When You’re Brave Enough

A Jewish eighth grader adjusts to a new environment while navigating societal pressure to uphold the status quo in Bendheim’s radiant debut. Though 13-year-old Lacey is devastated to leave her best friend Grace behind in Texas to move to Rhode Island, she’s excited to join her new school’s vibrant theater program. Despite her worries about not fitting in, Lacey quickly befriends fellow castmates, and surprises everyone—including herself—by landing the lead role in the musical. Her excitement sours upon learning about the more than 50-years-long tradition of the male and female leads sharing a kiss onstage during the final performance—the only costar she’s interested in is fellow new girl Violet. As opening night approaches, Lacey mourns the widening emotional rift between her and Grace, grapples with strained family dynamics, particularly between herself and her older sister, and decides to pursue becoming a bat mitzvah, along the way reflecting on her relationship with Judaism and tradition. Careful, attentive plotting centers one teen’s reckoning with intense emotions surrounding first love, self-reinvention, and maintaining genuine connections across long distances and during times of transition. Assured prose relays Lacey’s aching and empathetic first-person narration across this relatable story of belonging and becoming. Main characters read as white. Ages 10–14. (Apr.)