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The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman
SHAINDY is a twelve-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl who struggles in school and has no good friends. She watches with envy as her next-door neighbor, GAYIL, excels socially and academically. They have little to do with each other, and it comes as a surprise when Shaindy looks out her window one September evening and sees Gayil staring out at her from her own window with a sign reading want to know a secret?
The secret (at first) is that Gayil has a key fob that will allow them to break into their school after hours. Together, they set up a harmless prank in their classroom. But under Gayil's instigation the mischief becomes malice, and Shaindy sees that the pranks and humiliations are targeted only at certain girls. But what could they have in common? With the fear of Gayil's fury and her own reluctance growing, Shaindy comes to the terrifying conclusion that if she can't figure out how to stop it, the next target could be her.
The secret (at first) is that Gayil has a key fob that will allow them to break into their school after hours. Together, they set up a harmless prank in their classroom. But under Gayil's instigation the mischief becomes malice, and Shaindy sees that the pranks and humiliations are targeted only at certain girls. But what could they have in common? With the fear of Gayil's fury and her own reluctance growing, Shaindy comes to the terrifying conclusion that if she can't figure out how to stop it, the next target could be her.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
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October 19, 2023This review first appeared on my blog BookishlyJewish
There is one universal piece of writing advice that just about everyone agrees on: do not read your reviews. It is a one way ticket to despair - one star reviews for shipping damage, not getting reviews at all, and direct assaults against the writer - are all sadly common. But the real crux of the matter is that these are reader spaces and the writer just doesn’t belong in them unless invited. As a reader, I enjoy poking around reviews and am much more easily able to discard the egregious ones. When browsing some early reviews (trade and public) for Mari Lowe’s sophomore effort The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman, I found they highlighted exactly why such a book is needed.
Lowe has once again set her book in an ultra orthodox Jewish community, just as she did for her debut Aviva and the Dybbuk. The reviews - which are largely complimentary- display how very little most readers know about this population. There was confusion about why kids loved rollerblading so much, comments both pro and anti the time spent on religious exposition, and an overall fascination by the schooling system. As someone familiar with ultra orthodox Judaism, none of those things surprised me at all or even seemed worthy of comment. What did surprise me was seeing that reviewers thought all the characters were white, whereas several of them read as potentially sephardic or mizrahi Jews of color to me. Perhaps I just have a more broad view of orthodox communities.
Ultra orthodox communities restrict the use of cell phones and email. There is extremely limited access to TV or video games in Shaindy's milieu. She, and children like her, need something to do. This is why rollerblading is very much alive and well in these communities. Similarly, an exploration of Jewish repentance is necessary exposition because it is so wildly different from the Christian version. Thanks to Christian hegemony we are all familiar with phrases like “Jesus died for our sins,” or the way a third act grovel works in a typical romance novel. However, Jewish repentance requires not just regret and forgiveness from God, it also demands the acquisition of forgiveness from the harmed individuals and concrete steps towards reparative action or a refusal to commit the sin again in a similar situation.
It is crucial the reader approach the book with that knowledge because repentance becomes truly necessary for Shaindy. She has long been the subject of benign neglect by her classmates and is thrilled to be given attention by her popular neighbor Gayil, even if it means assisting in a series of increasingly distressing pranks. Not only is Shaindy uncomfortable with the effects these pranks are having on the other girls, she begins to fear the fall out for herself. There’s a nice twist I won’t ruin, but let’s just say that as the holiday of repentance - Yom Kippur- approaches, Shaindy is in a position to both forgive and be forgiven.
Orthodox readers will enjoy rolling their eyes right along with Gayil when the school principle gives a speech comparing Jewish student to Princesses and insisting they behave with a commensurate level of decorum. Seriously - that line has been going around since time immemorial and has very much lost its effectiveness in this age of democracy. Yet principles still insist on using it. It also has some visible effects on Gayil who suffers under the constant demands for perfection in a community where ones reputation is everything. I loved the descriptions of a community where “kids rule the streets” and a shul can be found on every other block. General public readers will sink right into Shaindy’s internal journey. Who doesn’t want to be recognized by their classmates? Who wouldn’t want attention from the most popular girl in school? Shaindy's accessible emotional landsacpe will provide an easy inlet for anyone into this new world.
It is in the character of Gayil where I felt things coming apart a little. Since we cannot spend any time in her head - I realize this is necessary due to the nature of the plot twists - Gayil comes across as quite possibly sociopathic. I don’t believe all character in a book, even a MG book, need to have a tidy arc of repentance and improvement. Nor will they necessarily suffer consequences for their actions. The world doesn't work that way. However, the reader is asked to have some sympathy for Gayil and it is really hard to do so. Her actions were not mistakes. They took meticulous planning and Gayil shows almost no remorse for the harm she has caused. Her only move towards reconciliation comes when she is threatened, and her actions are way out of proportion to the offenses she perceives herself as having received. I was proud of Shaindy for how she ended the book but I was thoroughly confused by Gayil. Perhaps she needs her own sequel.
At this point, I would be remiss if I did not point out that once again, Lowe has slayed me with her dedication. Before I even opened the book I felt like I was both seen and given an insight into the authors' humor and grace. She addresses sixth graders everywhere with the old Hebrew adage “Gam Zeh Yaavor,” which loosely translates to “this too shall pass.” I laughed until I cried. Only a teacher and Jewish school graduate could truly understand how much kids in that awkwardly difficult year need those words of wisdom, how huge every difficulty seems at that time, and how trivial they now seem in the lens of hindsight. I will echo her sentiments. To all my readers currently struggling- this too shall pass, and as the book shows, there is the potential for all your mistakes to be forgiven.
Ultra orthodox communities have their own printing presses and publishing imprints. I have enjoyed stories like this one printed there. However, in bravely taking her words to a mainstream publisher Lowe once again shows that our stories are valuable to the world. That Jewish themes like forgiveness and reparative action are universal. It’s good that reviewers are both confused and delighted by this, because we are a confusing and delightful people. I look forward to Lowe's next work where I can once again feel seen.
BookishlyJewish received a physical arc of this book from the publisher after we wrote in to request one from the publisher.
There is one universal piece of writing advice that just about everyone agrees on: do not read your reviews. It is a one way ticket to despair - one star reviews for shipping damage, not getting reviews at all, and direct assaults against the writer - are all sadly common. But the real crux of the matter is that these are reader spaces and the writer just doesn’t belong in them unless invited. As a reader, I enjoy poking around reviews and am much more easily able to discard the egregious ones. When browsing some early reviews (trade and public) for Mari Lowe’s sophomore effort The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman, I found they highlighted exactly why such a book is needed.
Lowe has once again set her book in an ultra orthodox Jewish community, just as she did for her debut Aviva and the Dybbuk. The reviews - which are largely complimentary- display how very little most readers know about this population. There was confusion about why kids loved rollerblading so much, comments both pro and anti the time spent on religious exposition, and an overall fascination by the schooling system. As someone familiar with ultra orthodox Judaism, none of those things surprised me at all or even seemed worthy of comment. What did surprise me was seeing that reviewers thought all the characters were white, whereas several of them read as potentially sephardic or mizrahi Jews of color to me. Perhaps I just have a more broad view of orthodox communities.
Ultra orthodox communities restrict the use of cell phones and email. There is extremely limited access to TV or video games in Shaindy's milieu. She, and children like her, need something to do. This is why rollerblading is very much alive and well in these communities. Similarly, an exploration of Jewish repentance is necessary exposition because it is so wildly different from the Christian version. Thanks to Christian hegemony we are all familiar with phrases like “Jesus died for our sins,” or the way a third act grovel works in a typical romance novel. However, Jewish repentance requires not just regret and forgiveness from God, it also demands the acquisition of forgiveness from the harmed individuals and concrete steps towards reparative action or a refusal to commit the sin again in a similar situation.
It is crucial the reader approach the book with that knowledge because repentance becomes truly necessary for Shaindy. She has long been the subject of benign neglect by her classmates and is thrilled to be given attention by her popular neighbor Gayil, even if it means assisting in a series of increasingly distressing pranks. Not only is Shaindy uncomfortable with the effects these pranks are having on the other girls, she begins to fear the fall out for herself. There’s a nice twist I won’t ruin, but let’s just say that as the holiday of repentance - Yom Kippur- approaches, Shaindy is in a position to both forgive and be forgiven.
Orthodox readers will enjoy rolling their eyes right along with Gayil when the school principle gives a speech comparing Jewish student to Princesses and insisting they behave with a commensurate level of decorum. Seriously - that line has been going around since time immemorial and has very much lost its effectiveness in this age of democracy. Yet principles still insist on using it. It also has some visible effects on Gayil who suffers under the constant demands for perfection in a community where ones reputation is everything. I loved the descriptions of a community where “kids rule the streets” and a shul can be found on every other block. General public readers will sink right into Shaindy’s internal journey. Who doesn’t want to be recognized by their classmates? Who wouldn’t want attention from the most popular girl in school? Shaindy's accessible emotional landsacpe will provide an easy inlet for anyone into this new world.
It is in the character of Gayil where I felt things coming apart a little. Since we cannot spend any time in her head - I realize this is necessary due to the nature of the plot twists - Gayil comes across as quite possibly sociopathic. I don’t believe all character in a book, even a MG book, need to have a tidy arc of repentance and improvement. Nor will they necessarily suffer consequences for their actions. The world doesn't work that way. However, the reader is asked to have some sympathy for Gayil and it is really hard to do so. Her actions were not mistakes. They took meticulous planning and Gayil shows almost no remorse for the harm she has caused. Her only move towards reconciliation comes when she is threatened, and her actions are way out of proportion to the offenses she perceives herself as having received. I was proud of Shaindy for how she ended the book but I was thoroughly confused by Gayil. Perhaps she needs her own sequel.
At this point, I would be remiss if I did not point out that once again, Lowe has slayed me with her dedication. Before I even opened the book I felt like I was both seen and given an insight into the authors' humor and grace. She addresses sixth graders everywhere with the old Hebrew adage “Gam Zeh Yaavor,” which loosely translates to “this too shall pass.” I laughed until I cried. Only a teacher and Jewish school graduate could truly understand how much kids in that awkwardly difficult year need those words of wisdom, how huge every difficulty seems at that time, and how trivial they now seem in the lens of hindsight. I will echo her sentiments. To all my readers currently struggling- this too shall pass, and as the book shows, there is the potential for all your mistakes to be forgiven.
Ultra orthodox communities have their own printing presses and publishing imprints. I have enjoyed stories like this one printed there. However, in bravely taking her words to a mainstream publisher Lowe once again shows that our stories are valuable to the world. That Jewish themes like forgiveness and reparative action are universal. It’s good that reviewers are both confused and delighted by this, because we are a confusing and delightful people. I look forward to Lowe's next work where I can once again feel seen.
BookishlyJewish received a physical arc of this book from the publisher after we wrote in to request one from the publisher.
January 2, 2024
A good read for middle-graders. Important themes about the danger of “losing” one’s true self in order to fit in and be popular with others make this a good one for classrooms.
November 20, 2023
I reserve 5 star reviews for books that leave me feeling changed and different somehow after I finish them and “Shaindy” does that for me. Sixth grader Shaindy Goodman lives in a present day community that is almost entirely immersed in the Jewish culture and that focus will give readers a sense of another time despite references to email and cell phones. Shaindy begins sixth grade as she always begins a school year-feeling invisible and yearning to be noticed and accepted by those in her class, one that is noted for being particularly “good.” When the queen bee of her sphere does take notice and asks her to help pull off some humorous pranks, Shaindy is hopeful that the tide is turning and she will finally be seen. Things do not happen as she expects and as Yom Kippur approaches (a day of atonement and repentance), she and the rest of her class must make difficult choices. Readers of all backgrounds will be pulled into this tight-knit community, feeling the tension rise with each prank and wondering at the motivations of Shaindy and her new friend and co-conspirator, Gayil. Along with the increasing drama and the heartfelt release at the end, many will learn about a culture that is unfamiliar to them as author Mari Lowe writes using a great number of Jewish terms, i.e. shul, gamera, daven/davening, yeshiva and so many more, most placed in context rich paragraphs leaving no doubt about their meaning and others that may lead to further research and learning. Even when the meaning is not crystal clear, strong readers in grades 4-7 will not be discouraged from finishing this excellent book that left my heart warmed and determined to make right any wrongs I have done to those in my circle of influence as well as my mind more curious about the Orthodox Jewish culture. Highly recommended book for all libraries serving MG learners. No profanity, sexual content or violence. Representation: female MCs, Jewish culture, a teacher who makes a difference in the lives of her students. Next up? The award winning Avila vs the Dybbuk written not so very long ago and also by Mari Lowe.
Thank you for a print arc of this excellent book, Levine Querido.
Thank you for a print arc of this excellent book, Levine Querido.
January 9, 2024
Maybe a 3.5 rounded up but I really loved that this was sort of a Mean Girls/Heathers lite and it's nice to see that Orthodox Jewish girls can be messy and mean.
September 14, 2025
Sixth grader Shaindy feels invisible. No one dislikes her, but she has no friends either. When one of the most popular girls in the class seeks her out as an accomplice in some "harmless pranks", she is happy to have the recognition from the girl. Finally, she has a friend. But when the pranks become more serious than she expects, Shaindy must wrestle with her conscious versus her desire to fit in.
This book is set in a neighborhood that is predominantly Orthodox Jewish in the fall shortly before the High Holidays. Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year, and it is followed ten days later by Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It is a time of reflection, when one is supposed to consider who they may have wronged, ask for forgiveness and decide that they will not continue that behavior. It is at this time, when the well-behaved Shaindy should be making amends with people that she is actually causing harm instead. Although Jewish girls will enjoy reading a book with representation, any middle schooler can identify with the strain of entering sixth grade, or the difficulty in feeling invisible, finding friends and living up to expectations. I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through the Edelweiss review service, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own. I recommend this coning of age book for any middle grade girl.
This book is set in a neighborhood that is predominantly Orthodox Jewish in the fall shortly before the High Holidays. Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year, and it is followed ten days later by Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It is a time of reflection, when one is supposed to consider who they may have wronged, ask for forgiveness and decide that they will not continue that behavior. It is at this time, when the well-behaved Shaindy should be making amends with people that she is actually causing harm instead. Although Jewish girls will enjoy reading a book with representation, any middle schooler can identify with the strain of entering sixth grade, or the difficulty in feeling invisible, finding friends and living up to expectations. I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through the Edelweiss review service, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own. I recommend this coning of age book for any middle grade girl.
January 21, 2024
This is a good story about a young lady who learns to empathize with people that she knows. It is well told and entertaining. It is a great story for young people.
May 25, 2024
This book had me nervous and on edge from the beginning wondering where it was going. Thankfully it finally took a turn & I ended up liking it in the end.
April 1, 2025
kinda gagged me
November 15, 2023
I genuinely loved this book so much. It's so easy to relate to Shaindy, to understand her thought process as she falls further into the spiral of pranks. Overall, it's a story of choices, the kinds of choices we make every day -- choices to follow or to lead, to forgive or hold a grudge, to lash out when we've been hurt or to find a way to heal.
Of course, there are always more fun choices to be made -- to go to sleep or keep reading, for example. But with this book, I always wanted to know the next twist, so that choice was easy to make: keep reading!
5 stars.
Of course, there are always more fun choices to be made -- to go to sleep or keep reading, for example. But with this book, I always wanted to know the next twist, so that choice was easy to make: keep reading!
5 stars.
October 7, 2024
This slim book reminded me of Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William Mckinley, and Me, Elizabeth, from 1967, which I haven't read in years - but had a similar theme of a young person being drawn into the twisted world of an admired peer. The tiny font probably gives it a word count of a book a bit longer than expected for its 160 pages, but it's clearly meant to appeal to 5th-6th graders.
The setting is roughly "now" in a small city in New Jersey (or somewhere like that), in a Jewish neighborhood where people know their neighbors, feel comfortable letting children play in shared backyards, and there are "shuls" on almost every block. (Lowe doesn't define "shul" so that could be a synagogue or just a religious study center.) The protagonist, Shaindy, her neighbor Avigayil (called Gayil throughout), and all the other families in their housing development attend one or the other of the local Jewish schools.
Since Shaindy's school is called Bais Yaakov, which is a girls' education movement within Orthodox Judaism, and the 6th-grade teacher uses the Hewbrew honorific Morah, and they have explicit lessons in Judaic living and philosophy, I concluded that this is an Orthodox or possibly Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. However, Lowe doesn't confirm this and most young readers will not differentiate between Jewish branches - so this may sow some confusion among non-Jewish readers.
Given that the story centers Judaism, there were some things that were jarring to me:
1. The entire class of 12-year-old girls never once mentioned either the idea of their upcoming bat mitzvahs nor their assumed ascension into adulthood at age twelve. (There is one mention of the girls getting their periods, I think...but I can't find the page now, and I've forgotten what was said.)
2. The rituals and traditions seemed to be followed with haphazardness and superficiality.
3. God and traditions are neither framed nor mentioned as inspiration for being a better person, only as chores to complete.
4. There are no rabbis consulted during difficulties, even when the whole family is aware of the problem.
5. The point of the book and the point of the Ten Days of Awe or Repentance are one and the same, and yet, the main character seems to walk through the paces of the teshuva process without ever being conscious of her own role in it.
As a "window" into Orthodox Jewish life, therefore, in my opinion it's murky - not because Shaindy becomes involved in criminal activity that harms others, but because useful and relevant context and explanations are lacking.
In the end, the Orthodox traditions, philosophy, educational system, and outlooks seem no different from the most generic, unconscious, irreligious individual efforts. This rings untrue in my mind; in a tight-knit community like this one, where Jewish institutions are on every corner and embedded in even the residential streets, and their neighbor is a rabbi, surely there would be a number of steps that would have been taken once these "pranks" began to unfold, and to follow up on them, the school (and possibly the nearest synagogue) would have gone through a remediation process?
On a positive note, the author does a wonderful job of making the reader cringe in growing awareness that this is going to go very badly for Shaindy. And I appreciate that the there is no bad girl/good girl dichotomy - the main character is badly flawed, and in the end acknowledges that she is no better than her neighbor. That is a rare storyline, and just right for this age.
The setting is roughly "now" in a small city in New Jersey (or somewhere like that), in a Jewish neighborhood where people know their neighbors, feel comfortable letting children play in shared backyards, and there are "shuls" on almost every block. (Lowe doesn't define "shul" so that could be a synagogue or just a religious study center.) The protagonist, Shaindy, her neighbor Avigayil (called Gayil throughout), and all the other families in their housing development attend one or the other of the local Jewish schools.
Since Shaindy's school is called Bais Yaakov, which is a girls' education movement within Orthodox Judaism, and the 6th-grade teacher uses the Hewbrew honorific Morah, and they have explicit lessons in Judaic living and philosophy, I concluded that this is an Orthodox or possibly Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. However, Lowe doesn't confirm this and most young readers will not differentiate between Jewish branches - so this may sow some confusion among non-Jewish readers.
Given that the story centers Judaism, there were some things that were jarring to me:
1. The entire class of 12-year-old girls never once mentioned either the idea of their upcoming bat mitzvahs nor their assumed ascension into adulthood at age twelve. (There is one mention of the girls getting their periods, I think...but I can't find the page now, and I've forgotten what was said.)
2. The rituals and traditions seemed to be followed with haphazardness and superficiality.
3. God and traditions are neither framed nor mentioned as inspiration for being a better person, only as chores to complete.
4. There are no rabbis consulted during difficulties, even when the whole family is aware of the problem.
5. The point of the book and the point of the Ten Days of Awe or Repentance are one and the same, and yet, the main character seems to walk through the paces of the teshuva process without ever being conscious of her own role in it.
As a "window" into Orthodox Jewish life, therefore, in my opinion it's murky - not because Shaindy becomes involved in criminal activity that harms others, but because useful and relevant context and explanations are lacking.
In the end, the Orthodox traditions, philosophy, educational system, and outlooks seem no different from the most generic, unconscious, irreligious individual efforts. This rings untrue in my mind; in a tight-knit community like this one, where Jewish institutions are on every corner and embedded in even the residential streets, and their neighbor is a rabbi, surely there would be a number of steps that would have been taken once these "pranks" began to unfold, and to follow up on them, the school (and possibly the nearest synagogue) would have gone through a remediation process?
On a positive note, the author does a wonderful job of making the reader cringe in growing awareness that this is going to go very badly for Shaindy. And I appreciate that the there is no bad girl/good girl dichotomy - the main character is badly flawed, and in the end acknowledges that she is no better than her neighbor. That is a rare storyline, and just right for this age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Shaindy lives in a closeknit Orthodox Jewish community and attends a religious school, but has trouble connecting to her classmates and often feels awkward and lonely. She admires neighbor Gayil, who is bold, good at rollerblading, and has lots of friends. When Gayil has a secret she wants to share, Shaindy is intrigued and pleased. Gayil has found a key fob that lets the girls into the school building, and has a fun idea; she wants to go into the school and play small pranks that will be mysterious and take people's minds off the horror that is 6th grade. Nothing too bad, just things like putting slime into a girl's hairbrush. Shaindy is so pleased to have Gayil's attention that she agrees, although she doesn't feel great about the pranks. This is especially true when Rena's hair is practically shaved off after the prank with the slime. Rosh Hashanah is approaching, and the teacher, Morah Neuman, has the girls working on a Succos project, and there is a lot of discussion about the meaning of the holiday. Gayil goes on to switch everyones' notebooks in their lockers, which confuses people and is annoying, although one notebook does go missing. She also brings in a bee trap which lets bees out and causes chaos, especially since one girl is allergic. The girls manage to evade a teddy bear nanny cam in one classroom, and since the school doesn't have a surveillance system, manage to get away with all of their pranks. When bubble bath spilled on a floor almost ends in injuring another student, Shaindy wants to stop playing the pranks. Will this cause Gayil to stop being her friend?
Strengths: Shaindy's plight is all too common in middle school; she feels pudgy and awkward, can't roller blade as well as her classmates, and just can't find anyone with whom to connect. She's glad to have the attention of the popular Gayil, even if she is actually dangerously unbalanced. Gayil always comes across as a "good girl", making her even more dangerous. There were some twists in this that I don't want to ruin, but it was certainly a great exploration of what children might do in order to have friends. The Orthodox Jewish represenation is interesting, especially in the small details about school and family life. This could have taken a much darker turn, stayed firmly in the realm of school and social drama stories rather than veering into the mystery genre like Benedis-Grab's I Know Your Secret.
Weaknesses: The popularity of Heelys and rollerblading made this seem like it was set about 15 years ago, although this is never specifically mentioned. The scenes at school where the religious holidays were discussed where interesting and informative, but also slowed the story down. It's important to know about the different practices, but a little less detail would have made the story more engaging.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like stories like Soderberg's Sky Ropes or Arguelles's Flip Turns, or Eyre's The Mean Girl Meltdown where pranks play a pivotal role in the children's social challenges, or for collections that need Orthodox Jewish representation like that in this author's Aviva and the Dybbuk.
Shaindy lives in a closeknit Orthodox Jewish community and attends a religious school, but has trouble connecting to her classmates and often feels awkward and lonely. She admires neighbor Gayil, who is bold, good at rollerblading, and has lots of friends. When Gayil has a secret she wants to share, Shaindy is intrigued and pleased. Gayil has found a key fob that lets the girls into the school building, and has a fun idea; she wants to go into the school and play small pranks that will be mysterious and take people's minds off the horror that is 6th grade. Nothing too bad, just things like putting slime into a girl's hairbrush. Shaindy is so pleased to have Gayil's attention that she agrees, although she doesn't feel great about the pranks. This is especially true when Rena's hair is practically shaved off after the prank with the slime. Rosh Hashanah is approaching, and the teacher, Morah Neuman, has the girls working on a Succos project, and there is a lot of discussion about the meaning of the holiday. Gayil goes on to switch everyones' notebooks in their lockers, which confuses people and is annoying, although one notebook does go missing. She also brings in a bee trap which lets bees out and causes chaos, especially since one girl is allergic. The girls manage to evade a teddy bear nanny cam in one classroom, and since the school doesn't have a surveillance system, manage to get away with all of their pranks. When bubble bath spilled on a floor almost ends in injuring another student, Shaindy wants to stop playing the pranks. Will this cause Gayil to stop being her friend?
Strengths: Shaindy's plight is all too common in middle school; she feels pudgy and awkward, can't roller blade as well as her classmates, and just can't find anyone with whom to connect. She's glad to have the attention of the popular Gayil, even if she is actually dangerously unbalanced. Gayil always comes across as a "good girl", making her even more dangerous. There were some twists in this that I don't want to ruin, but it was certainly a great exploration of what children might do in order to have friends. The Orthodox Jewish represenation is interesting, especially in the small details about school and family life. This could have taken a much darker turn, stayed firmly in the realm of school and social drama stories rather than veering into the mystery genre like Benedis-Grab's I Know Your Secret.
Weaknesses: The popularity of Heelys and rollerblading made this seem like it was set about 15 years ago, although this is never specifically mentioned. The scenes at school where the religious holidays were discussed where interesting and informative, but also slowed the story down. It's important to know about the different practices, but a little less detail would have made the story more engaging.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like stories like Soderberg's Sky Ropes or Arguelles's Flip Turns, or Eyre's The Mean Girl Meltdown where pranks play a pivotal role in the children's social challenges, or for collections that need Orthodox Jewish representation like that in this author's Aviva and the Dybbuk.
June 18, 2024
"The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman" opens up with characters who seem generic and act generically, set in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood designed to be a fictionalization of the most generic suburban Lakewood, NJ development possible. The prose is straightforward and often tells instead of showing. The ancillary characters are flat.
From the outset, I wasn't impressed and couldn't figure out why this novel of all Jewish Orthodox novels was printed by a non-Orthodox publisher.
The plot improves quite a bit as it develops, and has a few important twists following an early climax.
The novel's main themes are about the power of forgiveness (seems a bit preachy?) and the need to belong rather than to fit in. These are good messages for sixth grade girls, Jewish or not-Jewish. They make the book solid fiction for a middle grade reader. Compelling literature this is not.
The Orthodox Jewish details are laid out in a manner that makes them clear (I think?) to the uninitiated without ladening the text too much with exposition, which is impressive. I wonder if it was a decision of the author or the editors to keep G-d completely absent from the text; it stood out to me.
I don't read enough Orthodox fiction to know if this story features bigger examples of characters misbehaving than you'd see in other Orthodox books...but other than that possible noteworthy aspect, it also doesn't seem to be a deeper or more impressive story than a run-of-the-mill Orthodox middle grade novel.
Is the main antagonist simply a sociopath? Unclear.
My fifth-grade daughter, who reads many novels a week, both non-Jewish and Jewish, read the first few pages and decided she didn't want to read the rest of the book. She thinks it's painfully uncomfortable to read books about protagonists who have extreme social awkwardness.
From the outset, I wasn't impressed and couldn't figure out why this novel of all Jewish Orthodox novels was printed by a non-Orthodox publisher.
The plot improves quite a bit as it develops, and has a few important twists following an early climax.
The novel's main themes are about the power of forgiveness (seems a bit preachy?) and the need to belong rather than to fit in. These are good messages for sixth grade girls, Jewish or not-Jewish. They make the book solid fiction for a middle grade reader. Compelling literature this is not.
The Orthodox Jewish details are laid out in a manner that makes them clear (I think?) to the uninitiated without ladening the text too much with exposition, which is impressive. I wonder if it was a decision of the author or the editors to keep G-d completely absent from the text; it stood out to me.
I don't read enough Orthodox fiction to know if this story features bigger examples of characters misbehaving than you'd see in other Orthodox books...but other than that possible noteworthy aspect, it also doesn't seem to be a deeper or more impressive story than a run-of-the-mill Orthodox middle grade novel.
Is the main antagonist simply a sociopath? Unclear.
My fifth-grade daughter, who reads many novels a week, both non-Jewish and Jewish, read the first few pages and decided she didn't want to read the rest of the book. She thinks it's painfully uncomfortable to read books about protagonists who have extreme social awkwardness.
September 13, 2025
At 165 pages, it took a chapter or two to remind myself the set up is different for many middle school books and when the plot would appear.
Kids can be manipulative. Remember middle school? Pranks are not supposed to he hurtful; at the very least, not physical.
The author weaves through a plethora of topics beautifully, one after the other.
This cover looks so sweet and innocent.
Looks as if two friends are enjoying a day rollerblading.
Gayil is the most popular girl in school. Shaindy would like to be her because..having
no friends is very lonely.
Many of us knew someone like Shaindy, struggling for friendships at school.
One day out of the blue, Gayil asks Shaindy to hang with her; so it seems. She teaches her how to rollerblade and after dinner they begin to spend time together.
It's just "one" innocent prank Gayil tells Shaindy.
Lets not underestimate Shaindys logic at this age. Her priorities and character are stellar. She absolutely recognizes the oddness of this move. Yet, being acutely aware, she sells her soul. Yom Kippur is right around the corner; and maybe, just maybe, this holiday will wipe her slate clean of her sins for the year. Except, it's not that easy. One must ask and receive forgiveness from those they hurt. Watch out for girls who hold grudges.
And then.... all hell breaks loose.
Shaindy gets suspended from school. Her class and teacher are completely shocked. Her mother and sister are dumbfounded over the "why".
It's at this point where I had a nagging feeling something more was hiding between the pages.
Just as the book cover might be deceiving, complexities of relationships in sixth grade are similar.
Hopefully we mature, learning the tools with confidence to maneuver through these issues. Regardless of age, manipulative people often will step within our path. They seek out those to take advantage of a persons good nature.
Kids can be manipulative. Remember middle school? Pranks are not supposed to he hurtful; at the very least, not physical.
The author weaves through a plethora of topics beautifully, one after the other.
This cover looks so sweet and innocent.
Looks as if two friends are enjoying a day rollerblading.
Gayil is the most popular girl in school. Shaindy would like to be her because..having
no friends is very lonely.
Many of us knew someone like Shaindy, struggling for friendships at school.
One day out of the blue, Gayil asks Shaindy to hang with her; so it seems. She teaches her how to rollerblade and after dinner they begin to spend time together.
It's just "one" innocent prank Gayil tells Shaindy.
Lets not underestimate Shaindys logic at this age. Her priorities and character are stellar. She absolutely recognizes the oddness of this move. Yet, being acutely aware, she sells her soul. Yom Kippur is right around the corner; and maybe, just maybe, this holiday will wipe her slate clean of her sins for the year. Except, it's not that easy. One must ask and receive forgiveness from those they hurt. Watch out for girls who hold grudges.
And then.... all hell breaks loose.
Shaindy gets suspended from school. Her class and teacher are completely shocked. Her mother and sister are dumbfounded over the "why".
It's at this point where I had a nagging feeling something more was hiding between the pages.
Just as the book cover might be deceiving, complexities of relationships in sixth grade are similar.
Hopefully we mature, learning the tools with confidence to maneuver through these issues. Regardless of age, manipulative people often will step within our path. They seek out those to take advantage of a persons good nature.
March 18, 2024
"The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman" is an insightful exploration into the life of Shaindy, a twelve-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl navigating the complexities of friendship, identity, and personal growth amidst the backdrop of her cultural heritage. Through Shaindy's eyes, we are introduced to a world where the quest for belonging and understanding takes center stage, brilliantly encapsulated in the present-day setting that adds a layer of relatability to the narrative.
At its core, this novel delves into the themes of belonging, friendship, identity, and forgiveness, painting a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs that define Shaindy's journey. The unexpected friendship that blossoms between Shaindy and her next-door neighbor, Gayil, serves as the catalyst for a series of events that unfold in beautifully unexpected ways, highlighting the power of connection and the importance of seeing beyond the surface.
This book is a must-read for those who appreciate stories that combine deep emotional resonance with cultural richness. Lowe's adept handling of character development, along with the thoughtful exploration of significant themes, makes this book a standout. The journey of forgiveness and understanding that Shaindy embarks on is not only compelling but also deeply moving, cementing Lowe's status as a master storyteller with the ability to touch hearts and minds. Whether you're familiar with Jewish culture or simply a lover of well-crafted stories, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.
At its core, this novel delves into the themes of belonging, friendship, identity, and forgiveness, painting a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs that define Shaindy's journey. The unexpected friendship that blossoms between Shaindy and her next-door neighbor, Gayil, serves as the catalyst for a series of events that unfold in beautifully unexpected ways, highlighting the power of connection and the importance of seeing beyond the surface.
This book is a must-read for those who appreciate stories that combine deep emotional resonance with cultural richness. Lowe's adept handling of character development, along with the thoughtful exploration of significant themes, makes this book a standout. The journey of forgiveness and understanding that Shaindy embarks on is not only compelling but also deeply moving, cementing Lowe's status as a master storyteller with the ability to touch hearts and minds. Whether you're familiar with Jewish culture or simply a lover of well-crafted stories, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.
December 4, 2023
Sixth grader Shaindy Goodman often feels invisible and excluded at her school. So, when the most popular girl in class, Gayil, asks her to join in on some "harmless" pranks on their classmates she is just thrilled to have someone who wants to be her friend. Gayil is beloved by classmates and teachers alike, so Shaindy struggles to listen to her own gut when some pranks become obviously hurtful -- they stick slime in the hairbrush of a girl with beautiful hair, causing it to be cut off; they steal a special notebook from a girl who is a talented writer. Eventually, the pranks catch up with them and Shaindy is punished by the school. As her community prepares for Yom Kippur, Shaindy gives extra thought to the meaning of the Day of Forgiveness.
I absolutely loved Mari Lowe's first novel for middle graders, Aviva vs. the Dybbukk, and so I knew that this was a must read for me. Once again, Mari Lowe transports readers to an Orthodox Jewish community where Jewish traditions and customs are woven into the story and tied to the characters. This is a story that is universally relatable, but is also linked specifically to Jewish customs and especially Orthodox Jews. This is an engrossing meditation on friendship, forgiveness, and atonement.
I absolutely loved Mari Lowe's first novel for middle graders, Aviva vs. the Dybbukk, and so I knew that this was a must read for me. Once again, Mari Lowe transports readers to an Orthodox Jewish community where Jewish traditions and customs are woven into the story and tied to the characters. This is a story that is universally relatable, but is also linked specifically to Jewish customs and especially Orthodox Jews. This is an engrossing meditation on friendship, forgiveness, and atonement.
February 13, 2024
Shaindy is so relatable she jumps off the page. In this perfect middle grade story, Shaindy feels a bit rudderless in her Orthodox Jewish school, at home, with friendships and the gaze of neighbor Gayil is enough to make her do things she wouldn't otherwise do- pull off pranks against specific people. Because Gayil and her are not really friends at school Gayil knows that it's the perfect duo to pull off the pranks because no one will suspect the two of them. Shaindy likes the feeling of friendship that comes from this even when the pranks move toward more severe repercussions and ultimately it is discovered and consequences are delivered- but to the right people?
Shaindy has to figure out who she is in this tough spot when she hadn't felt independent or in control.
Set against the backdrop of the holy day of Yom Kippur, there is an interwoven understanding of Orthodox Judaism and how that affects Shaindy's state of mind. It's instructional for non-Jews and a visibility for Jewish kids to read while spotlighting feelings of revenge and atonement mixed in with simply being a sixth grader trying to live life growing into yourself.
Sparkling story.
Shaindy has to figure out who she is in this tough spot when she hadn't felt independent or in control.
Set against the backdrop of the holy day of Yom Kippur, there is an interwoven understanding of Orthodox Judaism and how that affects Shaindy's state of mind. It's instructional for non-Jews and a visibility for Jewish kids to read while spotlighting feelings of revenge and atonement mixed in with simply being a sixth grader trying to live life growing into yourself.
Sparkling story.
September 27, 2023
This was truly the perfect book to read on Yom Kippur, with its overarching themes of forgiveness and atonement. Shaindy Goodman is growing up in an Orthodox Jewish community but what she is going through in school will resonate with most middle schoolers. She feels invisible, alone, too heavy, not athletic enough, not smart enough, and just not enough. When the most popular girl in her sixth grade class, who is also her next door neighbor, starts inviting her on late night excursions to play pranks on the other girls in her class, Shaindy can't believe her luck. She doesn't quite understand why Gayil keeps ignoring her during the day, but it is a small price to pay to feel special and included. As the pranks turn darker and darker, Shaindy starts to wonder about the reasons behind them. She never doubts Gayil until it is too late and everything comes tumbling down around her. A super powerful book about revenge and forgiveness. Highly recommended for grades 5 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
February 25, 2024
11yo Shaindy Goodman has never been the popular one in her class. In fact, most of the girls in her class barely notice her. So when the most popular girl, Gayil, invites Shaindy to help her play some fun pranks on their class, Shaindy can hardly believe it! But when the pranks aren't actually funny, and some of the girls involved get hurt or embarrassed, Shaindy realizes she's in over her head, and maybe Gayil isn't the nice girl everyone thinks she is.
Shaindy is in 6th grade at a Jewish school, so religious instruction is part of everything they do. While I'm familiar with much of the Jewish religion, I wondered if it would be too much; it wasn't as Lowe expertly keeps the reader in the loop. I'm certain a Jewish reader will relate better than I to Shaindy's story, but I loved the classroom drama and Shaindy's situation. The fact that the girls are all about rollerblades and heelies makes me think it takes place in the 90s.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com and http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
Shaindy is in 6th grade at a Jewish school, so religious instruction is part of everything they do. While I'm familiar with much of the Jewish religion, I wondered if it would be too much; it wasn't as Lowe expertly keeps the reader in the loop. I'm certain a Jewish reader will relate better than I to Shaindy's story, but I loved the classroom drama and Shaindy's situation. The fact that the girls are all about rollerblades and heelies makes me think it takes place in the 90s.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com and http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
April 14, 2024
This was a lovely, well-written middle grade book that simultaneously provides a glimpse into a world with which relatively few people are familiar, while also sharing themes that are universal across cultures. Shaindy has always felt on the outside of life in her close-knit Orthodox Jewish neighborhood and school. She has no close friendships and feels invisible, especially compared to next door neighbor Gayil, who is popular and seems perfect. When Gayil approaches her looking for help in committing a series of pranks on their schoolmates, Shaindy thinks she's finally in, but eventually she realizes the pranks aren't harmless and Gayil seems to have darker motives than she imagined. Set against the background of Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Succos and Yom Kippur, the story touches on themes of belonging, friendship, family, and the power of both sincere regret and genuine forgiveness. Also, at less than 200 pages, a welcome addition in the much neglected category of short middle grade novels.
March 20, 2024
Mari Lowe's second novel THE DUBIOUS PRANKS OF SHAINDY GOODMAN exhibits beautiful writing and deep psychological understanding. Shaindy is a loner in a Jewish girls school, a Bais Yaakov, in a tight-knit Orthodox community. She is not a loner by choice, and when her popular next-door neighbor, Gayil, asks to hang out with Shaindy, she's excited. When she realizes what Gayil wants to spend time doing--perform a series of pranks against their classmates--Shaindy has misgivings. But it's only when she realizes that these are not light-hearted hijinks, but revenge, that Shaindy really understands that something more sinister is going on.
The story develops themes of repentance and repair (in Hebrew "teshuvah"). I found it a little hard to get into the book because I initially didn't find Shaindy an appealing character and the tone of the book was quite bleak. But I'm glad I stuck it out because there's a hopeful ending, and the quality of the writing is really quite admirable.
The story develops themes of repentance and repair (in Hebrew "teshuvah"). I found it a little hard to get into the book because I initially didn't find Shaindy an appealing character and the tone of the book was quite bleak. But I'm glad I stuck it out because there's a hopeful ending, and the quality of the writing is really quite admirable.
July 26, 2024
I'm bumping this up to a 4, and it's a really heartwarming and essential book for middle grade kiddos. The premise about doing a silly prank and thinking there aren't serious ramifications is something so many middle schoolers and even older kids could fall into so easily.
But this shows the ramifications of what one prank can result in and I love learning more about the Jewish culture. I love how the holidays and traditions are celebrated. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter your religion, sex, or race; middle school is HARD!
I have to say I still struggled with Gayil. Honestly, it felt like she could be the daughter of Nick and Amy from Gone Girl. But she had so many issues, and this book wasn't really meant to unpack them. But wow. She was something else.
Overall, this is a wonderful and delightful book and it really highlights the struggles we face daily especially during that crucial coming of age!
But this shows the ramifications of what one prank can result in and I love learning more about the Jewish culture. I love how the holidays and traditions are celebrated. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter your religion, sex, or race; middle school is HARD!
I have to say I still struggled with Gayil. Honestly, it felt like she could be the daughter of Nick and Amy from Gone Girl. But she had so many issues, and this book wasn't really meant to unpack them. But wow. She was something else.
Overall, this is a wonderful and delightful book and it really highlights the struggles we face daily especially during that crucial coming of age!
August 6, 2025
Shaindy is not at all popular and is surprised that the very popular Gayil wants to hang out with her. But Gayil's idea of fun is pulling pranks on some of their classmates. As the pranks get increasingly meaner, Shaindy has to decide if hanging out with the popular girl is worth it.
This was a difficult book for me to read because I knew that everything was going to backfire and that Shaindy would wind up in deep trouble. When it all comes crashing down, Gayil's motivation for the pranks and why she involved Shaindy becomes known. Luckily, Shaindy's family supports her, and slowly, some classmates forgive her.
The story takes place in a Modern Orthodox community and everyone is the story is Jewish. It begins just as the new school year begins and the High Holidays are prominently featured. Shaindy's experience provides a good lesson for Yom Kippur. This book won a second Sydney Taylor Book Award for author Mari Lowe.
This was a difficult book for me to read because I knew that everything was going to backfire and that Shaindy would wind up in deep trouble. When it all comes crashing down, Gayil's motivation for the pranks and why she involved Shaindy becomes known. Luckily, Shaindy's family supports her, and slowly, some classmates forgive her.
The story takes place in a Modern Orthodox community and everyone is the story is Jewish. It begins just as the new school year begins and the High Holidays are prominently featured. Shaindy's experience provides a good lesson for Yom Kippur. This book won a second Sydney Taylor Book Award for author Mari Lowe.
January 19, 2024
This was a great, quick read that really packs a lot of emotion and thought in. Lowe does an excellent job immersing readers in Shaindy’s world, all the complications of middle school and friendship and self-discovery. The relationships and feelings and issues raised throughout are complex and sophisticated and realistic with no easy answers or neat and tidy resolutions. I loved reading about an orthodox Jewish community and learning more about Yom Kippur. My one quibble/question is that I can’t tell if this is meant to be historical fiction or not. Shaindy’s obsession with roller blades and heelys felt like the 90’s… I can’t remember if there was any identifiable tech… maybe we were in the 90’s? I looked at reviews and am not seeing a strong indication that this was historical… just interesting!
January 19, 2024
Shaindy is one of the "invisible" kids. She is well-behaved, obedient, kind, and socially awkward. No one dislikes her, but no one really notices her despite her efforts to join in with the girls in her class. When her next-door neighbor, the "perfect" Gayil suddenly befriends Shaindy and makes her feel seen, Shaindy compromises her values for the attention. A great middle school story about friendship and boundaries.
I enjoyed this book as the story and the characters were relatable. It came as part of an order for our middle school library. The book does use some Hebrew and Yiddish words as Shaindy is part of an orthodox community. I am Jewish, so I was able to understand them, but I'm interested to see how this book circulates as I do not have many Jewish students. Kudos to the author for presenting Jewish characters without invoking the Holocaust.
I enjoyed this book as the story and the characters were relatable. It came as part of an order for our middle school library. The book does use some Hebrew and Yiddish words as Shaindy is part of an orthodox community. I am Jewish, so I was able to understand them, but I'm interested to see how this book circulates as I do not have many Jewish students. Kudos to the author for presenting Jewish characters without invoking the Holocaust.
March 30, 2024
As I read this book, I was thinking it reminded me of many books from Orthodox publishers about girls who are nice. Then the climax came (no spoilers), WOW, I did not see it coming. And the way the book played out to the end was excellent. No "happily ever after," but a satisfying ending.
This is a book about a girl realizing her own power. At the beginning of the book, Shaindy Goodman is painted as a socially awkward nerd, who feels lucky to be befriended by her popular, perfect, next-door neighbor, Gayil. But Gayil is not so perfect, and when Shaindy finally asserts herself, it is a triumph.
Not revealing the plot, but Gayil is reminiscent of a character in a psychological thriller. The word sociopath comes to mind. But the point of the book is that Shaindy comes into her own, and she does so brilliantly.
This is a book about a girl realizing her own power. At the beginning of the book, Shaindy Goodman is painted as a socially awkward nerd, who feels lucky to be befriended by her popular, perfect, next-door neighbor, Gayil. But Gayil is not so perfect, and when Shaindy finally asserts herself, it is a triumph.
Not revealing the plot, but Gayil is reminiscent of a character in a psychological thriller. The word sociopath comes to mind. But the point of the book is that Shaindy comes into her own, and she does so brilliantly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
Just a few harmless pranks, right? For a while I feared the book was spinning into Sharp Objects territory. But thank goodness for the healing of Yom Kippur. I loved how Lowe brought this Jewish community to life and never shied away from showing their devoutness. Shaindy mentioned several times that she liked reading non-Jewish fiction, even if it was frowned on. She even explained that Jewish fiction often wasn't that good. Growing up very devout myself, I read a lot of fiction written by, and aimed at my sect. In retrospect, it was poorly written and heavily didactic. I'm happy Mari Lowe as written such a compelling, modern, and slightly terrifying book for both young Jewish and non-Jewish readers to enjoy.
November 30, 2023
It should come as no surprise that I think books make great gifts. In my mind, the perfect Hanukkah gift for a Jewish tween/teen is a book featuring – drum role here – a Jewish tween/teen! I’m just saying that if you do eight nights of gifts, at least one night should feature books. Of course, adults should feel free to read these books, too. There are a lot of good ones. Oh, and if your tween/teen is unhappy with the gift, feel free to blame me! Most likely, I’d just suggest another book they might like.
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/book...
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/book...
June 6, 2024
4 stars
Sixth grade girls are the worst, but not the nicest class at Bais Yaakov Middle School. Shaindel has never found it easy to make friends at school, unlike her neighbor Gayil. When the effortlessly popular Gayil invites Shaindy over at the beginning of the year woth a not in the window - I HAVE A SECRET, Shaindy is pulled into Gayil's plan to play some pranks on their nice classmates. It's not until it's almost too late that Shaindy realizes Gayil is playing at a much deeper more personal game. And Shaindy is in way over her head.
Sixth grade girls are the worst, but not the nicest class at Bais Yaakov Middle School. Shaindel has never found it easy to make friends at school, unlike her neighbor Gayil. When the effortlessly popular Gayil invites Shaindy over at the beginning of the year woth a not in the window - I HAVE A SECRET, Shaindy is pulled into Gayil's plan to play some pranks on their nice classmates. It's not until it's almost too late that Shaindy realizes Gayil is playing at a much deeper more personal game. And Shaindy is in way over her head.
April 1, 2025
3.5 and rounding up for the unique representation. Short story great for middle school aged kids about the dangers of not staying true to yourself and falling in with something wrong to gain acceptance. Fit in nicely with the Orthodox Jewish concepts of repentance explored within - different from the general idea of repentance. My main struggle is that our antagonist, Gayil, ends up coming off as... kind of a sociopath?? There were some extremes there that just didn't work for me - but overall a good message in an easy to read book.
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November 8, 2023This was a fun book. Anything that compares itself to Heathers is a yes from me, even if there is no death involved. I think what I liked most about this story was how the conflict was crafted, seeded, and revealed later on. It was really fun to feel to strangeness but excitement at the start, the increasing dread, and the release at the end. I also like how the conflict was handled and how both characters reacted to it.
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