Repairing the World
by: Linda Epstein
July 5, 2022, Aladdin Books
352 pages
review by: Chris Baron
Middle Graders deserve books full of joy, humor and silliness, but they also deserve to read books that grapple with the most difficult aspects of life head on. I knew from the very first page of Repairing the World that this is a fearless book of the heart. It wasn’t just that I related to Daisy and Ruby. I have my own kids around this age, so I loved the characters right away. I also felt a deep connection to the world of this story. Likely because I’ve experienced grief that comes from loss, or because I grew up in a Jewish tradition much like what takes place in the story, the writing feels so authentic. From the internal pondering to the external dialogue, I found myself absolutely immersed. I couldn’t stop reading.
It can be so challenging for anyone, especially for kids coming of age to deal with grief, with the concept of unimaginable loss and then “Life After…” but this novel does it with a deep and authentic sense of honesty, openness, and the right amount of tension.
Even as the novel dives squarely into the loss, pain, transitions, and wanderings, it also moves into what it means—not to simply “move on” but to discover what Tikkun Olam really is, to repair the world by being open to discovery, relationships, and embracing life in a bigger way.
Throughout all of these high concepts, Epstein lets the reader experience it all through humor, hope, and truth. From intergenerational relationships, new friends, and new experiences, the reader will find themselves engaged in the ways in which Daisy’s world grows bigger, as she walks through real grief, and finds courage, faith, and new hope. A great story for Middle Graders, but also for readers of any age. This is a book that deserves to be in homes, classrooms, and libraries everywhere. All the stars for this wonderful and important Middle Grade Debut!
