Rachel Friedman Breaks the Rules

April 1, 2024
Jewish eight-year-old Rachel Friedman cartwheels onto the scene as the impetuous protagonist of this chapter book series opener by Kapit (Second Chance Summer). Gymnastics aficionado Rachel has little patience for rules, especially the unwritten ones about proper dress and no eating in the sanctuary during Friday night Shabbat services at shul. She chafes at the rules her father sets at home too, about not fighting with her older brother or wasting food. But when Dad offers to buy her tickets to meet her favorite gymnast in exchange for Rachel following “every single rule” for a week, she vows to do her utmost to earn the coveted prize. Her grand plan falls apart, however, when she embarks on a heroic search-and-rescue mission and demonstrates her tumbling prowess at shul. It’s not until Rabbi Ellen informs Rachel that “questioning rules is a part of the Jewish tradition” that Rachel and Dad find common ground. Kapit weaves Jewish religious and cultural customs throughout this high-energy tale, which readers will want to visit again and again. A racially diverse supporting cast is rendered in warm and friendly grayscale spot illustrations by Kote (the Dollars to Doughnuts series). Ages 5–9.