About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels caught between different parts of their identity or is struggling to navigate conflicting expectations from family members. David Da-Wei Horowitz is preparing for his bar mitzvah in 1984, but his biggest challenge isn't learning Hebrew: it is keeping the peace between his Jewish and Chinese grandmothers. While the grandmothers engage in a competitive latke-making battle, David grapples with the everyday pressures of middle school and the looming anxiety of the Cold War. This story beautifully explores the nuances of being biracial and bicultural with humor and heart. It touches on themes of diplomacy, belonging, and the realization that parents and grandparents are complicated people with their own histories. It is an excellent choice for 8 to 12 year olds who enjoy realistic fiction that balances laugh-out-loud moments with meaningful reflections on heritage and growing up.
