The World Outside

Gr 9 Up—What does it mean to become an adult? For Chanie, a Hasidic Jew living in Crown Heights, Brooklyn in the early 1990s, it means marriage and a full commitment to her religion and culture. Chanie has always been curious as to why she can and cannot do certain things, curiosity that is not encouraged by her parents, especially her mother. Her interest in the world outside is enhanced when she meets David. Knowing of Chanie's immense musical talent, he encourages her to apply to Juliard—where she gets accepted— and to focus on herself instead of everyone else. Chanie's choice for her future becomes overshadowed by her terminally ill brother's death and the infamous 1991 Crown Heights riot, in which she witnesses the horrific attacks against Jewish homes, property, and people. Wiseman is known for choosing unique time periods in Jewish history for her books. She authentically portrays a young woman torn between two worlds. Readers of all backgrounds will be able to empathize with Chanie, and while some readers may disagree with her choices, the ending is believable. Some of the dialogue seems contrived at times, and the explanations about Hasidic culture and rituals could have been woven into the story more seamlessly. Recommended for libraries looking to enhance their collections about cultural groups and self-identity.—Marissa Lieberman, East Orange Public Library, NJ