Written by Tracy Brown
Illustrated by Paula Wegman
Expected publication by Kalaniot Books: March 2, 2021
Review
I can't help but view new/forthcoming picture books in the context of the pandemic. It feels strange to read about a large family gathering, but refreshing to behold a new beginning, a joyous celebration, and a completely normal event. T certainly thought the wedding looked like fun!
Sarah's Solo is multifaceted, exploring themes of emotion, family, conflict, confidence, and celebration. The cover might look like it's a book for little ballerinas, but don't let that deceive you. Readers follow Sarah as she copes with missing her ballet recital to attend a relative's wedding. Just as weddings can stir a range of emotions in reality, so too does the wedding Sarah attends. Add to that a multidimensional character, and you have a satisfying read that reflects the experience of simultaneous disappointment, satisfaction, and joy. Spoiler alert: Sarah enjoys dancing at the wedding before she leaves. And T enjoys the book; he's requested it repeatedly.
While the focus in not on faith, Sarah's Solo incorporates the characters' Judaism organically. Just as one's faith need not be remarked on in real life, such is the presence of religion here; it's simply a matter of fact (evident through the wedding ceremony). T has been to one wedding: a Catholic one. It was interesting to compare what happens at a Jewish wedding with what happens at a Catholic one and recognize experiences he and Sarah shared.
I can't help but view new/forthcoming picture books in the context of the pandemic. It feels strange to read about a large family gathering, but refreshing to behold a new beginning, a joyous celebration, and a completely normal event. T certainly thought the wedding looked like fun!
Sarah's Solo is multifaceted, exploring themes of emotion, family, conflict, confidence, and celebration. The cover might look like it's a book for little ballerinas, but don't let that deceive you. Readers follow Sarah as she copes with missing her ballet recital to attend a relative's wedding. Just as weddings can stir a range of emotions in reality, so too does the wedding Sarah attends. Add to that a multidimensional character, and you have a satisfying read that reflects the experience of simultaneous disappointment, satisfaction, and joy. Spoiler alert: Sarah enjoys dancing at the wedding before she leaves. And T enjoys the book; he's requested it repeatedly.
While the focus in not on faith, Sarah's Solo incorporates the characters' Judaism organically. Just as one's faith need not be remarked on in real life, such is the presence of religion here; it's simply a matter of fact (evident through the wedding ceremony). T has been to one wedding: a Catholic one. It was interesting to compare what happens at a Jewish wedding with what happens at a Catholic one and recognize experiences he and Sarah shared.
The most obvious time to read Sarah's Solo is before a wedding, but I also recommend it for confronting disappointment in a healthy way. There was no one right answer to Sarah's problem, but she found a solution that was right for her (and those around her).
Note: A review copy was provided upon request for the purpose of an honest review.
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