I… loved this!! I’m not a huge YA reader so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The writing captivated me, DJ was such a likable protagonist. All of the side characters felt multi dimensional and fleshed out. How lucky is DJ to have such wonderful and loving friends and family.

Look, the content is tough but so real. DJ’s cousin Rachel dies by suicide. Struggling to cope with her grief, DJ investigates her death as a murder. The book deals with adult themes that sadly many young adults find themselves dealing with. It was refreshing to see this depicted in a story.

DJ having the maturity level of a 14 year old, while grappling with grief, lying, making poor (and naive!) choices had me feeling such fondness seeing a loved ones of a similar age in her, who are also navigating realities I wish they didn’t have to at such a young age.

I cried twice — once during the part during Yom Kippur services and once during DJ’s Bat Mitzvah. I am not Jewish, but the thread of Judaism, a young persons relationship to their faith (or lack thereof) in crisis, and the ritual that can bring families together is was deeply compelling.

I can already tell this will be one of my go-to books to gift upon publication.

Thank you to Netgalley and Levine Querido for a complimentary earc in exchange for an honest review.

Spotlight in JUDITH: Editor’s note: Abby White’s debut young adult novel, set to release on August 5, 2025, D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T., is a compelling blend of mystery and real emotional depth. D.J. Rosenblum navigates the complexities of adolescence and a big move while confronting the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her cousin Rachel's alleged suicide all while preparing for her own bat mitzvah.

I love the Jewish references and characters, as well as the mystery to be solved throughout the storyline. There were a few things that the reader should know, including trigger references around suicide and mature content. The thing that confused me the most was that this features middle school students, who act like middle schoolers, yet includes quite a bit of more mature themes and profanity....I feel like it would have worked better if the main characters were high schoolers, making this a book more for high schoolers.

I really enjoyed this one! When the first page mentioned kichel, I knew I was in for a treat. I only realized after reading that the front matter *does* say this is YA, not middle grade, but the age of the characters (and their actions) made me assume it was middle grade, which left me feeling slightly shocked at a few of the references and the profanity. I'm left wondering who the intended reader is, because D.J.'s maturity level does feel very middle school.

That being said, I am so here for the writing (incredibly fun, despite tackling a very difficult topic), the Yiddishkeit, and the depiction of Jews in Northeast Ohio. (Also, this book wins for the most references to Elyria in any book I've read. Also, a reference to Sherrod Brown.) 4.5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I requested D.J. to make sure the link worked, and it does! Yay! I am biased, but I really love this book. :-)