The Sydney Taylor Shmooze

Rebecca Reznik Reboots the Universe by Samara Shanker Atheneum Books for Young Readers (imprint of Simon & Schuster), 2023 Category: Middle Grade Reviewer: Rebecca Klempner Buy at Bookshop.org Rebecca Reznik Reboots the Universe is a sequel to Naomi Teitelbaum Ends the World . It follows Becca Reznick, a supporting character in Book One. While the plot focuses again on fantasy elements from Jewish legend and folklore, the focus of this book is the significance of becoming “a spiritual adult” after one reaches bar or bat mitzvah. Early on in the book, Rabbi Levinson visits the kids' post-b’nai mitzvah class at Hebrew school. He suggests that having reached their teenage years, the members of their class are developing the ability to see morality with greater nuance and subtlety. Becca struggles with this as a young person on the autism spectrum. Despite her age, she tends to see issues as black and white. Does this mean that she’s doomed to remain immature? Since the events of

Naomi Teitelbaum Ends the World by Samara Shanker Atheneum Books for Young Readers (imprint of Simon & Schuster), 2022 Category: Middle Grade Reviewer: Merle Eisman Carrus Buy at Bookshop.org Naomi Teitelbaum Ends the World is a fast paced, captivating story for every Bar/Bat Mitzvah student. Naomi is studying and preparing for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah along with her two best friends, Eitan and Becca. They are excited about the parties they will have with delicious food and presents. As the gift checks arrive in the mail, their mothers remind them to not forget the religious and communal significance of the ceremony. When Naomi opens a mysterious gift with a small clay doll in it, her friends urge her to follow the directions in the package.    Naomi instructs the small Golem, but she does not realize the power she holds over this tiny creature. At first, the magical gift seems entertaining and fun, but things soon get out of control. With each simple command from Naomi, the littl