Mari Lowe’s middle grade books have spread Orthodox Jewish representation to so many readers – from kids who finally get to see themselves in a traditionally published book, to non-Jews who had no idea there were even different types of Jews in the world. We were so excited to be given the opportunity to interview her in celebration of her latest release, Beinoni.
BookishlyJewish: Your books – Aviva vs. the Dybbuk, The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman, and Beinoni – all feature orthodox Jewish characters. This has been tremendously meaningful for readers (including me!). Can you talk a little about what it is like to traditionally publish stories featuring orthodox Judaism?
Mari Lowe: I’m so, so happy to hear that! Honestly, it felt so out of reach for so long just because I’d never seen very much of it out there? I remember scrambling for every bit of Orthodox Jewish representation and feeling so let down by a lot of it. Today, I think we’re fortunate to exist in a publishing world that really embraces diversity instead of worrying about making readers comfortable with what they’re used to. It definitely isn’t always easy—I find that my books often have to be introduced in schools first, where readers have to be coaxed into picking them up because the world they’ll read about is unfamiliar—but it’s so wonderful and gratifying to hear from non-Orthodox readers who love them. And equally wonderful is hearing from Orthodox readers who are so excited to read books that feel like them and can be found in mainstream libraries and bookstores.
BookishlyJewish: All three books also feature sports: machanayim, roller skating, and basketball. Are you a sports fan? Any chance we can get a good game of belts going in your next book? That was always my favorite sport in camp.
Mari Lowe: Ha, I love that! We used to spend every Shabbos afternoon playing belts in the basement (occasionally smashing into a bookcase or two near the end). I do love playing sports, though I find myself more inclined toward traditional ones, personally. I think there’s so much within sports that allows us to get to know characters—in what they do and how they react and what they strive for most. I have big dreams of writing a grand machanayim epic one day…we’ll see!
BookishlyJewish: I notice your bio says you were a teacher. How has this informed your work?
Mari Lowe: Still a teacher! I’m actually answering these questions from the teachers’ room. I like to joke(?) that I’ve never quite made it out of middle school. Spending so much time with middle schoolers definitely gives me a feel for what they’re struggling with and what they strive for—and it keeps it on my mind when I’m writing!
BookishlyJewish: Beinoni is your first book to feature a male protagonist, as well as being the first true fantasy of the three. Why the switch?
Mari Lowe: It was really a treat for my son, who likes to complain that I write too many girl characters. (Never too many!!) Fantasy was my favorite genre when I was a kid, and there was next-to-no Jewish representation there, let alone Orthodox Jewish representation! So it’s always been my dream to get in some Jewish fantasy, and there’s so much unmined lore in Jewish culture—it isn’t all golems and dybbuks! I also didn’t want to get pinned down as a ‘contemporary writer’ without having the freedom to explore multiple genres…so regardless of where I go with the next book, I like knowing that I can go back to fantasy now without confusing readers.
BookishlyJewish: Is middle grade your sweet spot or do you think you might branch out to other age categories?
Mari Lowe: I’ve actually been working on an adult novel! It’s mostly contemporary, but with a fantasy twist. YA intimidates me a little, but I think that there’s definitely a hunger for books there, so if I find the right story, who knows?
BookishlyJewish: I think Mariam was my favorite character from all three books. Do you have a favorite?
Mari Lowe: Everyone has to be my favorite a bit while I’m writing, because I’m rooting for them all so readers will root for them all. I’m quite fond of Mariam, too, and Leah, and Shaindy and Gayil both. There’s always going to be a piece of my heart reserved for Aviva and her mother. And I surprised myself with how much I loved Aryeh in Beinoni.
BookishlyJewish: I think I made the same sukkah project in elementary school as Ezra did. Do you have a favorite Jewish holiday?
Mari Lowe: My son made the same one back in 2021—and then he tested positive for Covid two days before the big Sukkah fair, missed the whole thing, and still isn’t quite over it. (I gave Binyamin his project so it would still get its time in the sun!) I honestly love Pesach the most—it’s a lot of prep, but I find the process really therapeutic, and the seder nights are my favorite nights of the year. Plus, I’m always up for some quality matzo brei!)
BookishlyJewish: What’s next for you?
Mari Lowe: Aside from the adult novel, I’ve been working on another middle grade book called Dreamscape, about a group of girls who get really involved in an online game and find themselves the subjects of online antisemitic harassment.
BookishlyJewish: I always end by asking if you have a favorite Jewish book to recommend to our readers.
Mari Lowe: Always a great question, and it’s so hard to pick one! A recent favorite is Naomi Milliner’s The Trouble With Secrets, which made me cry like a baby through the whole final part of the book and savor every word.
Find It:
Aviva Vs. The Dybbuk: Amazon | Bookshop | BookishlyJewish Review
The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman: Amazon | Bookshop | BookishlyJewish Review
Beinoni: Amazon | Bookshop | BookishlyJewish Review