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The Trouble with Good Ideas
From author Amanda Panitch comes The Trouble with Good Ideas, a hilarious middle-grade novel with a magical twist about a girl, a golem, and her ailing grandfather, perfect for fans of The Fourteenth Goldfish.
Twelve-year old Leah Nevins is NOT a fan of change.
So when her parents start whispering about sending her beloved Jewish great-grandpa Zaide to an assisted living facility (hospital jail!), she is very resistant. Zaide’s house, where her family gathers on Saturday afternoons, is the only place where Leah feels like she truly belongs. Sending Zaide away would change everything.
Luckily, Leah remembers a story Zaide once told her about building a golem—a creature from Jewish mythology made out of clay—to protect their family from the Nazis in Poland. So, of course, Leah decides to make a golem of her own to look after Zaide. The directions he gave her were pretty easy to follow, but there is one thing he never told what to do when a golem turns against its creator.
Twelve-year old Leah Nevins is NOT a fan of change.
So when her parents start whispering about sending her beloved Jewish great-grandpa Zaide to an assisted living facility (hospital jail!), she is very resistant. Zaide’s house, where her family gathers on Saturday afternoons, is the only place where Leah feels like she truly belongs. Sending Zaide away would change everything.
Luckily, Leah remembers a story Zaide once told her about building a golem—a creature from Jewish mythology made out of clay—to protect their family from the Nazis in Poland. So, of course, Leah decides to make a golem of her own to look after Zaide. The directions he gave her were pretty easy to follow, but there is one thing he never told what to do when a golem turns against its creator.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2021
6 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Panitch
6 books203 followersAmanda Panitch spent most of her childhood telling stories to her four younger siblings, trying both to make them laugh and scare them too much to sleep. Now she lives in New York City, where she writes dark, funny stories for teens, kids, and the pigeons that nest on her apartment balcony. You can follow her on Twitter @AmandaPanitch, and visit her online at www.amandapanitch.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 28, 2020
*Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's for the opportunity to read this book*
It is Yom Kippur. I shouldn't be using technology but it is what it is this year. And in between Zoom services, small groups and walks, I read this entire book. And for me, this book was perfect.
I am a Solomon Schechter Day School kid. Or I was. I spent 11 years being a student at the very school Leah Nevins mentions leaving. I transferred, on my own terms, to a public school. (Unlike Leah's SSDS experience, mine did have cliques. And they could be brutal.) The transition was what I wanted, but it was still so hard. I had to explain the Holocaust. I had to explain every Jewish holiday, and we didn't talk excitedly about Purim or Hanukah, didn't have to keep kosher for lunch, etc. It was weird.
So right away, I identified with our main character.
Leah struggles to make new friends at her new school and struggles too when her parents tell her her beloved Zaide may have to go into an assisted living center because he has the beginning of Alzheimer's. Zaide, who plays chess with her, tells her partial stories of his past before/during the Holocaust, calls her Leah Roslyn with such love. How could he be sick?
So Leah creates a golum (a mythical creature often featured in Jewish stories in shtels, in Prague, to protect the Jewish people, etc.) from clay in her Zaide's backyard to protect Zaide, to keep him safe. And as one can imagine, it seems great at first, but doesn't end up that way. Leah has to learn how to defeat her creature before it's too late.
I recommend this to anyone who is Jewish or longed for a book that fought against stereotypes for middle schoolers. I suspect my library will purchase this one for sure (we have a large Jewish community).
TW: this book deals with mentions of antisemitism (asking if there are horns, 'looking Jewish', octopus stereotype, 'dirty Jews', 'money grabbers', etc). There are also brief mentions of the golem disintegrating (so a little gore?) as well as old gardener tools being used as weapons (pointy things in your face, ah!).
It is Yom Kippur. I shouldn't be using technology but it is what it is this year. And in between Zoom services, small groups and walks, I read this entire book. And for me, this book was perfect.
I am a Solomon Schechter Day School kid. Or I was. I spent 11 years being a student at the very school Leah Nevins mentions leaving. I transferred, on my own terms, to a public school. (Unlike Leah's SSDS experience, mine did have cliques. And they could be brutal.) The transition was what I wanted, but it was still so hard. I had to explain the Holocaust. I had to explain every Jewish holiday, and we didn't talk excitedly about Purim or Hanukah, didn't have to keep kosher for lunch, etc. It was weird.
So right away, I identified with our main character.
Leah struggles to make new friends at her new school and struggles too when her parents tell her her beloved Zaide may have to go into an assisted living center because he has the beginning of Alzheimer's. Zaide, who plays chess with her, tells her partial stories of his past before/during the Holocaust, calls her Leah Roslyn with such love. How could he be sick?
So Leah creates a golum (a mythical creature often featured in Jewish stories in shtels, in Prague, to protect the Jewish people, etc.) from clay in her Zaide's backyard to protect Zaide, to keep him safe. And as one can imagine, it seems great at first, but doesn't end up that way. Leah has to learn how to defeat her creature before it's too late.
I recommend this to anyone who is Jewish or longed for a book that fought against stereotypes for middle schoolers. I suspect my library will purchase this one for sure (we have a large Jewish community).
TW: this book deals with mentions of antisemitism (asking if there are horns, 'looking Jewish', octopus stereotype, 'dirty Jews', 'money grabbers', etc). There are also brief mentions of the golem disintegrating (so a little gore?) as well as old gardener tools being used as weapons (pointy things in your face, ah!).
February 6, 2021
trigger and content warning: antisemitism
in the trouble with good ideas, leah calls her great-grandfather zaide even though it's the yiddish word for grandfather. i adored leah and zaide's relationship. leah's desperation to create a golem so that it can take care of zaide shows how close they are and how much she doesn't want to acknowledge that zaide needs professional help.
at her new school, she's the only jewish kid in the sixth grade. leah's very self-conscious about her hooked nose and appearance in general. moving to a whole new place without her closest friends also proved to be a difficult change for leah especially when she's slowly drifting away from them. learning about jewish mythology and the religion was interesting through the eyes of a young child who's losing her great-grandfather to alzehmier's. also, reading about the prejudices and preconceived ideas about jews and the mistreatment leah experienced while she's trying to fit into a new crowd was painful and angering.
when things start to go wrong, leah has to solve them. she learns about making earnest friends, recognising what actually matters and self-love. heartwarming story about a great-granddaughter struggling with a loved one who has alzheimer's.
in the trouble with good ideas, leah calls her great-grandfather zaide even though it's the yiddish word for grandfather. i adored leah and zaide's relationship. leah's desperation to create a golem so that it can take care of zaide shows how close they are and how much she doesn't want to acknowledge that zaide needs professional help.
"Leah Roslyn, sometimes a person must fight their own battles."
at her new school, she's the only jewish kid in the sixth grade. leah's very self-conscious about her hooked nose and appearance in general. moving to a whole new place without her closest friends also proved to be a difficult change for leah especially when she's slowly drifting away from them. learning about jewish mythology and the religion was interesting through the eyes of a young child who's losing her great-grandfather to alzehmier's. also, reading about the prejudices and preconceived ideas about jews and the mistreatment leah experienced while she's trying to fit into a new crowd was painful and angering.
when things start to go wrong, leah has to solve them. she learns about making earnest friends, recognising what actually matters and self-love. heartwarming story about a great-granddaughter struggling with a loved one who has alzheimer's.
February 16, 2022
Wow this book had me feeling ALL the emotions, including an anger so strong, I wish I had somewhere to unleash it-like on these ignorant people full of ignorant hate that are teaching their kids to be the same. This book was amazing. It was magical, suspenseful, full of danger..but also had some very important issues beautifully mixed into the story. It made the story even better & stronger too.
There are issues that almost all kids can relate to-wanting to change something about the way they look(never think that! You’re beautiful!). Then the kids who change schools in middle school(🙋🏻♀️)can relate to that horrific experience lol. Also, kids who have a grandparent suffering from alzheimer's, or anything really….when it’s to the point where things change, & you have to get used to the new normal as you do what’s best for them. Then, the kids who deal with any type of prejudice will relate & feel so seen by this book-especially the Jewish kids, like Leah in the book.
Kids were HORRIBLE when i was in school, & I’ve heard almost every type of bullying/harassment/hateful remarks..I thought. I never heard anybody be bullied for being Jewish. I didn’t even know that was a thing to be bullied for! I don’t know if it’s just where I lived or I didn’t see it somehow..but either way, it’s clear that over the years it has gotten WORSE instead of better. I can’t believe someone being Jewish means someone thinks they have the right to hate them & treat them horribly. That’s so ignorant. The things Leah goes through, the things other kids say to her….horns?? Really?? Ughghgh! I had never even heard of the Octopus part, & I immediately googled. The ignorance & evilness & just plain nasty people can be & think. I have of course as I’ve gotten older heard some of the ignorant stereotypes, but I feel so grateful for books like this that educate me even further with knowledge of what this community goes through, & has went through for hundreds & hundreds of years. I’m Christian, but I was always taught the Jewish people were Gods chosen people, & I wouldn’t want to be the people treating them this way on judgement day I know that.
ANYWAY. This is such a unique & gripping story. Everything going on with Leah with the move, leaving her friends, her Zaide(grandpa), leaving her Jewish school & now going to a public school, the antisemitism she experiences...all of that mixed in with the golem & what happens with that-SO engrossing. I finished this so fast. Beautiful, engaging writing, with amazing characters. While the golem is the villain of the story I guess, the character Isabella was the true monster to me, & I despised her more so. I think because a golem isn’t real, but people like Isabella are everywhere. The true monsters, the true evil. While I can’t relate on being a Jewish kid in middle school, I think so many kids will be able to feel such a connection with that, & that makes my heart so happy. I loved everything I learned in here as well about different aspects of Jewish faith, & so forth as well. So many good layers make up this story. HIGHLY recommend! STUNNING cover by Oliva Chin Mueller as well!💜
There are issues that almost all kids can relate to-wanting to change something about the way they look(never think that! You’re beautiful!). Then the kids who change schools in middle school(🙋🏻♀️)can relate to that horrific experience lol. Also, kids who have a grandparent suffering from alzheimer's, or anything really….when it’s to the point where things change, & you have to get used to the new normal as you do what’s best for them. Then, the kids who deal with any type of prejudice will relate & feel so seen by this book-especially the Jewish kids, like Leah in the book.
Kids were HORRIBLE when i was in school, & I’ve heard almost every type of bullying/harassment/hateful remarks..I thought. I never heard anybody be bullied for being Jewish. I didn’t even know that was a thing to be bullied for! I don’t know if it’s just where I lived or I didn’t see it somehow..but either way, it’s clear that over the years it has gotten WORSE instead of better. I can’t believe someone being Jewish means someone thinks they have the right to hate them & treat them horribly. That’s so ignorant. The things Leah goes through, the things other kids say to her….horns?? Really?? Ughghgh! I had never even heard of the Octopus part, & I immediately googled. The ignorance & evilness & just plain nasty people can be & think. I have of course as I’ve gotten older heard some of the ignorant stereotypes, but I feel so grateful for books like this that educate me even further with knowledge of what this community goes through, & has went through for hundreds & hundreds of years. I’m Christian, but I was always taught the Jewish people were Gods chosen people, & I wouldn’t want to be the people treating them this way on judgement day I know that.
ANYWAY. This is such a unique & gripping story. Everything going on with Leah with the move, leaving her friends, her Zaide(grandpa), leaving her Jewish school & now going to a public school, the antisemitism she experiences...all of that mixed in with the golem & what happens with that-SO engrossing. I finished this so fast. Beautiful, engaging writing, with amazing characters. While the golem is the villain of the story I guess, the character Isabella was the true monster to me, & I despised her more so. I think because a golem isn’t real, but people like Isabella are everywhere. The true monsters, the true evil. While I can’t relate on being a Jewish kid in middle school, I think so many kids will be able to feel such a connection with that, & that makes my heart so happy. I loved everything I learned in here as well about different aspects of Jewish faith, & so forth as well. So many good layers make up this story. HIGHLY recommend! STUNNING cover by Oliva Chin Mueller as well!💜
February 19, 2021
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“The Trouble with Good Ideas” is a neat middle-grade novel with a touch of magic that I enjoyed reading.
There are many aspects which I enjoyed about this book. Firstly, I loved how the author focused importance on the Jewish culture and traditions. I had not heard of some terms like the Haggadah earlier. Moreover, the story of “The Golem of Prague” fascinated me. Secondly, I admire the author for how she handled the anti-semitism part of the story with Leah and Isabella.
The author also has a beautiful style of writing, where she changes the tone of the story. Some scenes made me laugh aloud, in the outrageous fibs Elsa comes up with about her family. And some scenes unnerved me, especially towards the end, where you didn’t know what Elsa would do. The author paced the story very nicely, where there was never a dull moment at any point. She also touches on the effects of Alzheimer’s profoundly and realistically.
Moreover, the characters are interesting and well-written. Leah is excellent in the lead. She has insecurities about her looks, especially her big nose. As the story progresses, you see how she starts to realize that looks and popularity don’t matter as much as family and true friends. Similarly, I loved her relationship with her great-grandfather. Zaide and Leah share a beautiful relationship, and I loved how she did her best to help him. Zaide’s backstory is impressive, especially with the scenes revolving around the Holocaust. Similarly, Elsa and Isabella are entertaining in the negative role. Although Elsa is terrible, I hated Isabella more because people like her exist in reality.
Overall, I enjoyed reading “The Trouble with Good Ideas” and recommend it to people in the mood for a middle-grade with magical-realism.
October 8, 2023
This book is thought-provoking and serious about antisemitism, the Holocaust, aging, grief, and family, while also being lighthearted and campy in much of the book and being really funny in parts. I don't know how the author made that all work, but she did. She is creative in talking about how disowned parts of the self can end up causing harm. Glad I read it.
February 9, 2025
This is a review of the audiobook read by Gabi Epstein.
This is a middle grade book with magical realism. It is a book with a lot of Jewish rep, which I loved.
The main character is 12 year old Leah. She and her family move to be closer to her grandfather/Zaide.
The book does deal with some serious topics such as antisemitism and Alzheimer’s. It also features a golem (a creature from Jewish mythology made out of clay).
Leah was having a hard time. She was forced to move away from her friends and Jewish school to live closer to her Zaide. She tried hard to be perfect. But at times I was frustrated with her. She would not say what she really felt to the girls at school. And she was constantly making a huge deal about her big nose.
Leah’s parents want to move Zaide to an assisted living facility because he’s having lots of trouble living on his own. This was an important part of the book. However it was hard to read.
The golem part of the book was interesting. However Elsa really started to drive me crazy. But overall I loved how Jewish this story was. And Gabi Epstein did a really good job.
This is a middle grade book with magical realism. It is a book with a lot of Jewish rep, which I loved.
The main character is 12 year old Leah. She and her family move to be closer to her grandfather/Zaide.
The book does deal with some serious topics such as antisemitism and Alzheimer’s. It also features a golem (a creature from Jewish mythology made out of clay).
Leah was having a hard time. She was forced to move away from her friends and Jewish school to live closer to her Zaide. She tried hard to be perfect. But at times I was frustrated with her. She would not say what she really felt to the girls at school. And she was constantly making a huge deal about her big nose.
Leah’s parents want to move Zaide to an assisted living facility because he’s having lots of trouble living on his own. This was an important part of the book. However it was hard to read.
The golem part of the book was interesting. However Elsa really started to drive me crazy. But overall I loved how Jewish this story was. And Gabi Epstein did a really good job.
December 4, 2023
I don't think I knew what I was getting into when I picked this one up; I certainly got more emotional than I was expecting to. It covers a lot of ground but does it all so skillfully.
CW: antisemitism, Alzheimer's, the Holocaust, hospitalization, body horror
CW: antisemitism, Alzheimer's, the Holocaust, hospitalization, body horror
March 8, 2021
Oh my freakin heart this book is SO CUTE 😊 and nails that Jewish rep
The Trouble with Good Ideas by is a MUST READ! Especially if you like middle grade/YA (this one is middle grade).
The story follows 12-year-old Leah who has just moved to a new town, started a new school, and now is told her beloved Zaide might have to move out of his house and into an assisted living facility.
Leah is set on not letting that happen. So, she creates a golem (golem are magically beings in Jewish folklore) to take care of her grandfather. The catch? The golem might have turned on her...
Leah is an incredibly relatable Jewish character. She hates her nose, experiences antisemitism, and feels like a fish out of water in her new school since she’s the only Jewish student.
TTWGI explores so many important themes from antisemitism to friendship to family to growing up and so much more.
Panitch does a really great job of explaining elements of Jewish life. It works really well since Leah is the only Jewish girl in her class. So, she’s always having to explain things.
Like most middle grade novels, this was a fast read for me. That said, I highly recommend everyone checks it out! I’ll definitely be reading Panitch’s other books.
The Trouble with Good Ideas by is a MUST READ! Especially if you like middle grade/YA (this one is middle grade).
The story follows 12-year-old Leah who has just moved to a new town, started a new school, and now is told her beloved Zaide might have to move out of his house and into an assisted living facility.
Leah is set on not letting that happen. So, she creates a golem (golem are magically beings in Jewish folklore) to take care of her grandfather. The catch? The golem might have turned on her...
Leah is an incredibly relatable Jewish character. She hates her nose, experiences antisemitism, and feels like a fish out of water in her new school since she’s the only Jewish student.
TTWGI explores so many important themes from antisemitism to friendship to family to growing up and so much more.
Panitch does a really great job of explaining elements of Jewish life. It works really well since Leah is the only Jewish girl in her class. So, she’s always having to explain things.
Like most middle grade novels, this was a fast read for me. That said, I highly recommend everyone checks it out! I’ll definitely be reading Panitch’s other books.
November 16, 2020
A magical story mixed into the real struggles of a girl struggling to accept herself, her history, and the struggles of a finding out a beloved family member is experiencing Alzheimer’s. Leah is a new girl at school, and she is the ONLY Jewish girl there. Leaf finds that she can’t seem to fit in and feels that no one wants to be her friend because she is different. Leah absolutely hates her nose, a distinct feature in her family. But the one thing that gets her through all her struggles, is always visiting her great grandpa Zaide, but he’s been acting strange lately and suddenly Leah over hears her parents want to send him to an assisted living facility. Leah refuses to let her great-grandpa be sent there so when she learns about building a golem, a creature from Jewish mythology made out of clay, she thinks this is the perfect solution to help take care of her great-grandpa and stop him from being sent away. Things get out of hand real fast once the golem arrives and Leah has to begin to not only accept her situation, but also that she should be proud of herself and that she doesn’t need to change herself to fit in, just love herself. This was a beautiful story that dealt with very real struggles of being different, of learning to love your features and your history, of trying to fit in, of dealing with racism, and of the struggles and sadness that comes with someone you know having Alzheimers and how you can just be there for them. Truly a beautiful and heartwarming story filled with magic and mischief. This is an excellent read that I would definitely recommend for anyone of all ages!
November 20, 2021
Fantastic story! This book was so much more than I had bargained for -- on so many levels.
On the personal level, Leah combats her own adolescent insecurities, while at the same time she faces the difficulty of making friends as a new kid in a new environment.
On the family level, Leah struggles to keep the family together, to prevent things from changing within her extended family dynamics, and to help her aging grandfather to retain his own personal freedom and independent lifestyle, even in light of his rapidly increasing dementia.
On the cultural level, we see through Leah's eyes a comparison and contrast of Leah's experiences in a Jewish school compared to her new secular school, complete with lunchroom politics, cultural ignorance, stereotypical prejudices, and personal misunderstandings.
But by far the most fun about this captivating story came in the form of the unexpected magical surprises! I don't want to offer any spoilers at all, but I just have to say, I can recommend this story to anyone -- young and old alike. I was so taken away by this magical story -- especially by Leah's personality, with all her imperfections, misunderstandings, bad decisions, and... "good ideas"!
I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
On the personal level, Leah combats her own adolescent insecurities, while at the same time she faces the difficulty of making friends as a new kid in a new environment.
On the family level, Leah struggles to keep the family together, to prevent things from changing within her extended family dynamics, and to help her aging grandfather to retain his own personal freedom and independent lifestyle, even in light of his rapidly increasing dementia.
On the cultural level, we see through Leah's eyes a comparison and contrast of Leah's experiences in a Jewish school compared to her new secular school, complete with lunchroom politics, cultural ignorance, stereotypical prejudices, and personal misunderstandings.
But by far the most fun about this captivating story came in the form of the unexpected magical surprises! I don't want to offer any spoilers at all, but I just have to say, I can recommend this story to anyone -- young and old alike. I was so taken away by this magical story -- especially by Leah's personality, with all her imperfections, misunderstandings, bad decisions, and... "good ideas"!
I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2021
4.5 STARS
Leah Nevins misses her old friends since she moved closer to her grandfather Zaide. Now her parents want to move him to an assisted-living facility because he has Alzheimer’s. Leah decides to create a golem to help Zaide.
THE TROUBLE WITH GOOD IDEAS is a younger MG story about a Jewish tween who’s having difficulty adjusting to changes in her life as well as antisemitism in her new school.
Amanda Panitch gave Leah a sympathetic and engaging voice. I could really relate to Leah hating her nose and wanting to have it fixed. I’ve always hated my nose and recently learned that noses and ears continue to grow throughout our lives. I confirmed with doctors, erroneously thinking life couldn’t be that cruel. But I digress, Leah was extremely relatable.
I would have enjoyed the story more without the golem aspect, friends, family, growing up and Alzheimer’s was a strong enough story. Adding the Jewish mythology lore detracted from the story, which is why I rated 4.5 instead of 5.
THE TROUBLE WITH GOOD IDEAS is should be part of classroom and school libraries for the story. The antisemitism aspects add depth and information if students aren’t already aware of this.
Leah Nevins misses her old friends since she moved closer to her grandfather Zaide. Now her parents want to move him to an assisted-living facility because he has Alzheimer’s. Leah decides to create a golem to help Zaide.
THE TROUBLE WITH GOOD IDEAS is a younger MG story about a Jewish tween who’s having difficulty adjusting to changes in her life as well as antisemitism in her new school.
Amanda Panitch gave Leah a sympathetic and engaging voice. I could really relate to Leah hating her nose and wanting to have it fixed. I’ve always hated my nose and recently learned that noses and ears continue to grow throughout our lives. I confirmed with doctors, erroneously thinking life couldn’t be that cruel. But I digress, Leah was extremely relatable.
I would have enjoyed the story more without the golem aspect, friends, family, growing up and Alzheimer’s was a strong enough story. Adding the Jewish mythology lore detracted from the story, which is why I rated 4.5 instead of 5.
THE TROUBLE WITH GOOD IDEAS is should be part of classroom and school libraries for the story. The antisemitism aspects add depth and information if students aren’t already aware of this.
December 29, 2022
I don't even know if I have the words to be able to kvell enough about this book. It is EVERYTHING. Incredibly honest Jewish representation - Leah was such an incredibly real character, from feeling othered by her nose (a common source of anxiety for a lot of Jewish kids!), to dealing with a new school, to struggling to handle overt antisemitism as it happens in the moment (at first I was like "OMG say something!" even though I know from personal experience how hard it is to say anything when something so vile happens to you, so it was wonderful to see Leah address it later), all with the backdrop of her Zaide being threatened with getting moved into an assisted living facility and her plan to build a golem to stop that. At first I was a bit annoyed with why the golem wasn't Jewish, but as the story unraveled, it was perfectly clear why the author made that choice, and again - I was cheering as these layers revealed themself! I tore through this book, staying up way late and waking up early in the morning to read. It was wonderful, and I am so beyond thankful for the Instagram users who shared this cover in a "Jewish rep" post, or else I honestly would never had heard of it (how this golem story was not on my radar is beyond me!)
Five bright, shining magen david stars! Highly recommend!
Five bright, shining magen david stars! Highly recommend!
January 6, 2021
I received an e-arc of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4/5 stars
I thought that the premise behind this story was really interesting. I loved how it was slightly magical with the golem coming to life but was also rooted heavily in the real world and dealt with a lot of real problems and emotions. Our main character Leah was having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that a lot of things in her life was changing and she wasn't ready for all of these changes to happen. The emotions behind the story were very well portrayed and I could definitely feel and understand what Leah was going through and why she was thinking those thoughts. I also understand the comments that she was making about her nose and disliking it but I do wish that maybe the comments would have been a little less. There were some chapters where Leah would mention multiple times how much she hated her nose and couldn't wait to turn 18 so she could get a nose job and I thought that the point still could have come across with how much she disliked her nose with a few less comments about it being made. I was really glad to see though that some progress was made by the end of the book even though it wasn't a full 180, which I think is completely realistic.
The overall story arch flowed really well and kept me interested throughout the whole reading experience. I think the strongest point of the book was the emotions that Leah was going through. They were very relatable and recall going through similar emotions and thoughts throughout middle and even high school. I do wish the the other characters were maybe fleshed out a little better as I didn't really feel like those connections to our main character were really there. But maybe that was designed to be that way since our main character feels like she is on her own and doesn't really have any friends.
The Trouble with Good Ideas was a really good read and definitely had some good lessons sprinkled throughout. It was also eye opening to read an experience through a Jewish main character that wasn't taking place during the second world war and just a more every day experience.
4/5 stars
I thought that the premise behind this story was really interesting. I loved how it was slightly magical with the golem coming to life but was also rooted heavily in the real world and dealt with a lot of real problems and emotions. Our main character Leah was having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that a lot of things in her life was changing and she wasn't ready for all of these changes to happen. The emotions behind the story were very well portrayed and I could definitely feel and understand what Leah was going through and why she was thinking those thoughts. I also understand the comments that she was making about her nose and disliking it but I do wish that maybe the comments would have been a little less. There were some chapters where Leah would mention multiple times how much she hated her nose and couldn't wait to turn 18 so she could get a nose job and I thought that the point still could have come across with how much she disliked her nose with a few less comments about it being made. I was really glad to see though that some progress was made by the end of the book even though it wasn't a full 180, which I think is completely realistic.
The overall story arch flowed really well and kept me interested throughout the whole reading experience. I think the strongest point of the book was the emotions that Leah was going through. They were very relatable and recall going through similar emotions and thoughts throughout middle and even high school. I do wish the the other characters were maybe fleshed out a little better as I didn't really feel like those connections to our main character were really there. But maybe that was designed to be that way since our main character feels like she is on her own and doesn't really have any friends.
The Trouble with Good Ideas was a really good read and definitely had some good lessons sprinkled throughout. It was also eye opening to read an experience through a Jewish main character that wasn't taking place during the second world war and just a more every day experience.
December 8, 2020
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Leah Nevins' favorite day of the week is Saturday, when her whole family gathers at her Zaide's house for chess, food, and fun. Zaide's house is full of so much life and love. It is where the family gathers for Seder at Passover, where Leah and her cousins have spent so many hours playing together, where Zaide raised his children and then his grandchildren and now enjoys time with his great-grandchildren. But something is wrong with Zaide; one day, when Leah arrives at his house, he doesn't recognize her, scaring both himself and Leah. Now Leah's parents and uncle are talking about putting Zaide in an assisted living home, and Leah won't stand for it. She has to keep Zaide in his house no matter what.
Inspired by one of Zaide's stories and coming across a curious find in his garage, Leah takes it upon herself to make a golem--a creature made out of clay that should keep Zaide safe. But the beautiful golem--who calls herself Elsa (yes, like the Disney Princess)--soon has ideas of her own about what she should and should not be doing with her time. None of Zaide's stories could have prepared Leah for her creation turning on her--or threatening all that she holds dear. Does Leah have the strength to destroy what she has made? And does she have the strength to accept change in her life?
This brilliant, beautiful middle grade novel hits on so many of the insecurities that come with being twelve and change. New town, new school, new friends, missing one's old life and worrying that old friends are forgetting about you... Well, it's no wonder Leah puts her foot down and says enough is enough when she finds out her parents want to add more change (or, rather, don't want this kind of change but accept that it needs to happen). And then to top it all off, Leah is coming to terms with her Jewish identity in a new way, as this is her first time attending secular public school and not having any Jewish friends in town, having to travel two hours away just to go to temple, and--sadly--having to deal with racist stereotypes and assumptions based on her faith. Then there is Leah's relationship with Zaide and her cousins, which are lovely and beautiful, full of warm, cozy feelings. And even that presents some changes--again, relating somewhat to growing up and growing older, but also that the love you have for your family will never ever change.
Reading "The Trouble with Good Ideas" is a good idea sans trouble!
Leah Nevins' favorite day of the week is Saturday, when her whole family gathers at her Zaide's house for chess, food, and fun. Zaide's house is full of so much life and love. It is where the family gathers for Seder at Passover, where Leah and her cousins have spent so many hours playing together, where Zaide raised his children and then his grandchildren and now enjoys time with his great-grandchildren. But something is wrong with Zaide; one day, when Leah arrives at his house, he doesn't recognize her, scaring both himself and Leah. Now Leah's parents and uncle are talking about putting Zaide in an assisted living home, and Leah won't stand for it. She has to keep Zaide in his house no matter what.
Inspired by one of Zaide's stories and coming across a curious find in his garage, Leah takes it upon herself to make a golem--a creature made out of clay that should keep Zaide safe. But the beautiful golem--who calls herself Elsa (yes, like the Disney Princess)--soon has ideas of her own about what she should and should not be doing with her time. None of Zaide's stories could have prepared Leah for her creation turning on her--or threatening all that she holds dear. Does Leah have the strength to destroy what she has made? And does she have the strength to accept change in her life?
This brilliant, beautiful middle grade novel hits on so many of the insecurities that come with being twelve and change. New town, new school, new friends, missing one's old life and worrying that old friends are forgetting about you... Well, it's no wonder Leah puts her foot down and says enough is enough when she finds out her parents want to add more change (or, rather, don't want this kind of change but accept that it needs to happen). And then to top it all off, Leah is coming to terms with her Jewish identity in a new way, as this is her first time attending secular public school and not having any Jewish friends in town, having to travel two hours away just to go to temple, and--sadly--having to deal with racist stereotypes and assumptions based on her faith. Then there is Leah's relationship with Zaide and her cousins, which are lovely and beautiful, full of warm, cozy feelings. And even that presents some changes--again, relating somewhat to growing up and growing older, but also that the love you have for your family will never ever change.
Reading "The Trouble with Good Ideas" is a good idea sans trouble!
November 1, 2021
This one is a 3.5 for me, and while I expected it to be light and frothy, that certainly wasn't the case. the protagonist, sixth-grader Leah Nevins is dealing with a lot of issues that will be familiar with middle grade readers. Since her family has moved to be near her elderly great-grandfather, Leah is discombobulated because her friends are back at her old school and she isn't sure about where she fits in at her new school. A trio of girl she calls the Three D's because of their first names might be possible friends, but Leah often feels that she's an outsider to their jokes and history. She longs to be accepted by the uber-popular Isabella Lynch who is confident and has a great fashion sense. But Leah's also worried about her Zaide since her parents want to move him into assisted living as his Alzheimer's makes it hard for him to live alone safely. Leah is close to Zaide, and she simply cannot allow that to happen. After hearing his stories about making a golem back in Poland, Leah stumbles on the remains of one and decides to try her hand at doing so in order to provide assistance for him at home. She is successful, but Elsa, her creation, turns out to be quite a handful, mistreating Zaide and coming to school, and hanging out with the popular crowd. Leah quickly begins to question her own actions and how much control she has over Elsa. As for Elsa, she doesn't appreciate being denied anything, and she gets back at Leah whenever she can. Eventually Leah realizes that she put her own insecurities about her looks, her nose, her family, and her place at school into her golem, and that her motivation wasn't as pure as she claimed it to be. And while she is taken into isabella's inner circle, she also discovers that Isabella has many false beliefs about Jews and only plans to use her. The final 25 pages of this book are particularly strong as Leah realizes that she's good enough just the way she is and that true friends will accept her as she is, a great message for all readers, no matter their age.
November 7, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Leah and her family have recently moved to be near her great-grandfather. She's adjusting to leaving her best friends and finding her way at a new middle school. Plus, her great-grandfather is in the early stages of Alzheimer's and getting worse. Leah does not want him sent to an assisted living center so does whatever she can to keep him in his home. This includes finding the remains of the golem her grandfather had made back in Poland before World War II. He told her part of the story but alluded to issues he didn't explain. She decided it would be a good idea to create a golem to protect him. However, as readers see, she poured all of her hurt and mixed up emotions into this being. This backfires and Leah learns a hard lesson everyone does that there are some things beyond their own control. She has to take on the golem and save her cousins and other family members from the dark side of herself. She realizes that people situations change and people have to change and adapt too.
Readers will relate to the emotions and challenges faced by the main character. They may not face this exact situation but who doesn't wish for a magic solution to remove conflicts and pain. Sadly, too many have faced prejudice for who they are as well. The scene where Leah takes on the popular bully will empower so many to stand up for themselves too.
A terrific class read as the chapters are shorter and offer plenty to discuss throughout the book.
Leah and her family have recently moved to be near her great-grandfather. She's adjusting to leaving her best friends and finding her way at a new middle school. Plus, her great-grandfather is in the early stages of Alzheimer's and getting worse. Leah does not want him sent to an assisted living center so does whatever she can to keep him in his home. This includes finding the remains of the golem her grandfather had made back in Poland before World War II. He told her part of the story but alluded to issues he didn't explain. She decided it would be a good idea to create a golem to protect him. However, as readers see, she poured all of her hurt and mixed up emotions into this being. This backfires and Leah learns a hard lesson everyone does that there are some things beyond their own control. She has to take on the golem and save her cousins and other family members from the dark side of herself. She realizes that people situations change and people have to change and adapt too.
Readers will relate to the emotions and challenges faced by the main character. They may not face this exact situation but who doesn't wish for a magic solution to remove conflicts and pain. Sadly, too many have faced prejudice for who they are as well. The scene where Leah takes on the popular bully will empower so many to stand up for themselves too.
A terrific class read as the chapters are shorter and offer plenty to discuss throughout the book.
September 16, 2025
My little sister chose this book for us to read together for our first virtual book club. My scores are a bit lower since it is a kids book and I don’t relate with it as much, but I still thought it was a very sweet, interesting, and easy read. It was a joy to hear her pov and thoughts 🩷
Characters - 6.5/10
I liked the characters and the development/descriptions of them. They weren’t as fully formed as I’m used to, and our MC Leah is especially persistent in her main personality points.
Atmosphere - 7.5/10
The main settings and vibes are fitting and well described so I could easily picture them.
Writing - 6/10
Pretty repetitive, basic, and coded for kids. Just not for me :)
Plot - 8/10
Interesting story line and I liked in the authors note that she mentions she was inspired by her own family and the Jewish Golem stories.
Intrigue - 7/10
I was interested and excited to read the book, but it was a bit predictable.
Logic - 6.5/10
As the main plot of the book is the Golem, logic is a bit lower. But, I really liked how the author wrapped up Leah’s internal thoughts at the end and specified that everything isn’t magically perfect, but she is learning and growing.
Entertainment - 8/10
It was a cute story and idea I haven’t heard of before, so I enjoyed hearing something new and following Leah through her journey.
Separate thought, but I’m sad we didn’t get a final conversation with Zhadie at the end of the book.
Characters - 6.5/10
I liked the characters and the development/descriptions of them. They weren’t as fully formed as I’m used to, and our MC Leah is especially persistent in her main personality points.
Atmosphere - 7.5/10
The main settings and vibes are fitting and well described so I could easily picture them.
Writing - 6/10
Pretty repetitive, basic, and coded for kids. Just not for me :)
Plot - 8/10
Interesting story line and I liked in the authors note that she mentions she was inspired by her own family and the Jewish Golem stories.
Intrigue - 7/10
I was interested and excited to read the book, but it was a bit predictable.
Logic - 6.5/10
As the main plot of the book is the Golem, logic is a bit lower. But, I really liked how the author wrapped up Leah’s internal thoughts at the end and specified that everything isn’t magically perfect, but she is learning and growing.
Entertainment - 8/10
It was a cute story and idea I haven’t heard of before, so I enjoyed hearing something new and following Leah through her journey.
Separate thought, but I’m sad we didn’t get a final conversation with Zhadie at the end of the book.
April 24, 2023
3 1/2 star rounded up to 4.
I picked up this book from my local library for a read-aloud before bed with my kids (6, 8 & 9). To be honest, I know very little about Jewish culture, and I was intrigued by the back blurb about the golem.
The book touches on some deep issues that are very important for kids to know and understand. Leah's struggle to love herself because of her differences is so relatable that you cannot help but feel deeply for her. I absolutely loved the way the family came together around Zaide's house, and the bits about her family celebrations, it opened up conversation about different faiths and traditions and how they bring us together. It also made the story more real, as the love Leah felt for her Zaide was so strong, her actions are questionable, but not her intent.
Personally, I didn't care too much for the dynamics with Elsa, but I can't argue with the way the author places all of Leah's deep desires to belong into the golem. This book speaks loudly of self-acceptance, family love, and being brave in the face of life changes.
I picked up this book from my local library for a read-aloud before bed with my kids (6, 8 & 9). To be honest, I know very little about Jewish culture, and I was intrigued by the back blurb about the golem.
The book touches on some deep issues that are very important for kids to know and understand. Leah's struggle to love herself because of her differences is so relatable that you cannot help but feel deeply for her. I absolutely loved the way the family came together around Zaide's house, and the bits about her family celebrations, it opened up conversation about different faiths and traditions and how they bring us together. It also made the story more real, as the love Leah felt for her Zaide was so strong, her actions are questionable, but not her intent.
Personally, I didn't care too much for the dynamics with Elsa, but I can't argue with the way the author places all of Leah's deep desires to belong into the golem. This book speaks loudly of self-acceptance, family love, and being brave in the face of life changes.
November 24, 2020
The Trouble with Good Ideas is the story of 12-year-old Leah, who has to leave her community and Jewish school to move with her family to live closer to her great grandfather. There, she is the only Jewish girl, and she has to learn how to make new friends while fighting stereotypes about her culture. She creates a golem to help take care of her great grandfather in order to prevent her family from moving him into an assisted living facility. At first, things are great, and then it takes a turn, and Leah has to confront her own feelings about herself, her friends, her family, and more.
I enjoyed this book. It was a very quick and easy read. I am not Jewish, so there was a lot in the book that I really wasn’t familiar with prior to reading this book. I felt like the author did a great job of explaining the different concepts in a way that did not take away from the story.
I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.
I enjoyed this book. It was a very quick and easy read. I am not Jewish, so there was a lot in the book that I really wasn’t familiar with prior to reading this book. I felt like the author did a great job of explaining the different concepts in a way that did not take away from the story.
I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.
December 18, 2020
The basic plot about worrying about change, Leah’s relationships with her family members and classmates, and even her supernatural “solution” were fairly standard middle grade fare, and I appreciated the consistent use of Jewish history and culture (a charoset prep scene - you love to see it!). However, the writing style sometimes felt inexpert and some plot elements such as Elsa’s transforming personality and the backstory between Zaide and Maria awkward or simplistic; the portrayal of antisemitism was so textbook in its use of major stereotypes that it felt almost ham-handed; and the focus on the “Jewish nose” felt a bit outdated and clumsy in its constant use. I couldn’t help feeling that the result here was average overall, though I always like seeing what’s new in Jewish literature for young readers, especially #OwnVoices.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
December 11, 2021
What I liked about the book is that it answered many questions non-Jews might have about Jews. It integrated information well into the fictional structure. I loved reading about how this close family spent their Saturday afternoons with Zaide. The story had a slow start, however, and I had trouble connecting with the main character.
May 1, 2021
Wishes never turn out the way we want them to. This was a great story about a love of a great-granddaughter for her Zaide. I learned more about many Jewish customs, myths and racist assumptions made about them. Overall I enjoyed the story as well.
July 25, 2021
Super fun, creative concept! Unfortunately, I found the main character, Leah, extremely irritating and unsympathetic. She continually makes very selfish, impulsive decisions, and her growth at end of the novel wasn’t enough to make me come around.
March 30, 2022
This was surprisingly intense. As an adult, I found the antisemitism pretty upsetting. (I’m wondering if the reviewers who described this book as “so cute!!” read the same book? There really wasn’t anything cute about it.) But I loved the concept, even if the execution was a bit iffy.
March 27, 2021
A girl’s Yiddish great-grandfather, a bit of Jewish mythology golem magic , and the idea of growing into yourself all star in this middle grade novel. 3.5 stars
March 31, 2021
The trouble with good ideas is all about coming to her senses. She comes face to face with her insecurity’s and she realizes change can be a good thing
May 8, 2022
CW: Antisemitism, bullying, Alzheimers and dementia
August 19, 2022
3.5 stars. Read this one super fast, so probably didn't do it justice. A great book about family and coming to accept yourself for who you are, with a magical realism angle. *Read for school.
December 29, 2022
Good for a YA book.
April 29, 2023
*3.5
Interesting take on golems. Good book but kind of creepy! I haven’t seen Megan, but it gave me Megan vibes.
Interesting take on golems. Good book but kind of creepy! I haven’t seen Megan, but it gave me Megan vibes.
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