SAM I AM
by Ilene Cooper
Scholastic Press
ISBN: 0439439671
Ages 9-12
252 pages

The trouble all started for twelve-year-old Sam Goodman the day the family dog, Pluto, knocked over the Hanukkah bush. With a Jewish father and a Christian mother, Sam has grown up in a family with mixed religions. Rather than learn about each religion fully, his parents decide to let their children choose their faiths when they are old enough.

After the destruction of the Hanukkah bush (his parents' compromise, created as a mixture of both of their faiths), the Goodmans decide to try something different this year. Since Hanukkah and Christmas Eve fall on the same day, a dual celebration is planned. Both grandmothers join the family for dinner and gift exchanging. Unfortunately, the evening does not go as swiftly as planned. Sam wonders what all the fuss is about religion and why people keep fighting over it.

Sam’s best friend Avi is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah, and Sam wonders why no one ever asked him if he wanted to be Bar Mitzvah-ed. In his confusion, he starts talking to God but finds that God doesn't answer back. Instead, Sam has to figure out the answers on his own.

Reminiscent of ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET by Judy Blume, SAM I AM tells an important story that is common in many families today. Author Ilene Cooper uses humor and warmth to explore the relationships between Sam and his family, but she doesn't forget to also include the other trials and tribulations that typical twelve-year-olds face.

   --- Reviewed by Kristi Olson (zooey24@yahoo.com)

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