The Trouble with Secrets

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In this beautiful coming-of-age middle grade contemporary novel, a Jewish American girl preparing for her upcoming bat mitzvah tries to keep a secret—as well as one of her sister’s—from their parents, only for the unimaginable to happen.

Twelve-year-old Becky has great expectations placed upon her. Not only does she need to be as perfect as her older brother and sister, but her upcoming bat mitzvah needs to be perfect too. She is the rabbi’s daughter, after all. Trouble is, Becky’s good intentions often lead her astray. At least when she plays the flute, she feels like the best version of herself. Until playing the flute causes Becky to do something not so perfect: keep a secret from her parents.

Then Becky discovers that Sara, her “perfect” sister, has an even bigger secret. One that could turn the family upside down. But as Becky struggles to keep Sara’s secret, the unthinkable happens, and her world is shattered.

Becky would give anything to go back to how it was “before.” Before secrets were shared and promises were given. Before choices were made. And before doing the right thing became so wrong.

Naomi Milliner is the author of Super Jake and the King of Chaos and coeditor and contributor to On All Other Nights, a Passover anthology for middle grade readers. She created the Authors Book Club for her SCBWI chapter and has served on the Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads committee since 2009. Naomi enjoys mentoring children and adults, visiting schools (virtually or in-person), and reading everything she can get her hands on. She lives in Maryland with her family, countless books, and one very fuzzy cat. Visit her on Facebook and Twitter under Naomi Milliner and her blog at naomimilliner.wordpress.com.

“Heart-wrenching, emotional, compulsively readable. A touching, intimate exploration of universal themes of trust, conformity, and the impact of family dynamics.” -Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A moving, gorgeous, and life-affirming exploration of grief, faith, and how we can build ourselves a joyous life after everything seems to have fallen to pieces. This book will leave a handprint on your heart.” -Jeff Zentner, award-winning author of In the Wild Light “I was swept away by Naomi Milliner’s The Trouble With Secrets. A moving and heart-opening book, its story and characters are unforgettable. Milliner's intimate focus on love and loss in a close-knit Jewish family makes this a very universal story, written with tremendous grace. It is a beautiful novel that will appeal to readers of all backgrounds who have borne the weight of carrying secrets for too long.” -Ruth Behar, author of Pura Belpre Award winner Lucky Broken Girl and Newbery Honor winner Across So Many Seas “The Trouble With Secrets immediately captures the reader with a vivid, engaging cast of characters who will make their way into your heart and stay there. Becky is a protagonist to root for — flawed but goodhearted and full of love. Her journey to understand what is right and what matters is one that will resonate with readers and keep them turning pages all the way to the bittersweet finale.” -Mari Lowe, author of National Jewish Book Award and Sydney Taylor Book Award winner The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman and Sydney Taylor Book Award winner Aviva vs. the Dybbuk “Heartfelt. An intimate, unfiltered look at tragedy and grief in one contemporary family.” -Booklist

ISBN: 9780063311640
336 pages
8.3 in H | 5.5 in W | 0.8 lb Wt

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