How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied (My Life Is a Zoo, 1)

Junior High is awkward enough when you don't live in a zoo and smell like hippo stink. But it's even worse when your best friend moves to the other side of the globe and the popular kids are out to get you. Poor Ana Wright. But when Ana's famous grandfather arrives with a camera crew in tow, her life gets way more complicated. She'd rather wrestle crocodiles.Keating's debut is hilarious and heart-warming all rolled into an awkward, cringe-worthy ball that every middle schooler knows as everyday life. I think I read this entire book with a smile on my face. Bravo, Jess!

The new MY LIFE IS A ZOO series begins with HOW TO OUTRUN A CROCODILE WHEN YOUR SHOES ARE UNTIED. Readers are introduced to Ana, her family, and friends. The combination of entertaining school stories with humorous zoo adventures is perfect for the target audience. Each chapter begins with animal wisdom and notes that draw readers into the story. Ana’s love of list-making adds to the fun.Learn more about the author at http://jesskeating.com/.

Love this book! I will definitely be saving this one for my daughter when she is older.

Both my daughters (12 and 9) really love this book and the followup! They're funny, thoughtful, interesting...just so much fun and so smart!

Jess Keating does a fantastic job developing her characters and the humor keeps on coming. My students and I love this book - it is a class favorite, because the studetns can relate to the characters. Excited for book 2 to be released in January 2015!

Read it before sending to granddaughter who is in the 5th grade. I think she will like it. Lots of humor.

This is such a good lighthearted read. It's intended for middle school aged children but everyone in my adult book club loved it. Great writing and a good story overall. Highly recommend for readers of all ages.

Book was a gift.

This book captures perfectly the intensity, intelligence, and sincerity of middle school life. Not to mention it's hilarious and packed with more personality than you can shake a snake at (not that you should shake a snake, they don't care for it). Keating is an expert on animals and that knowledge shines through naturally on every page, making this a unique and stimulating read for any zoology geek.The characters are endearing, interesting and just wacky enough to make poor Ana's life a little too strange for her to blend into the wall. So she'll just have to step up to her challenges, from dealing with crushes and bullies at school, missing a far-away friend, accomplishing assignments and oh, living in a zoo with her annoying twin brother, and incredibly nerdy biologist parents.Sometimes when you finish a book you realize that you are saying goodbye to some of the most amazing friends you've had for the past couple weeks. The only solace I have here is that I'll get to see Ana et al again in the future.For any 10-14 year old this is a fantastic read. For adults it is still just as witty and engaging, and plunks you right back in the thick of grade 7.