Reviews

Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop by Joshua S. Levy

louisekf's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

rachels_booknook's review

5.0

This book was so much fun. As per the title, Finn and Ezra both get stuck in a time loop on the weekend of their Bar Mitzvahs. They join up to try to figure out how to get out of the time loop together. I love the acknowledgement of the time loop and the various methods Finn and Ezra use to end the cycle. I read this book with so much anticipation about how Finn and Ezra were going to get out of the time loop.
I also loved the Jewish representation, the different types of Jewish families represented by Finn and Ezra, and the explanation of a Bar Mitzvah and Jewish religious ceremonies. This will be delightfully recognizable to many, but also a great opportunity for those that aren’t as familiar to learn about Jewish customs and traditions.
This book is perfect for kids about to celebrate their own Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

kaylareadsbooks's review

emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Beyond adorable. The Jewish representation is fantastic. This was great. 

courtsbooknook's review

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Omg this book was so much fun! Give me a time loop/ groundhog day vibe, but make it Jewish and I am here for it! I loved the Jewish representation, and how both Finn and Ezra observed things differently. This had just enough sciency stuff for me to understand, given that it was middle grade, but as someone not well versed in that realm, I appreciated it. While this was lighthearted and a bit silly at times (in the best way), there were also important life lessons sprinkled in. I felt myself getting emotional and really valued these conversations. I also loved the explanations of Jewish customs and traditions. As a Jewish person, I understand these, but it made it really approachable and easy to understand for non-Jewish readers. I truly loved this book so much. I loved reading from both Finn and Ezra's perspectives and how their stories ended up overlapping. There also was a plot twist I wasn't expecting and I was shocked. Overall, I'm a big fan of the story and grateful to have books like this in the world. Thank you to Harper Kids for sending me a copy to read and review!

peacelovereading's review

emotional funny hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is such a fun story!! I just love a good time loop and I really enjoyed reading one with a Jewish spin! Finn and Ezra have so much learning and growing to do and little by little, each loop helps them do that. This is a great middle grade book that all can enjoy!

yapha's review

adventurous challenging funny hopeful mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I love a good time loop story and this is a good time loop story!!
Ezra and Finn are different in so many ways -- their families, their friends, their schools, their religious observance, there is no overlap. The only thing they have in common is that their Bar Mitzvah is on the same weekend, with the parties at the same hotel at the same time on Sunday. Told in alternating chapters, Finn and Ezra figure out that they are stuck in the time loop together and then start working through a variety of plans and scenarios to try to escape the loop and make it into Monday. This was a lot of fun to read with a very poignant ending. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up. 

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss