Jazzy’s Quest: What Matters Most

Second in the Jazzy’s Quest Series

Written by Juliet C. Bond LCSW & Carrie Goldman
Illustrated by Jeff Weigel

What matters most to you? That’s what Jazzy needs to figure out when faced with some tough decisions. Is what matters most being invited to the coolest birthday party in town? Is it competing in an amazing Star Wars contest? Or is it helping a friend in need? Join Jazzy on her quest to discover what matters most.

The second book in the groundbreaking Jazzy’s Quest series, this compelling story explores friendship issues that are common in tween social circles, through the lens of 10-year-old adoptee, Jazzy Armstrong. Kids will relate to Jazzy’s search for belonging at school and at home.

Reviews

From School Library Journal
Fourth grader Jazzy loves spending time with her loving adopted family and her best friend, Alec. In spite of this, Jazzy wants to be popular at school—or at least be invited to one of popular classmate Haley’s parties. Jazzy meets a new friend, Michael. A fellow adopted child, Michael finds a rare friend in outgoing Jazzy, and the two enter a “Star Wars” fan competition. While Jazzy and Michael enjoy working toward the competition, Alec comes to Jazzy with some important news: Alec has been invited to Haley’s next party, and he was able to get Jazzy an invitation, too. The only catch? The party is on the same day as the “Star Wars” competition, and Michael isn’t invited. Jazzy is forced to choose between her newfound friend and her desire for popularity. This is a charming novel, and younger readers will identify with Jazzy’s honest thoughts and reactions. Although this is the second title in the series, references to the first book are light and accessible to newcomers. Dialogue among the child characters occasionally becomes too formal to be believable, and the myriad “Star Wars” mentions might alienate readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of the juggernaut franchise. VERDICT A short and sweet novel recommended for younger readers, and a must-buy for fans of the previous installment.—Matisse Mozer, County of Los Angeles Public Library, CA 

“This second Jazzy’s Quest is wonderful in so many ways. It thoughtfully addresses important social issues that all of us should be dealing with, not just tweens. It normalizes the diversity of families in our world today. And it’s a very entertaining, well-written book that’s page-turningly enjoyable to read.”—Adam Pertman, author of Adoption Nation and President of the National Center on Adoption and Permanency

“With dynamic, colorful prose, and wonderful, relatable characters, the Jazzy’s Quest series will delight middle-grade readers and their parents alike. These hip, fast-paced books sparkle with thoughtfulness and depth while exploring difference, belonging, race, family, adoption, friendship, and a multitude of everyday tween trials and triumphs.  Like Jazzy herself, each book is a unique gem.”—Jillian Lauren, bestselling author of Everything You Ever Wanted.

“Jazzy’s Quest: What Matters Most is an engaging story that addresses for young readers friendship issues, diversity, inclusion, and more in such a sensitive and compassionate way. Love this!”—Trudy Ludwig, bestselling author of The Invisible Boy and Confessions of a Former Bully

“I’m adopted, and I like Jazzy because the book shows how people learn to accept others for who they are.”—Samuel, age 12, adoptee

“‘What matters most’ for Jazzy is at the heart of this book about friendship, social striving, and exclusionary behavior in elementary school. Jazzy learns that even through mistakes–or perhaps especially through mistakes–there can be redemption, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a friend. In her quest to resolve her dilemma, Jazzy shows the reader the beauty and complexity of friendship.”—Lori Day, author of Her Next Chapter: How Mother-Daughter Book Clubs Can Help Girls Navigate Malicious Media, Risky Relationships, Girl Gossip, and So Much More

“As an adoptive parent with a blended family through adoption, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a chapter book that both my daughter and I could read together. I am encouraging everyone here to take check out this series – adopted or not, there’s something for everyone.”—Veronica Chenik Gilmore, adoptive mother

“Jazzy’s Quest: What Matters Most covers adoption, history, and honesty in a way that is both engaging and accessible to early gradeschoolers. Jazzy’s Quest will both entertain and open a doorway into some important conversations with your kiddos!”—Addison Cooper, Adoption at the Movies

“Carrie Goldman & Juliet Bond are able to weave a story in such a way that the reader is educated about the life and emotions of a foster/adoptive child without sacrificing a top-notch storyline. This book is a must for parents, caregivers, teachers, or anyone that would like their child to better empathize with others.”—Darren Fink, Transfiguring Adoption

“Jazzy’s Quest is an awesome book! I love how much it relates to my life! I was 9 when I read it, am Honduran-American, and was adopted as a baby by my parents who are not Hispanic.” —Bella, age 10