Reviews

The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman by Mari Lowe

fionak's review

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

4.25

An Orthodox Jewish girl who has few friends gets roped in playing pranks by her seemingly perfect classmate and finds out what lies behind her peer's perfect veneer. Wonderful in its subtlety, the tale recalls how cruel youngsters can be (adults too, for that matter) and the things that shape us. 

erinsbookshelves's review against another edition

emotional inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.5

miszjeanie's review

4.0

Orthodox Jew Shaindy lives in a tight-knit Jewish community but feels invisible and socially inept. No one at school particularly dislikes her, but no one tries to befriend or return her friendliness. She envies her next-door neighbor, Gayil who is beloved and excels academically, but she also wants to befriend and be Gayil. So when Gayil invites her to set up pranks on several students and teachers at their school, Shaindy is happy to be in the inner circle. Unfortunately, the mischief quickly turns into something malicious as Shaindy realizes that Gayil’s pranks are designed to hurt her targets, and Shaindy is on the list of targets. This is an intricately plotted, strongly character-driven story about the inner lives of tween girls and the human emotions of envy. Although sometimes bogged down by detailed portrayals of Jewish tradition, this book is exceptionally engaging and unique.

⭐️ One of RMG's Best Middle Grade Books of 2023.