The Do More Club
by Dana Kramaroff (Author)
A Jewish boy's bravery and kindness are tested after an antisemitic attack on his middle school in this rousing novel-in-verse.
Ever since twelve-year-old Josh Kline found an antisemitic note in his family's mailbox in third grade, he has felt uncomfortable about his Jewish identity. At a new school where he's pretty sure he's the only Jew, he's hoping to just keep religion out of everything . . . until the morning someone sprays swastikas all over the building.
That's when everything changes.
In one of the school counseling groups set up in response to the attack, Josh finally reveals that he is Jewish, and quickly finds out there's more to the other kids in his grade too: All of them have their own struggles. Maybe Josh can do something to help--to "repair the world" as his rabbi teaches, by starting a Do More club to spread kindness. But making a difference is never simple, even when you have new friends by your side.
Fast-paced and conversation-starting, Josh's story is an empowering examination of prejudice, bullying, and how to take the first step toward change.
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Publishers Weekly
Debut author Kramaroff crafts a thought-provoking verse novel about a group of middle schoolers pushing back against injustice following an antisemitic incident. As one of the only Jewish students at his predominantly white and Christian school, white sixth grader Josh has endured antisemitic bullying his entire life, making him feel uncomfortable in his own skin. "I liked it/ better/ when everyone/ wasn't talking/ about/ jewish things," Josh laments when the discovery of graffitied swastikas on the school building results in increased discussion surrounding his identity. Determined to create an environment in which he and his classmates can feel safe, Josh founds the Do More Club, a group of students dedicated to fighting bullying with kindness. When he notices racist comments being directed toward a Black classmate, however, Josh realizes that injustice runs deeper than his personal experiences. Approachable if underdeveloped messaging surrounding how readers can make a difference permeates the novel, and empathetic prose renders Josh as a vulnerable protagonist. Through carefully balanced moments of pathos and heart-wrenching descriptions of casual cruelty, Kramaroff weaves a gently compelling narrative of self-acceptance and beginner's advocacy. Ages 10-14. (Aug.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV039230 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Bullying
JUV033020 - Juvenile Fiction | Religious | Jewish
