Things That Shimmer

  • Interest Level: Grade 3 - Grade 6
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

Praise for Things That Shimmer by Deborah Lakritz:

Sydney Taylor Notable Book

In the spring of 1973, Melanie Adler desperately wants to be accepted by the Shimmers, the popular kids in her class. But the secret of her mother’s PTSD stands in the way. As hard as she tries, Melanie can’t act as effortlessly confident and fun as the Shimmers. She’s convinced no one knows what it’s like to have a parent who’s afraid of everything—until Dorit Shoshani moves to town. Clever, independent Dorit understands Melanie’s home life thanks to her own family’s struggles. The girls become fast friends.

But when the Shimmers finally start to pay attention to Melanie, she’s torn between her bond with Dorit and her chance at popularity.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-7284-7626-1
$14.99
979-8-7656-1355-9
$24.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 3 - Grade 6
Reading Level Grade 3
Category Diverse Books: Immigration & Refugees, Diverse Books: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2024
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Kar-Ben Publishing ®
Language English
Number of Pages 272
Publication Date 2024-04-02
Text Type Fiction—Historical
BISACS JUV039060, JUV033020, JUV039240
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.25 x 7.5
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Awards, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Awards

  • Notable Award Sydney Taylor Notable Book, Short-listed, 2025

Reviews

The Horn Book Magazine

“A tale of friendship dynamics that doesn’t reach for easy resolutions or immediate forgiveness.”—The Horn Book Magazine

School Library Journal

“Young readers interested in historical fiction and tween friendship books will enjoy this novel.”—School Library Journal

Jewish Book Council

“A well-told sto­ry that will be savored by pre­teens and young peo­ple who find bits of them­selves in it.”—Jewish Book Council

Booklist

“Tender historical fiction, delving into the time between childhood and teenage years as well as sensitive family issues. Perceptive and engaging, this will be a catalyst for conversations; it belongs in all collections.”—Booklist

Association of Jewish Libraries

“This is a well-written and thoughtful coming-of-age novel suitable for public libraries, synagogue libraries, and school libraries.” – Assocation of Jewish Libraries