The Cool Code

October 1, 2022

Gr 5-8-Homeschooled Zoey isn't thrilled that her parents' new time-intensive work project means she now has to attend Hawthorne Middle School. Anxious about becoming a social outcast, Zoey uses her talent for coding to develop the Cool Code, an app that will guide her through the pitfalls of middle school and straight to popularity. Unfortunately, the app is far from perfect, but with the help of her new friends Daniel (who has brown skin a dark, curly hair) and Morgan (who has a Chinese surname), Zoey is determined to make it-and herself-a success. The artwork is vibrant, with expressive characters, including C.C., the outspoken pink llama avatar of the Cool Code app. Zoey (who has light skin and brown hair) is a likable character who clearly can handle making friends on her own, even if she doesn't always have the confidence, but readers will still relate to her anxiety. The students at Hawthorne Middle School are diverse in appearance and are generally supportive of, although often confused by, Zoey as she tests out different versions of her program. VERDICT A humorous exploration of cracking the middle school social code for anyone craving more personified snarky llamas in their lives.-Amanda Melilli

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2022
Grades 4-7 There are plenty of stories of kids wishing to become popular, but now there's an app for that! When Zoey switches schools, she and her friends in Coding Club create the perfect digital assistant for any social situation. The story takes familiar turns with Zoey forgetting her old friends until finally realizing what's really important, but Langeland also avoids some of the clich� pitfalls of the genre, like cringey bullies, crushes that don't know you exist, or a total personality change. Zoey realizes she's becoming something she's not, but refreshingly, she's never mean-spirited or belittling to others, even at the height of her popularity. The background plot on the steps and practices for developing and testing an app is an interesting addition and nice overall framework. Mai's full-color artwork is inviting and cartoony, complete with noodle arms and exaggerated eyes, but the app avatar C.C., a pink llama, is simply adorable and certainly the star of the show. An easy and engaging pick for STEM-loving middle-graders.

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October 1, 2022
Can an app actually make you cool? After being exclusively home-schooled by her software programmer parents, bespectacled 12-year-old Zoey McIntyre is entering eighth grade in public school. With her own penchant for coding, Zoey makes an app she names Cool Code that features an adorable pink llama avatar named C.C. who advises her on how to be socially successful. Her first day of school is mostly a disaster, however, though she meets Daniel and Morgan, who invite her to their after-school coding club. Zoey divulges the truth about her app, and the three decide to work on it together. As C.C.'s database of knowledge grows, the cute but bossy creature begins to take over Zoey's life in unbearable ways. He commands her to do things that make her uncomfortable, like running against Daniel in the school election, and takes the initiative, acting on her behalf in unsettling ways. What will Zoey do: continue on an exhausting path to being cool or eschew C.C. and stick by her true friends? Langeland's text is an easy read, with a tried-and-true message of friendship that covers well-trod ground with its easily accessible--albeit moralistic--ending. While Zoey, Daniel, and Morgan are sympathetic, their lack of depth renders them overly facile at times. Mai's bright, full-color art is reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier's and should instantly appeal to her fans. Zoey reads White; Daniel appears Black, and Morgan presents Asian. Predictable but fun. (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

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