  | Rachel Friedman breaks the rules (Rachel Friedman) Author: Kapit, Sarah | |
| Price: $23.08 | ||
Summary:
Rachel is not one for rules, but when a meet-and-greet with her favorite gymnast is at risk, she must be on her best behavior, especially at synagogue.
| Illustrator: | Kote, Genevieve |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.70 Points: 1.0 Quiz: 556665 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (04/15/24)
School Library Journal (09/27/24)
Booklist (05/01/24)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 09/27/2024 K-Gr 4—Rachel Friedman has a hard time sitting still and following the rules, especially when she doesn't understand why the rules exist in the first place. This makes going to Friday evening services at her synagogue extra challenging. It means sitting still—absolutely no handstands in the aisle, no throwing paper airplanes over to her best friend Maya, and no playing hide-and-seek in the hallway. Rachel's dad makes a deal with her—if she can follow the rules for one week, he'll buy her tickets to see her favorite gymnast. Rachel tries her best, even when her older brother tries to make her slip up. When their cat escapes and she's the only one who can save her, Rachel has to decide if it's worth breaking the rules for something important. Eye-catching black-and-white illustrations help bring the story to life for early chapter book readers. Rachel describes herself as having ADHD. Maya has brown skin and has two moms. VERDICT A humorous and relatable series debut. Readers will eagerly await the next adventure.—Marissa Lieberman - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 05/01/2024 Eight-year-old Rachel Friedman excels at gymnastics, where she can stay in constant motion, but her ADHD makes it difficult to follow rules, especially those that involve staying quiet and not eating during Shabbat services at her temple. Dad, an overly cautious widower, tries his best, but Rachel's antics (turning cartwheels in the center aisle during shul) often try his patience. The two agree that if she follows all the rules for a week, Rachel can meet her gymnastics idol, Holly Luna. Then the family's indoor cat, Cookie, escapes, and Rachel fears only she can rescue her beloved pet. Kapit's early chapter book features diverse, recognizable characters (brown-skinned BFF Maya has two moms), believable situations (ignoring the family rule of not crossing the street to save Cookie), and an understated yet satisfying discussion by Rabbi Ellen about the reasons for sanctuary decorum and Jewish traditions of civil disobedience. Short chapters, large font, and cartoon-style black-and-white illustrations throughout help make the story more accessible to emerging chapter-book readers. Additional series titles to follow. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
