Pink Slippers, Bat Mitzvah Blues

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Alyssa has become an adult, according to Judaism; since she has completed her Bat Mitzvah, she is expected to make her own decisions. And, instead of joining the temple's confirmation class, concentrating on schoolwork or socializing with friends, Alyssa chooses to pursue her dance lessons. Her priorities shift, however, when her best friend Ellen becomes ill, and when Alyssa's Jewish identity becomes more important to her. Alyssa realizes that a delicate balance between avocation and responsibility can exist if she is strong enough to make difficult decisions. Readers will enjoy the universal conflicts Wolff eloquently delineates; her characters are well realized and lend additional credibility to the story. Ages 11-14. (June)

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-- Alyssa can hardly wait for her Bat Mitzvah celebration to conclude her obligatory attendance at Hebrew School classes twice a week. The major interest in her life is ballet; those extra two days of lessons and practice each week will allow her to land a serious part in ``The Nutcracker.'' However, there are serious demands on her time from her best friend, Ellen, who has physically recovered from pneumonia but has apparently lost all interest in the external world. Torn between her desire to dance and her realization that Ellen desperately needs her attention to snap out of the depression, Alyssa struggles with the need to examine personal priorities and commitments. Guided by Jewish precepts, she is able to make some serious decisions. The suburban middle-class setting provides a sturdy anchor for this story. Rabbi Pearlman is exemplary; he works well with teens and is able to empathize and discuss problems with them in a realistic yet good-humored manner. Although there is some tendency to stereotype, characters do retain sufficient individuality. Alyssa is a wholesome teen who deals with her problems in a mature and thoughtful manner. The fact that the demands on Alyssa are placed within a Jewish context will not limit general reader interest. Touches of humor throughout provide a nice counterpoint to the realistic problems. --Susan Kaminow, Westover Branch Library, Arlington, Va.