Caroline's mom is Jewish, her dad isn't, and Caroline has never really thought of herself as any religion. But when her nana dies and leaves Caroline a Star of David necklace, Caroline begins to wonder about her heritage. If she starts going to synagogue, won't that upset her dad? Should she have a Bat Mitzvah like her best friend, Rachel? Does Caroline want to be Jewish? The more she thinks about it, the more questions she has.
Like Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret, this thoughtful and relevant novel traces one girl's journey toward discovering who she is and where she fits in.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Thoughtful, touching and nicely written:
For most children, cultural and religious identity is clear-cut; they are what their parents are. But for children of interreligious or multicultural families, it can be a bit confusing, especially if the backgrounds of the parents are seemingly at odds. In THE TRUTH ABOUT MY BAT MITZVAH, Nora Raleigh Baskin explores the issue of identity through the story of 12-year-old Caroline. Caroline's father is Christian and her mother is Jewish. In their home they observe both Christian and Jewish holidays but... more info
One girl's struggles with her religious identity:
For most children, cultural and religious identity is clear-cut; they are what their parents are. But for children of interreligious or multicultural families, it can be a bit confusing, especially if the backgrounds of the parents are seemingly at odds. In THE TRUTH ABOUT MY BAT MITZVAH, Nora Raleigh Baskin explores the issue of identity through the story of 12-year-old Caroline. Caroline's father is Christian and her mother is Jewish. In their home they observe both Christian and Jewish holidays but... more info
The Truth About My Bat Mitzvah:
The death of her beloved grandmother propels 12-year-old Caroline into a few months of soul-searching and confusion over her Jewish identity. She also grapples with many age appropriate issues besides her nana's death: her friendship with BFF Rachel, peer pressure from a mean, popular girl, and a changing body. But the emotional core of her story comes from her struggle with her spiritual identity. Caroline isn't sure who she is or who she wants to be. The story begins at her nana's funeral. Her poppy... more info
Nora Raleigh Baskin Rocks!:
What a find! As a mother of two and a Jewish educator, I am always on the lookout for books that are meaningful for my children and my students and, of course, for me. "The Truth About My Bat Mitzvah" is exactly that book. It's the story of a young girl's discovery of her Jewish identity, arising at a time when young people begin to question who they are and their place in the world. "The Truth About My Bat Mitzvah" is perfect for tweens and their parents, a thoughtful bar or bat mitzvah gift, and a... more info
