Madelyn Rosenberg

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Great
Recommended: Middle School collections in need of diversity and good historical fiction
Level: Middle School
Good, funny book that surprisingly had real heart as it dealt with issues like family heritage and true friendships. David feels torn between his Chinese and Jewish heritage, and his inner struggle is made explicit as his two grandmothers verbally fight for him to prioritize their culture over the other. David is also torn between friends as show more his longtime friend Hector may not be "as cool" as his new friend Scott. The issues David struggles with are relative to any young reader, but this book places them in the context of the Cold War, adding additional concerns about surviving nuclear war.

The book has a lot of personality and hilarity as it tackles real and current topics from unique perspectives during that time period. It is a quick read while also being memorable and heartfelt. The book is full of details that make the setting and cultures discussed vivid and compelling. I can easily recommend this to young readers interesting in history, science, humor, and family topics. show less

David Da-Wei Horowitz has a lot on his plate. Preparing for his upcoming bar mitzvah would be enough work even if it didn't involve trying to please his Jewish and Chinese grandmothers, who argue about everything. But David just wants everyone to be happy.

That includes his friend Scott, who is determined to win their upcoming trivia tournament but doesn't like their teammate -- and David's best friend -- Hector. Scott and David begin digging a fallout shelter just in case this Cold War stuff show more with the Soviets turns south... but David's not so convinced he wants to spend forever in an underground bunker with Scott. Maybe it would be better if Hector and Kelli Ann came with them. But that would mean David has to figure out how to stand up for Hector and talk to Kelli Ann. Some days, surviving nuclear war feels like the least of David's problems. show less

David Da-Wei Horowitz has a lot on his plate. Preparing for his upcoming bar mitzvah would be enough work even if it didn't involve trying to please his Jewish and Chinese grandmothers, who argue about everything. But David just wants everyone to be happy.

Clever story (with a lot of resonance for today) and engaging characters.