
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating the dual anxieties of social belonging and a blossoming first crush. It is particularly resonant for children who feel they are on the cusp of a big internal change but need the 'courage of a roller coaster rider' to face it. The story follows Dalia, a budding amusement park enthusiast, on a summer road trip that serves as a literal and metaphorical journey of self-discovery. As Dalia navigates her Jewish identity, a new blended family dynamic, and her realization that she is queer, the book provides a safe space for readers to explore their own evolving identities. It is a warm, secularly-grounded story that balances the thrill of adventure with the vulnerability of coming out. Parents will appreciate the healthy modeling of friendships and the realistic portrayal of pre-teen nerves, making it an excellent choice for fostering self-confidence and normalization of LGBTQ+ identities in a middle-grade context.
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Sign in to write a reviewAnxiety and physical sensations related to riding high-speed roller coasters.
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A 12-year-old who feels like they are the only person in their circle who hasn't 'figured it out' yet. This is for the child who finds comfort in niche hobbies and is looking for the courage to share their true self with their family for the first time.
This book can be read cold. It is a gentle, affirming story that models healthy communication. Parents may want to use the ending as a springboard to discuss how their own family handles big reveals and milestones. A parent might notice their child becoming more withdrawn or anxious about social groups, perhaps expressing fear about a specific upcoming life change like a new school year or a sibling leaving for college. They might hear their child say, 'I don't think I'm like everyone else.'
A 10-year-old will likely focus on the 'bravery' aspect of riding coasters and the fun of the road trip adventure. A 14-year-old will connect more deeply with the nuance of the 'coming out' narrative and the bittersweet reality of a sibling moving away.
Unlike many stories that center on the trauma of identity, this book is a celebration of 'queer joy.' It successfully weaves together Jewish cultural identity and queer identity without making them a source of conflict, using the visceral thrill of amusement parks as a perfect metaphor for the adrenaline of growing up.
Dalia is a roller coaster obsessive who joins her older brother on a road trip across several amusement parks before he leaves for college. Along for the ride are his new girlfriend and her friend Rani. What starts as a quest to conquer the world's most daunting coasters becomes a journey of self-discovery as Dalia navigates her Jewish identity, a changing family dynamic, and her growing feelings for Rani.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.