The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman

Twelve-year-old Shaindy—who attends an Orthodox Jewish school, and whose classmates are famous for their reputation of being kind and respectful students—has been feeling lonely and struggles to connect with her peers. She follows the “other girls around at recess, trying to join their conversations and always falling flat.” When next-door neighbor Gayil—who’s beloved by teachers and classmates alike—invites her to hang out, Shaindy can’t resist. She’s ecstatic to have finally found a friend and even goes along with what Gayil insists are “harmless” pranks that end up hurting girls in their class. Through Gayil’s seemingly genuine overtures of friendship, Shaindy develops new skills such as in-line skating, all the while becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the escalating schemes. In this inviting read, Lowe (Aviva vs. the Dybbuk) effectively employs a Jewish cultural milieu, setting Shaindy and Gayil’s antics against the High Holidays’ emphasis on personal responsibility and forgiveness. Shaindy’s perceptive first-person voice is convincing in its rendering of a tween trying to find her footing and moral compass while navigating her community’s significant expectations. Main characters are Jewish and read as white. Ages 8–12. Agent: Tamar Rydzinski, Context Literary. (Nov.)