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Fitting In
Mollie finds it difficult growing up Jewish in the 1960s in a small town in Canada as she copes with the ignorance of gentile friends, a dawning understanding of the Holocaust, and changes in her relationship with her best friend, Naomi
191 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 1995
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About the author
Sharon Kirsh
4 books1 followerA former resident of Nova Scotia, and a psychologist, teacher, and writer, Sharon Kirsh lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter. Her juvenile novel Fitting In was shortlisted for the Red Cedar Award.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 9, 2022
Historical fiction.
1963.
Mollie is compelling.
Her parents are good parents.
Her friend Naomi isn’t well fleshed out, but we learn why near the end.
This is a great book for bringing up discussions about:
* antisemitism
* death
* death of a parent
* friendship
* life in the 60s - particularly for Jewish folks
* Jewish observance
* the impact of the Holocaust
* family secrets
Fitting In is definitely a solidly middle grade book. Nothing about the hard things, including the Holocaust, is that hard. (Unlike the Entertainer and the Dybbuk, which is amazing and much more sophisticated writing.) However, it is a good place to start the conversation.
One of the best exchanges and most interesting to talk about with kids happens between Mollie and Elizabeth Ann who isn’t overtly antisemitic, doesn’t cause harm, and is genuinely a good friend. And yet Elizabeth Ann expresses the distance between herself and a Christian and Mollie as a Jew.
Adults behave like responsible adults throughout the story. Kids aren’t asked to solve adult problems.
One of the main characters is described as chubby, and there is discrimination toward her that her friends oppose. Kids misbehave and aren’t always caught. (Realistic)
I recommend this one. Especially if kids have people to talk about it with.
1963.
Mollie is compelling.
Her parents are good parents.
Her friend Naomi isn’t well fleshed out, but we learn why near the end.
This is a great book for bringing up discussions about:
* antisemitism
* death
* death of a parent
* friendship
* life in the 60s - particularly for Jewish folks
* Jewish observance
* the impact of the Holocaust
* family secrets
Fitting In is definitely a solidly middle grade book. Nothing about the hard things, including the Holocaust, is that hard. (Unlike the Entertainer and the Dybbuk, which is amazing and much more sophisticated writing.) However, it is a good place to start the conversation.
One of the best exchanges and most interesting to talk about with kids happens between Mollie and Elizabeth Ann who isn’t overtly antisemitic, doesn’t cause harm, and is genuinely a good friend. And yet Elizabeth Ann expresses the distance between herself and a Christian and Mollie as a Jew.
Adults behave like responsible adults throughout the story. Kids aren’t asked to solve adult problems.
One of the main characters is described as chubby, and there is discrimination toward her that her friends oppose. Kids misbehave and aren’t always caught. (Realistic)
I recommend this one. Especially if kids have people to talk about it with.
Displaying 1 of 1 review