Where You've Got to Be by Caroline Gertler

Abstract

Reviewed by: Where You've Got to Be by Caroline Gertler Danica Ronquillo Gertler, Caroline Where You've Got to Be. Greenwillow, 2022 [288p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780063027053 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780063027077 $8.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 5-8 Growing up in New York City, sixth grader Nolie feels left behind: she is not passionate like her older sister Linden, who loves ballet and receives all her parents' undivided attention, and she's not cool like her best friend Jessa, who has recently created a "self-improvement project" for Nolie that reads more like a list of undesirable chores. Overwhelmed and without any emotional outlets, Nolie impulsively steals sentimental treasures like her Grandma's compass and Jessa's crystal necklace, despite knowing how hurtful those acts might be. Nolie tries to find her way back to the right path, however, discovering an unexpected friendship from animal-loving classmate Shady Serena and learning how to stay true to herself while accepting the changes in the process. Gertler gives an authentic picture of a kid floundering in the new waters of middle school social dynamics without a lifeboat in sight. Short sentences, paragraphs, and dialogue enhance the clarity of Nolie's voice for young readers, particularly in her feelings of inadequacy and doubt, while her Jewish heritage provides historic parallels to her modern-day experiences: "If a friend wanted you to act a certain way, to change yourself, to fit into her idea of how she thinks you should be, and you did it, would that be assimilation?" This contemporary novel would pair well with Faruqi's Golden Girl (BCCB 01/22) for an exploration of conscience and coping, as it reminds readers that everyone is on their own personal journey to discover who they want to be. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois