Repairing the World

by Linda Epstein

A young girl grapples with her grief over a tragic loss with the help of a new perspective from Hebrew school and supportive new friends in this heartfelt and “accessible” (Kirkus Reviews) middle grade novel about learning to look forward.Twelve-year-old Daisy and Ruby are totally inseparable. They’ve grown up together, and Daisy has always counted on having Ruby there to pave the way, encourage her to try new things, and to see the magic in the world. Then Ruby is killed in a tragic accident while on vacation, and Daisy’s life is shattered. Now Daisy finds herself having to face the big things in her life—like starting middle school and becoming a big sister—without her best friend. It’s hard when you feel sad all the time. But thanks to new friends, new insights, and supportive family members, Daisy is able to see what life after Ruby can look like. And as she reaches beyond that to help repair the world around her, she is reminded that friendship is eternal, and that magic can be found in the presence of anyone who chooses to embrace it.

Genres: Middle Grade, Jewish, Grief, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Death

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2022

About the author

Linda Epstein lives in the Hudson Valley in upstate New York. She writes fiction for children, teens, and adults, and poetry for adults. Linda has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from The New School and is also a literary agent at Emerald City Literary Agency. Her debut middle grade novel, Repairing the World (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster), came out in 2022. Her debut adult novel, The Other March Sisters (Kensington, 2025), is in bookstores now. Her adult poetry chapbook, re: can only be purchased directly from the author. Find Linda online at lindaepsteinauthor.com and @lindaepsteinauthor on Instagram.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the story and the characters. I just love the cover and depicts the story well.

However, I wanted to feel more connected to the writing and the characters.

*The story is about losing a best friend. Be mindful about the theme before picking up this book. It mainly deals with grief.

[Nicole Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hardest thing about reading Repairing the World is how much you absolutely miss the wonderful characters when you finish. I still think of Daisy and how when we are all in the deep throes of grief, the way to repair the world is to make it bigger by letting in new people. Mo and his licorice stained teeth still make me smile and Aunt Toby is a gift to the world. May everyone who needs to, find their own Toby and Mo.

[Jessica Rinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of healing and friendship.

[Jessica Russak-Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so lucky that I got to read an advanced copy of REPAIRING THE WORLD. Linda writes grief in an authentic way that brought me to tears. She writes hope and moving on beautifully, too! The Jewish main character and her friends and family are nuanced and wonderful. I highly recommend this book not only for middle grade readers but also for young adult and adult. It's a can't-put-down read.

[Esme Symes-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win an ARC of Linda Epstein's REPAIRING THE WORLD, and the thing that strikes me the most is how much love is in this book! In the family dynamic, the friendships, the Jewish culture, even the setting... It's a love letter in an MG novel about grief

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely challenging for me to read - not because of the plot or the writing but on a personal level - by that I mean it’s so powerfully authentic to the feelings of someone close to you dying and the guilt that comes with living that I had to put this down many times and walk away to settle my own emotions.

A book like this is going to be so important for lots of kids - how rare is it to have a book about a kid whose friend dies? And not from a long, drawn out injury or sickness where there can be some preparation… just wow.

It felt incredibly raw and jarring to be seen so clearly - like I said, the survivors guilt was powerfully true so much that it nearly gave me flashbacks to my own trauma. I could have really used a book like this when I was dealing with my person dying, to see that your reactions are real - that avoiding joy or friendships is totally normal.

Five stars. Highly recommend. Wow.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so moved by the respect author Linda Epstein has for her young readers. She is deft in her handling of issues of grief and loss, and the healing that is possible after the sudden death of Ruby, one of the 11 year old characters, and the sorrow her surviving best friend Daisy is left to deal with. In a world that is uncomfortable with openly discussing death with children and teens, Epstein embraces the subject in a loving and responsible way, making a tough subject accessible. She opens that conversation with compassion, creating a safe space for the exploration of pain and loss. The main character, Daisy, is raised in a Reconstructionist Jewish family, and the theme of Repairing the World – also known as Tikkun Olam in Hebrew – is a central teaching in Judaism. We, as Jews, are called to make the world a better place, one deed at a time, one word at a time, and to look within, to strive to be our best selves, and model that behavior for others in our communities. Other themes that are presented in this sensitive novel include a normalization of LGBTQIA+ people, young people dealing with mental health, and home births. The novel is inclusive, intelligently written and never talks down to its audience. Highly recommend for all readers. Not just for kids, for sure. Bring tissues. You'll probably need a few.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! This book tugs at the heartstrings. Daisy has been best friends with Ruby since they were small. Then the summer before middle school, something happens and Daisy has to start middle school without her. Things are different at their house as her mom is expecting a new baby and Aunt Toby comes to stay. It’s hard to do life when things are sad. It’s hard to do life without friends. Daisy is lucky that she has family that loves her and new friends that understand her to help her navigate her grief. She learns that magic can be anywhere. You just have to embrace it.

This is an excellent novel, one that made me both laugh and cry. It’s an excellent book for early middle grade readers and because I’m a librarian and don’t believe in censorship, I will give a couple words that could be triggers for some, but I’ll be honest, this novel should be read by all.
Possible triggers:
Divorce
Same sex relations
Magic
Death
Cancer

It is a beautiful, magical story that delves into loss, growing up, and friendship. It’s a story to be shared!

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming book about Daisy and Ruby, BFFs at age 11. They do everything together.

When Ruby dies suddenly, Daisy must work through the grief, make new friends, and find joy in life again. It’s really tough at 11 and 12, just as it is at any age.

The author treats this topic of hope and renewal with kindness, with the concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and healing. I found great comfort in this book filled with healing and hope. It’s a good story for children of all ages and their parent / grandparents, and any reader dealing with loss.

Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Aladdin/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing summary covers the plot of this wonderful book thoroughly, so this review will supplement that with literary notes. The incredible descriptive language used by Linda Epstein will clearly convey the depth of Daisy’s anguish and loss, her friend Mo’s fears about losing her mother, and the beauty of the nature preserve that factors into the book, allowing teachers, librarians and readers to feel, see, hear and sometimes touch settings and feelings. The difficult topics of death, loss, and illness are handled with sensitivity to the target age group and yet they are covered with honesty and ring with an honesty that leads me to believe that Epstein has experienced many of these situations in her own life. “Repairing the World” also fills a niche that is sadly lacking in my middle grade library as well as many others, I’m sure—Daisy and her family embrace their Jewish heritage as does Mo and key elements of that religion are woven into the story and are crucial to the healing of hearts and theme of repairing the world, tikkum olam in Hebrew. Representation: Catholicism and Jewish religions, Daisy’s aunt is homosexual and Daisy, Ruby and Avery each talk briefly about when, if they will start liking someone and speculate on whether it will be boys, girls or both. When considering age group level, book buyers should note that Ruby and Daisy discuss starting their periods and the word “breast” is used in connection with baby Dahlia but all with respect and in a way that allows this book to be an excellent choice for grades 4-7.

Thanks for the print arc, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely a perfect middle grade book about grief, forgiveness, and hope. I cannot tell you how much I loved Aunt Toby. Definitely one of my favorite characters I’ve met in a story in a long time.

- - - - -

“They took turns being the faller and the catcher in different situations.”

“Aunt Toby stood up and walked toward the bird, making shooing motions with her hands. ‘Take to the skies, my friend,’ she said. ‘Leave my girl alone.’ The seagull ruffled its feathers again, and if seagulls had shoulders, it would have given a little shrug. Then with a flap and another squawk, it flew away. Daisy smiled and shook her head. Aunt Toby was so Aunt Toby.”

“Sometimes we have to take life moment by moment.”

"You don't always get a second chance. We should take them when we can."

"I think our lives are much richer when we have
friends to share them with.”

"But, honeypot, I think maybe we're meant to thrive, not just survive."

*Dear human,
Don't stop looking.
Magic is everywhere.*

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When 12 -year old Daisy loses her best friend Ruby in a tragic accident the lens through which she sees her life and everyone in it shifts. Devastated, Daisy must find her footing in a world that has been changed forever. But new friendships, a loving family, and embracing the Jewish philosophy…Tikkun Olam … the steadfast commitment to repair the world around her, buoys Daisy with the strength she needs to begin to repair her own broken world and heart. An accurate depiction of grief and its painful aftermath that those who have experienced loss can relate to, a perfect read to nurture empathy for those who have not; and a beautiful book for anyone who has ever hoped for a little magic.

[Eileen Winfrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daisy is just about to start middle school when her best friend for their whole lives gets hit by a car and dies. The story is about Daisy’s journey through grief and making new friends and all the emotions that go along with that (and having a baby sister born along the way). There is a Mary Poppins-esque aunt (who unfortunately calls her “honeypot” which was always jarring to me since that is the name of a line of feminine hygiene products). Daisy is also preparing for her bat mitzvah and the little peeks the reader gets into some of the rituals of Judaism are a gift. Sad. Honest. Sensitive.

[Melissa Killian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry! Multiple times! I could so relate to Daisy's feelings of loss and survivor's guilt after the sudden and tragic death of her best friend. She pushes people away just when she needs them most because she feels like she's being disloyal to Ruby by moving on and spending time with others. I loved her Aunt Toby, who just seems to "get it" in a way that her parents don't. And her new friends, Avery and Mo, who know nothing about Ruby, which is both a blessing and a curse for Daisy. She makes some mistakes, but there is no one right way to grieve and Daisy will be okay. She just has to find the magic in her life in new ways.

[Alexa Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book about grief and growing up. We spend enough time with Daisy to watch her organically change and grow--and her family grows too, she gets a baby sister. It's a very character-driven story about how Daisy goes through her year at school, making new friends and figuring out how to share her life and pain with them. The beginning shares a lot of Jewish traditions and Jewish school, though by the end that is mostly just a part of the story and character, though the tikkun olam project Daisy and Mo are doing plays a big role in any sort of plot development.

[Xania Portus · Rating 1 out of 5]

No and no. To me, the book read like a writing exercise in a freshmen class.

Assignment:

Write about a friendship. Add food for sensory detail. Talk about the sky. The trees. What things feel like. For woke purposes, make someone gay. For marketing purposes, stick something in about boobs and periods. That will appeal to kids. Also, death is such a cheap trope. Add that for easy reach sentimentality. The writing feels like a color by numbers, but with words instead of colors. Also, make things Jewish. Dah, dah, dah the pages go, just like that.

So hell to the no with this one.

[Willow Macleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sensitive, moving book. Daisy, age eleven, loses her best friend in a car accident. Heartbroken, Daisy struggles to make and keep new friends and figure out a good community-service project for Hebrew school. And during all this, her mom has a new baby, Dahlia! Daisy is extremely overwhelmed with everything going on, and is constantly grieving her friend Ruby. The books takes on heavy topics with a gentle tone and it is perfect for middle-grade. Wonderful.

Daisy and Ruby are not original names!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Repairing the World is a beautifully written story about a young girl navigating friendship, family, grief, and identity. The words take you in and gently guide you through with Daisy as you root for her and feel her struggles. I found myself wanting to dive in there and give her a big hug. This book is an honest look at the emotions we go through with loss, yet gives us hope that there's a little bit of magic in the world.

[Martha Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy has trouble adjusting to life after her best friend, Ruby, dies. Her very pregnant mom is grouchy, dad sympathizes, and Aunt Toby tries to cheer her, but Daisy still hurts. After a rough year at school, she eventually learns how to make new friends. The book includes Jewish content such as celebrating the High Holidays, Hebrew School, and most importantly - tikkun olam. A lovely story about grief, friendship, family, and forgiveness, seen through a Jewish lens.

[Natasha Sinel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I just wanted to hug Daisy, and was so happy to know that she was surrounded by so much love in her family. This book is about grief, yes, but it is mostly about growing and moving forward. The friendships she develops are so meaningful, and I know any reader at any age will feel strongly about these characters and this story. Five stars from me!!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book tore my heart right out. But, mostly healed it in the end. It is deftly written and the characters feel so real. I'll be thinking about Daisy and her friends and family for a while. This is definitely not a fun read, it is heavy and dark and sad but it is also hopeful and beautiful. Also, fantastic Jewish representation.

[Stacy Mozer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Repairing the World is a story about how to move on from loss. When Daisy loses her best friend, she has to figure out how to overcome her grief in order to move forward. She finds help in the birth of her babysister, new friends, and a project about Tikun Olam, or Repairing the World, she is assigned at Hebrew School. This book is a Bridge to Terabithia for modern times.

[LS Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books dealing with grief due to death are hard to write realistically for middle grade. This one did a good job. I was confused about whether the characters wanted to find strength from their religion or not. I wish it would have been more clear.

[untitled lullaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of things about this book gave me the ick, the home birth stuff and the lack of therapy being two, but it was pretty decent if a little predictable. I enjoyed the writing and the characters.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am lucky enough to have read an ARC of this BEAUTIFUL book.

[Jenna Gavigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully-written debut full of heart, truth, and love. It reminded me that we can all deal with the hard stuff, especially if we let others help us.

[Chris Baron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book

[Linda Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listed on Mock Newbery 2023. Excellent!

[Hina Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked Bridge to Teribithia, you will like Repairing the World. Epstein’s story of how young Daisy deals with grief will stick with you even after you finished reading.

[Danielle Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man this book was heartbreaking - but also so raw and real!