Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (talk about menstruation); Violence: PG (physical altercation with an adult, anti-semitic symbols, and racist language).
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Everything changed when Aviva's father died. It was years ago, but 12yo Aviva and her mother are still grief-stricken. Now they live in a small apartment above the mikveh they manage. Aviva is haunted by a Dybbuk, a ghostly figure which causes all sorts of trouble. Kayla and Aviva used to be best friends, but lately, they are practically enemies. When a game of machanayim gets out of hand and someone gets hurt, the principal punishes Kayla and Aviva by requiring them to work together. They must make the upcoming Bas Mitzvah exciting for the rest of the girls, and because Aviva's mother won't let her go to Kayla's house, Kayla must come over to the mikveh.
Mental health, religion, a ghost story, grief, anti-semitism in the community - there is a lot going on in Aviva vs. the Dybbuk. I found the story intriguing and appreciated the glossary at the end as the plot and most of the characters are members of an Orthodox Jewish community, and I am unfamiliar with their culture. I didn't love the cover, although it represents one of the opening scenes in the story, the plot doesn't go back there, and I don't think it will draw patrons to the book. While I appreciate the story, I think it will be much more appealing to readers with more cultural background knowledge.
Lisa Librarian
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