Bound To Stay Bound

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Booklist - 11/15/2013 Tara’s not sure she wants to have a bat mitzvah. Even though she’s attended Hebrew school, her mother’s Indian heritage has a pull on her, and she wonders if she dishonors her Indian grandparents by declaring her Judaism. Oh, and she’s also not sure she believes in God. Debut novelist Freedman does a good job of exploring the feelings of a child of mixed heritage when it comes to culture, family, and religion. Setting the story in Manhattan gives it a realistic frame to discuss multicultural issues, though Tara sometimes seems a bit naive for a big-city kid. There’s plenty of interpreteen action here, too, as Tara must navigate new terrain when one of her best friends (a girl) is interested in adding a third pal to their twosome, and another (a boy) seems to want to take their relationship to the next level. There are a few stereotypes here, especially Tara’s Jewish grandmother, but this story will have resonance for many children of many faiths at the cusp of religious adulthood. - Copyright 2013 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 12/01/2013 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 - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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