a little. A good book that fell a little flat for me, but I’m also not the target audience. I haven’t read the first book in the series, but readers will be able to easily pick up and follow Zee’s adventures.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.* ( )

The second book of the Zee series is a nice continuation from the first and shows that life's problems aren't always neatly resolved. Zee continues to experience the difficulties of moving, new friends, changes in family and friendships, coming together and falling apart. Lots for young readers to identify with here and plenty of modern references to make it more relevant.

That being said, many of Zee's problem in this particular volume are self-inflicted and she can come off as selfish and entitled. Her family's finances and lifestyle are a bit hard to connect outside of a princess fantasy. Some plot points are a bit of a place holder.

A decent second work that will hopefully build up to a strong third installment. ( )