“A great read. I couldn’t put it down! I especially enjoyed the little touches of math that made Talia such a smart character. I love a good “smart girl” book – so important to create those kinds of role models!” ~Rabbi Phyllis Sommer

Thirteen-year-old Talia Shumacher is the only child of a wealthy Jewish couple known for their hospitality. As Talia becomes a teenager she finds her parents’ open-door policy grows irritating. When Gabrielle Markus, an eccentric twenty-three-year old ballet dancer shows up one day, Talia’s life is turned upside down. Convinced that Gabrielle is harboring a secret, Talia and her friends set out to uncover it. Along the way, Talia confronts the loneliness she feels as an only child living in an orthodox community that celebrates large families. In discovering Gabrielle’s secret, Talia discovers secrets about herself and her parents. Talia’s gift for math and her unusual way of thinking about numbers is woven into the story along with themes of friendship, individuality, and acceptance. Ages 9-14

” I loved this book! This book made me think more about being Jewish…It made me feel like Talia was talking right to me. It also made me feel like she was including me in all of her conversations.” “This book was so incredible! It taught me more about Judaism, and also about not taking what you have for granted. It made feel so grateful for my three siblings. I’m never alone! And if you are an only child, this book can help you realize the positive sides of that, and also give you ideas about what you can do in order to never feel lonely… This book is such a great read!” PJ Library Our Way Kid Reviews

Amazon

Kindle

Nook Ebook

YM Books, 2010

Paperback

322 pages

ISBN 978-0984162420