My Basmati Bat Mitzvah

Gr 4–7—A sweet, lighthearted story of friendship with a touch of romance. Tara Bernstein, 12, is preparing for her Bat Mitzvah but, as she ponders her mixed Hindu and Jewish heritage (her Indian mother converted to Judaism), she wonders whether having a Bat Mitzvah is the right thing for her. In the meantime she is dealing with the ups and downs of her best (boy) friend, Ben-O, acting strangely toward her; her best (girl) friend becoming best friends with someone she dislikes; and a boy she despises having a crush on her. Added to all this angst is her fear of revealing that she accidentally burned a hole in a sari that is a family heirloom she was hoping to wear for her Bat Mitzvah. She is also reluctant to acknowledge that she and her friends are changing. As she makes her way through these challenges, she learns a great deal about friendship, family, and heritage. Freedman handles the ethnic and religious diversity of Tara's family and friends with a light touch, but doesn't shrink from exploring some of the complexities of a dual heritage. This will take its place beside Jenny Han's Shug (S & S, 2006): that is, if you can keep it on the shelves.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City