Becoming Gershona

A parent might reach for this book when their pre-teen is starting to see the world in more complex shades of gray and beginning to question their own identity and family history. Set in Tel Aviv during Israel's 10th anniversary in 1958, twelve-year-old Gershona is navigating the universal experiences of a first crush and shifting friendships. Her world is gently upended by the arrival of a mysterious American cousin, whose presence uncovers a deeply held family secret about her parents' past and the Holocaust. This tender historical novel is perfect for ages 10 to 14. It provides a safe, thoughtful space to explore how understanding our family's past helps shape who we become, and opens the door for conversations about identity, grief, and the bittersweet process of growing up.