There are few books that offer unadulterated joy from beginning to end. But The Fabulous Zed Watson! is a middle-grade wonder: a literary mystery and Onward-esque road-trip story that celebrates self-described nerds and weirdos, and reinforces the power of friendship.
The novel starts in a library, where tween Zed Watson does all their interneting, since their parents have enforced a “no screens until you’re 16” rule. The librarian positively reacts to Zed’s chosen name and they/them pronouns, and the scene is set for a story that centres on a non-binary character while not being about traumatic gender-identity experiences. No one is more confident in who they are than Zed. “I’m a very flamboyant and well-regarded drama kwing,” they say. “Kwing is a combo of ‘queen’ and ‘king’ for us theydies and gentlethems.”
The Fabulous Zed Watson is a magical book filled with realistic characters, a great adventure and the story of a non-binary person named Zed. This book is a great book to read if you like adventure, fun and a twist all mixed together, with monsters, caves and a secret library. This book is very unique, it’s a great read for anyone who likes adventure.
Hi, I believe that the RMBA book award nominee The Fabulous Zed Watson was an outstanding book, filled with a great story that fits with our new and changing world.
For example, this book is a very good depiction of the world that we live in today. With characters that represent the LGBTQIA+ society. It’s not like any classical story with big castles and deadly monsters but of 2 kids who desperately want to find an amazing book that was judged and buried until the time of a nondiscriminatory society to find their treasures. Now they think it’s time the world is ready for this book… If they can find it.
Another great thing about The Fabulous Zed Watson is the amazing detail in the characters and setting, the characters have extreme deep feeling and unique personalities. The setting is detailed with people, smells and the feeling of the place that the book is describing. For example, there is a warm and fuzzy feel to the kitchen where everyone is invited,with amazing smells and people everywhere. A calm forest sitting by the crackling fire with hot chocolate and cozy blankets.
I know that The Fabulous Zed Watson is a great read and a magical journey through the world of books. With LGBTQIA+ characters, a fun journey and the great setting description. If you are looking for a book to read I would definitely suggest The Fabulous Zed Watson!
-Grade 6 student
The Fabulous Zed Watson! Is an eye-catching scavenger hunt that features many strange and weird (in a good way) chapters. The main character, Zed Watson, is a detective/adventurer. Tagging along with Gabe, an aspiring botanist, anything can happen! A huge discovery leads Zed on a trail to find the long-hidden text they have been trying to locate forever. Gabe’s sister Sam, a geologist heading toward college in Arizona, allowed the duo to tag along with her, on their quest. Sadly not everything goes as planned. Gabe is quiet and barely speaks in the car, Sam is a bossy driver with no taste in music, and Zed is often misgendered. Thankfully, there are potato-themed dances, lots of ice cream, and a very cute jackalope.
Although The Fabulous Zed Watson! was not one of my favourite books, I did learn and enjoy parts of it. This story has used imagination to make me and many other people aware of non-binary people. One of the authors, Basil Sylvestor is non-binary. They have made me more mindful of non-binary people by making Zed non-binary as well.
Throughout my career of reading books, I have rarely come across one with so much imagination combined with the real world — there is even a gas station owner that makes jackalopes out of roadkill! Most of the fantasy books I have read are based on other stories like myths and fairytales, but Basil and Kevin Sylvester have outdone many famous authors by creating a completely original story.
The Fabulous Zed Watson! has taught me many things. Like what snacks to prepare on a road trip, and way more stuff all wrapped up in an epic scavenger hunt around North America. I would recommend reading this book. If you are interested in mystery, adventure, a touch of nonfiction, and most of all, friendship.