D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T.

by Abby White

A heartfelt and humorous coming-of-age story about grief, friendship, and finding your own path.

WHERE: Middle Woods, Briar, Ohio
VICTIM: Rachel Simon
HERO: D.J. Rosenblum
VILLAINS: ???

It’s the beginning of the school year—and Briar’s newest resident, D.J. Rosenblum, is not here for it. Ever since her cousin Rachel died, D.J.’s family has been a mess: Her aunt and uncle are catatonic. Her mom is even more scatterbrained than usual. She had to postpone her bat mitzvah a whole year. Worst of all, she and her mom had to move—leaving her best friend, Eva, behind.

Briar does have one redeeming factor, though: Here, in Rachel’s hometown, D.J. can finally get to the bottom of her cousin’s death. With the help of a chatty journalist and a queen-bee hacker, D.J. can fill in the last days of Rachel’s life. And if she can just figure out her Torah portion—with help from her cute tutor, Jonah—maybe, just maybe, she’ll be able to solve a bigger mystery.

For fans of Looking for Alaska and Never Have I Ever comes Abby White’s debut novel, D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T. It’s a basket of matzo ball soup dumplings for anyone learning to chart their own path, navigate new friendships and crushes, and figure out how to love—and live—after loss.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Jewish, Grief, Family, Mystery

344 pages, Hardcover

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voicey and full of character, yet also layered with grief and accountability and how tragedy can affect us all in different ways.

This is the story of DJ, a girl whose relationship with her cousin Rachel is close--full of fun, confessions, texting marathons sharing crushes. . . until Rachel is found dead from an apparent suicide. DJ is convinced that Rachel was murdered--she believes she knows Rachel best of all--and makes new friends at her new school specifically to look into the mystery.

White does such a phenomenal job demonstrating that grief is not always tears, that death can feel like utter betrayal, that friendships are not always supportive but can call us in and call us out when obsession brings out the worst in us. This book is going to be powerful for young readers who will truly believe in DJ and her quest to find the real killers, yet through the dedication to learning her Torah portion for her delayed bat mitzvah, DJ learns the shattering lesson that sometimes grief is deeper than tears, that grief can invade and destroy us until we learn to face the ugliest and scariest truths about those closest to us.

Voicey and full of hope, ugly in the best ways, utterly messy characters trying to find the brightest lights of those they love while filling themselves up with darkness.

Highly recommnd!

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m experiencing major “book hangover” after finishing this one…(Book hangover-“The inability to begin another book after reading one that moves one deeply”). And that was definitely this novel.

Middle-schooler D.J.’s life feels completely turned upside down. She and her mom have moved in with D.J.’s aunt , uncle, and young cousin Davey, for the worst of reasons. What used to be a happy home, filled with tons of family for every Jewish holiday, has become a sad, empty shell. Aunt Judy won’t leave her bed, Uncle Jay works non-stop, and Cousin Rachel is gone, forever. The red-haired, shining light of D.J.’s life, her heroine, her idol, has died, and it feels like all the joy of living left with her. D.J. doesn’t want to cause her family any more pain, so when she becomes obsessed with finding out why Rachel died, she keeps her actions from them. As well as the fact that her grades have dropped, and the Hebrew studying she should be doing for her (delayed) Bat Mitzvah has all but been shoved to a back burner. When rumors begin to swirl about a very ugly reason for Rachel’s death, D.J. doubles her efforts to dispel them, by any means necessary…

Beautiful book about family, friendship, and different ways that different people live through pain and grief. While reading, I was almost sure that the author must have, sadly, lost someone dear to her before their time, because of the depth of feeling in her writing (her end notes confirmed this, in a touching way).
I have loved reading about Jewish traditions and holidays since childhood, when the “All of a Kind Family” series was one of my favorites. I enjoyed learning new things about Judaism and the Hebrew language from this book, as D.J. prepares for her Bat Mitzvah.

This was definitely a Y.A. book. Some trigger warnings would be for: the suicide of a character (it happens before the main story begins, and is not graphically discussed); the overwhelming grief one of the adults experiences could be upsetting in its portrayal.
Some “Red Flags”: underage drinking, suggestions of teen sex, and quite a few f-bombs.

Although it took me on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, I’m very glad I had the opportunity to read the debut novel from this author! Can’t wait to see what she writes about next!

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Lan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I… loved this!! I’m not a huge YA reader so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The writing captivated me, DJ was such a likable protagonist. All of the side characters felt multi dimensional and fleshed out. How lucky is DJ to have such wonderful and loving friends and family.

Look, the content is tough but so real. DJ’s cousin Rachel dies by suicide. Struggling to cope with her grief, DJ investigates her death as a murder. The book deals with adult themes that sadly many young adults find themselves dealing with. It was refreshing to see this depicted in a story.

DJ having the maturity level of a 14 year old, while grappling with grief, lying, making poor (and naive!) choices had me feeling such fondness seeing a loved ones of a similar age in her, who are also navigating realities I wish they didn’t have to at such a young age.

I cried twice — once during the part during Yom Kippur services and once during DJ’s Bat Mitzvah. I am not Jewish, but the thread of Judaism, a young persons relationship to their faith (or lack thereof) in crisis, and the ritual that can bring families together is was deeply compelling.

I can already tell this will be one of my go-to books to gift upon publication.

Thank you to Netgalley and Levine Querido for a complimentary earc in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This touching middle grade novel follows a young girl who is dealing with her cousin’s death. She can’t accept the idea of a suicide and investigates who might be responsible for her death. This story about friendship, family and grief hinges on secrets and lack of communication. It covers heavy topics of suicide and those who are left behind: the depression, lack of faith, and even anger that can result. Author, Abby White captures character and will make you smile and cry in this debut novel. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

[Edward]

Such a beautiful exploration of grief with just the right mix of humor and suspense.

[Arielle]

Such a special weaving together of grief, Jewish traditions, and growing up. YA fiction, but a great read for adults too. Definitely felt nostalgic!

[Laurie Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright, relatable D.J. Rosenblum sets out to unravel the mystery of her beloved cousin’s death, only to find her own life unraveling as she struggles with anxiety, a new school, friendship problems, and a frustratingly opaque Torah portion she needs to parse for her upcoming bat mitzvah. The serious subject matter in the story is nicely balanced with witty dialogue, a wonderfully diverse cast of characters, and a crush or two, and you can’t help but reach for a tissue at the end. A super satisfying read!

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

goodness, what a beautiful story. will miss having DJ’s voice playing at the back of my mind

[Zaheen Sarker · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 - suuuuuch a good good book. It’s full of heart and love and grief and you just want to give DJ (and her friends) (and her family) a big hug. This whole book has so much personality and is so well written too. Huge fan of this one :)

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.J. Rosenblum becomes the G.O.A.T. is a heartwarming whodunnit narrated by a winsome teenager, whose foibles teach us what it means to love, grieve, and forgive. But this book is so much more! This debut author deftly combines heavy themes (suicide, Judiasim, friendship, even marriage) with witty prose and sharply observed characters that had me nodding and laughing the whole way through. White writes with deep understanding, tenderness, and great respect for her young adult readers, but D.J. Rosenblum transcends genre. Anyone who has lost friends, lost their faith (in many senses of the word) or lost their innocence--or just grappled with what we owe each other--will appreciate this book. Anyone who appreciates a great yarn told by a staggeringly talented debut author will, too.

[Ramya Prabhakar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, powerful, and emotionally gripping—I was well above the target age range but found myself unable to put it down. The mystery was woven into an emotional journey of grief in a way that was enjoyable to read, heartwarming, and thought provoking. It was really well done. A great read for anyone DJ’s age and above!

[Cara Kupferman · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.J. Rosenblum is the Jewish young adult book for our times. Abby White has created a vibrant, full voice for D.J, an eighth grader who has just moved in with her aunt and uncle in a new town after her beloved cousin Rachel dies, ostensibly by suicide. D.J. is trying to navigate a new school, prepare for her (delayed) bat mitzvah at a new synagogue, and grieve a loss that has completed upended her life. In her grief, D.J. can't believe that her cousin—the talented young artist, the best friend, the beloved high schooler—really could have killed herself with no signs to indicate depression. Sure that foul play must be involved, D.J. decides to investigate Rachel's death, setting her off on a quest to understand the people in Rachel's life and try to make sense of the last year of her life.

But D.J. is fourteen, so she messes up, learns and grows, and messes up again and again. She is raw and vulnerable but brave and confident, with trust in her own mind and an admirable willingness to go beyond her comfort zone to care for the people she loves. D.J. is a great character, and she's surrounded by great characters—her new friends and colleagues at the middle school paper who help her investigate Rachel's death; her mother, a single mom historian and professor; her bat mitzvah tutor (and crush! talk about relatable!) Jonah; her best friend from home, Eva; and Rabbi Flores, who helps D.J. parse through her bat mitzvah parsha (torah portion) to find meaning in the ancient text. Together, D.J. is surrounded by a diverse and loving village of Jews and others who care about her, even when she screws up.

This is a beautiful story that manages to tackle a deeply difficult topic—grief after suicide—with care and the levity of youth. I know D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the GOAT is going to mean the world to so many kids and families and I can't wait for this book to find its readers. I'm proud to call the author Abby White a friend and to get to celebrate this wonderful debut!

Thank you to Levine Querido and Netgalley for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does an incredible job of tackling difficult subjects — namely suicide loss — in an accessible, age-appropriate way. Readers facing similar challenges to the main character, D.J., will probably relate to her grief, stubbornness, confusion, and anger. But they will also see so many other parts of their lives in this book: head-over-heels crushes, tricky friendships, the weighty expectations of adults, and big who-am-I-and-why-am-I-here questions. This book doesn’t just cover the hard, the fun, the mundane, and the in-between. It embraces the way that all of these things always — and have to — exist simultaneously, something that can be so challenging for teens and adults alike.

Somehow, the author does all of this while ALSO taking her readers along for an engrossing, suspenseful, murder-mystery-style ride, with characters that you miss when you put the book down. While reading this book, I found myself falling asleep with it next to me at night and picking it back up first thing the next morning after my alarm clock went off. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever grappled with loss or who has just struggled to come to terms with how the world is instead of how it should be.

[Molly Ganley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone going through grief, wow, did this hit home. I've never so keenly related to a fictional character's loss. Readers can't help but experience everything DJ is feeling right along with her, from the confusion, devastation, and denial associated with losing a loved one, to the disoriented, imperfect, and seemingly impossible experience of piecing life together in a new reality. Abby White's honest portrayal of such a universal - and yet, somehow, isolating - makes us feel like we have an instant new friend in DJ, someone who is just trying to do their best amidst the chaos of loss. We hold hands with DJ as she plods through her pain, and we forgive her for the hurt she causes herself and others in her journey to acceptance. Our compassion for D.J. sparks empathy for ourselves and our loved ones who have experienced grief, and we remember that we are all simply human, trying our best to endure what has been dealt to us in life. We journey with D.J. towards ultimately finding meaning in loss through a story that is inclusive, heartbreaking, and hilarious.

[Jodie Sneller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully told. It approaches the complex feelings of grief in an age-appropriate way without pandering. It is honest, compelling, and funny at the same time. D.J. is a thoughtful, curious, adventurous girl who finds herself in new situations while trying to understand the death of her cousin. While it may seem a depressing topic, this book is anything but. It's funny, endearing, and compelling, told like a mystery book. I devoured it. It is one of those books that you expect to only read a couple of chapters of and find yourself at the end of. It's a beautiful novel. One that honors the experience of losing someone while also embracing the gifts that deep love can bring. It allows for the positive transformative power of supported grief and while also creating a space for its inherent complexities. I love this book!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

D.J. and her mother have moved from Indiana to Briar, Ohio, to live with her Aunt Judy, Uncle Jay, and cousin Davey after the death of her older cousin Rachel. Her mother is luck enough to have found a job teacher LGBTQIA+ studies at Briar Collge. Her aunt and uncle aren't doing well at all, since the death was ruled a suicide. D.J. struggles to understand why her artistic, wonderful cousin would do such a thing, and when she starts 8th grade and hears rumors about her cousin, she decides to investigate. She talks to Char, who is the editor of the school newspaper as well as a student greeter, and the two decide to work together. D.J. does not tell Char that she is related to Rachel. D.J.'s bat mitzvah has been delayed a year because of Rachel's death, so she starts to prepare for it with the very cute Jonah acting as her tutor. It's hard to balance looking through all of Rachel's social media and paying another student to hack into suspects' school records with studying her Torah portion, but D.J. can't cope any other way. She's obsessed with finding a small goat necklace that she gave her cousin that wasn't returned with her other effects. She and Char think that something is very suspicious, since there are no public police records about Rachel. They have quite a list of suspects, and the spy on them, and even steal something from a locker.
Strengths: Even though D.J. thinks that Briar "has the misfortune of being mapped in Ohio", she makes the best of the move. She makes a friend quickly, enjoys being with Davey, and finds an interest. She and Char use their journalistic skills to figure out Rachel's movements and interactions with others. There's a nice inclusion of Jewish culture; I figured that the book was probably set near Cleveland, and it's not surprising that the author grew up in Shaker Heights.
Weaknesses: The cover, and the fact that D.J. was in 8th grade, made me think this would be a middle grade book. There are eleven f words in the text, and there is also some drinking. I won't buy it, but I know other middle school librarians might want to take a look at it. If D.J. had gotten some counseling, or if her mother had talked to her more, she might not have needed to investigate what clearly was a death by suicide.
What I really think: For books about dealing with the aftermath of suicide, more middle grade appropriate books include Morrison's Coming Up Short, Bishop's Things You Can't Say, or Howard's The Visitors. For older readers, this is similar to Mather's Where Was Goodbye? or Nolan's Running Past Dark.

Still not enjoying the trope that parents who have a child die become catatonic. It's insulting.

[Katie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book six stars, I would. I haven't read a book targeted at such a young audience since I was a kid, but there's something here for everyone. It's a book that looks at its young readers and acknowledges that their lives can be hard to - that they don't need to be talked down to about tough topics, without ever making

DJ is one of the most lovable protagonists I've ever encountered - from her initial determination to figure out what happened to her beloved cousin to the cracks in that determination and her eventual moment of hitting rock bottom, to her eventual opening back up and finding herself again. I spent the whole book desperately wanting to protect her, and at the same time being so, so proud of her for finding her own way through this horrible situation.

Minor spoilers, but this is also one of the best depictions of depression I've ever read, to the point of making me stop reading for a few days because it was getting to me. I sobbed SO hard at various parts of this book - including, by the end, in catharsis and joy.

All of the characters feel so fleshed out and 3D, from DJ's friends to the adults in her life to Rachel. None of the characters are heroes - they're all just people, trying their best.

One other note - I'm not Jewish, but the scenes where DJ is studying for her bat mitzvah and the bat mitzvah itself are some of my absolute favorites in the book. DJ isn't just Jewish for the sake of having a "diverse" protagonist - her faith and her community and her heritage are a core part of who she is, how she moves through the world, and how she processes life.

I really cannot recommend this book enough - it's laugh out loud funny, made me sob multiple times, and above all made my heart grow at least six sizes.

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and felt like D.J. was "older than her years" partly because in some ways she was so capable but that could be a product of an only child being raised by a single mom. I also felt like the voice of all the characters and dialogue were spot on for how teenagers really talk and interact with each other and adults around them. I loved that the book is firmly rooted in its Jewish representation while the focus is on D.J.'s grief from her cousin Rachel's death, but was it a suicide? D.J. has set out to solve the mystery and the writing, use of social media, school pranks, and other clues is really well done. The friendship and crush stories are heartbreakingly well written - the best friend she left behind in Indy, the new friends she's trying to make in Briar, Ohio without letting them know Rachel was her cousin, her Bat Mitzvah tutor ... D.J. and her mom are in Briar to support Rachel's grieving parents and brother (her aunt, uncle, and cousin) so we are feeling the whole of that grief too and its heaviness is vivid and profound. The storyline of the new rabbi who D.J. is working with for her Bat Mitzvah (it was delayed because of her cousin's death and moving) vs the old rabbi is really interesting and may be overlooked by some readers but the old school rabbi reminded me of someone and this could not have been more accurate. A+ on this side story being part of the book!
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what Abby White writes next!

[Mintaro Oba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a young-adult novel, but many who are older than the main characters will find something that resonates in this book – whether in the depictions of growing up, grieving loss, or navigating mental health and well-being. But what’s most remarkable is that the author manages to address these themes while writing in a way that’s truly delightful, frequently funny, and makes you root for the protagonist no matter what (even as she makes some very human mistakes and sometimes isolates/alienates herself from those close to her). The author skillfully escalates the story and the stakes, bringing back motifs/themes/characters introduced early on at key moments throughout and tying everything together by the end.

I smiled and laughed through the first part, was engrossed through the middle, and cried through the last few chapters.

Full disclosure here: author Abby White is a dear friend whom I believe in as both a writer and a person, and this book has a connection to a real-life event (and resulting grief) we both experienced. For me, it is a very worthy tribute to our friend who died too young and a thoughtful perspective on the different ways we all grieved. For others who’ve experienced grief and loss, or simply know the struggle of coming of age, I believe you will similarly find this a meaningful read!

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think part of my reading has to do with not having been affected by a lot of death nor suicide in my life that the movement through grief, especially when connected to suicide doesn't move me the way it might others. I find the mystery concept of this story as DJ wants to figure out what must have happened to Rachel when it is said to be a suicide and ultimately is found to be that though DJ doesn't want to accept it because of what it did to their family and how it's affected DJ and her relationship to Rachel too. The upheaval it caused- from moving back to DJ's hometown to seeing her aunt and uncle's response pales in comparison to what seems like an uneven response that DJ begins to lie to her new friends at her school about her connection to Rachel in order to figure out clues that aren't really clues at all- just grief.

It's got a weird tone that I don't get.

It explores religion, because DJ is getting tutored to help with her Bat Mitzvah that was postponed after Rachel's death. It explores friendships and memory. It's a mystery rolled into a family drama. It presents with a little humor but also the mysterious thriller of trying to find out what might have happened to Rachel. And then last, it reads young, but then situations that DJ puts herself in or acts like seem for an older audience too. Again, uneven. It's a mixed bag for me.

[Sara Burgoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read YA novels, but this book is different. I picked it up because it’s dedicated to my sister Lisa, who passed away in 2020. The acknowledgment Abby White wrote is one of the most moving things I’ve ever read. Even without the personal connection, this is a stunning debut - funny, compassionate, and deeply wise. It’s a novel that tackles big, often painful topics - loss, identity, faith, mental health - with clarity, warmth, and a sense of humor that never undercuts its emotional truth. It’s sharply written and refreshingly inclusive, and never once talks down to its young reader. It doesn’t flinch from the reality of grief, but it insists on hope anyway.

I was especially moved by how tenderly it portrays the experience of mourning as a young person: how confusing and isolating it can be, and how much comfort can come from being seen. I truly believe this book could help kids navigating loss feel less alone.

Abby White is raising funds to donate copies to young people dealing with mental health challenges (https://gofund.me/090b5848), which feels exactly like something Lisa would’ve championed. Thank you, Abby, for honoring Lisa with such care—and for writing a story that will mean so much to so many.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an arc.

This was a enjoyable book to read! The cover gives you middle school vibes (which agewise is correct) but the way the story is written (actions of the characters; the way they talk; the way the story develops), gave me more high-school and YA vibes. For a big part of the book I forgot that D.J. is only 13/14 which is a good thing cause it fits the story better in my opinion, but the fact that she's (only) 13/14 makes me wonder about some of the things D.J. does and is experiencing .

I really liked how White gave Judaism a big part in this story, without being it too much or feeling like a seperate story. Everything integrates with each other. Also the main story about the dead of her cousin and the proces of grief is really well written. I didn't like the distance-between-best-friends-fight or the new-friends-fight, because they both seemed kinda average. I get why White wrote it, but in my opinion it wasn't necessary.

I would defenitely read another one of Abby White's books in the future en secretly hope she's gonna do something with some older MC's.

[H Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.J. Rosenblum is just your average teen girl in a new town. She’s got to navigate a new school, make new friends, get her crush under control, learn her Torah portion, and investigate the murder of her favorite cousin, Rachel. When angst and anxiety ensue, D.J.’s gotta stay afloat—and still be a good friend, daughter, niece, and older cousin.

D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T. is a poignant reminder that we all carry grief in different ways. D.J. is bright, funny, caring, and searching for answers to something that she just can’t make sense of—and readers are right there with her. This story balances coming of age, tender teenage heart space, and laugh out loud moments as you follow D.J. on her investigation and the journey to memorizing her Torah portion.

I can’t recommend this page turner enough! There’s something for everyone to hold on to and root for .

[Rebekkah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! When the first page referenced kichel, I knew I was in for a treat. I only realized after reading that the front matter *does* say this is YA, not middle grade, but the age of the characters (and their actions) made me assume it was middle grade, which left me feeling slightly shocked at a few of the references and the profanity. I'm left wondering who the intended reader is, because D.J.'s maturity level does feel very middle school.

That being said, I am so here for the writing (incredibly fun, despite tackling a very difficult topic), the Yiddishkeit, and the depiction of Jews in Northeast Ohio. (Also, I think this book wins for the most references to Elyria in any book I've read. Also, a reference to Sherrod Brown.) 4.5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Yapha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very powerful book about dealing with the suicide of a close family member. DJ doesn't want to believe that her beloved older cousin Rachel could have done such a thing. When she and her mom move in with Rachel's distraught parents, DJ takes it upon herself to investigate what happened and who might be Rachel's real killer. DJ is doing all this while trying to navigate a new school, new friends, her torn up family, and preparing for her Bat Mitzvah which has been delayed for over a year due to the tragedy. The cover makes this book look more middle grade, but it isn't. DJ and her friends are in 8th grade. It includes a drinking scene and some language. With that said, it is an extremely powerful book on the many ways people deal with grief. Highly recommended for grades 8 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

[Natalia Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

White paints an authentic picture of grief amidst the grueling (and often exhilarating) realities of growing up. Immersed in DJ’s world, you can’t help but squeal with excitement at interactions with her crushes and play detective with the slew of diverse students she befriends. While this inclusivity could have felt stilted, or could have been completely obfuscated, it instead contributes to each character’s identity naturally. While I am not Jewish, it seems to celebrate the Jewish faith in a modern way, recognizing DJ’s struggles to make sense of her parsha and illustrating different approaches to traditional doctrine. This novel greatly helped me make sense of my own grief, and is a book you’ll want on the shelves of young adults and grown-ups alike.

[Emily Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It has so many crucial messages weaved into the story about the importance of mental health, how to process grief and having a strong support system. I found the characters to all be truly multifaceted, and they really came alive through both strong dialogue and well-written descriptions. I also really appreciated the diversity of characters.
After reading the acknowledgements, I'm really moved by how the author took the extremely difficult experience of losing her friend to suicide, and creating a beautiful story out of it that will most definitely help others. The story made me laugh, cry and really think. I highly recommend this book not just to young adults, but to everyone.

[Tiffany Painter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure if this book belongs with middle grade or young adult. The main character is still hanging on to middle grade, but the topics included pull it into young adult. A young girl is battling her own demons as she is forced to handle the death of a cousin without a lot of adult help. Everyone says her cousin died by suicide, but D.J. Is convinced her cousin must have been murdered. With help from friends, both old and new, D.J. sets out to find the person responsible. At a time when she is questioning everything, D.J. is also preparing for her bat mitzvah. This is a story about accepting loss and learning how to move on.

[Patrick Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a special story! A propulsive mystery that makes your heart race and ache in equal measure. D.J. herself is a girl on a mission and you are there with her every step of the way as she goes from grieving cousin to amateur sleuth to a girl who's just trying to learn her Torah portion. (And as a non-Jewish reader, I learned a lot *from* D.J. in the process.) You won't regret reading this.

[Leslie Kimmelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult topic, handled with grace and sensitivity. The author manages to craft a moving and wholly believable coming-of-age story, weaving together content about suicide, Judaism, and the idea that it's hard to ever truly know another person, even someone who is close. It's a debut book for the auther, but you wouldn't know--well-developed characters and deftly drawn plotlines make the story well worth reading.