A World Worth Saving

A transgender teen and a golem aim to dismantle a supernaturally evil conversion therapy program in this satisfying horror-tinged novel by Lukoff (Different Kinds of Fruit). After 14-year-old A Izenson comes out as trans, his Jewish parents force him to attend Save Our Sons and Daughters, a "support group" that's coercing participating members into backing a politician's crusade against gender affirming healthcare. When agender Yarrow, A's closest friend in the group, stops attending meetings--ostensibly to undergo further "treatment"--A's attempts to uncover Yarrow's whereabouts lead him to discovering a golem made of trash that claims A must save the world from a growing evil. With the help of an understanding rabbi, A learns more about banishing sheydim, Jewish demons that seem to be possessing the most ardent anti-trans folks he's encountered. But as A's search for Yarrow becomes entangled with his mythical calling, he realizes that the challenges are too great to face alone. This superb fantastical adventure tackles serious real-world problems faced by queer youth via unique interpretations of Jewish mysticism that, paired with A's powerfully raw emotional journey, further flesh out the thrilling plot. Most characters cue as white. Ages 10-14. (Feb.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 6 Up--A is a 14-year-old Jewish, trans, panromantic boy whose parents are not supportive of him. They force him to go to meetings of a conversion support group, Save Our Sons and Daughters (SOSAD). The only silver lining of the meetings is being able to make friends with the other teens. At a meeting, his friend Yarrow, who is 16, agender, and uses the name Yarrow instead of pronouns, is taken away by the group leader, and A fears he may be next. At the start of the quest to save Yarrow, A meets a golem who helps him learn about the sheydim behind SOSAD--demons who are feeding off of the suffering of trans folks and the grief and anger of those who don't support trans loved ones. The golem and a visit to A's synagogue provide context and explanation about Jewish folklore and traditions. It is important to note for readers that transphobia is prominent in this book and that it carries significant messages intertwined with the plot's humor and fantasy. Things like protests, politics, and hate are given a magical form, adding layers of visual understanding and a bit of distance from the pain of these experiences. Lukoff offers a realistic perspective in the afterword about maintaining safety while navigating resources for trans youth. VERDICT A must-purchase; this is a timely title for middle school students as well as parents, teachers, and librarians who are looking for powerful mirrors or windows into trans experiences.--Taylor Skorski

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Powerful and awakening.