Aviva vs. the Dybbuk

Aviva vs. the Dybbuk

Mari Lowe

Levine Querido, 2022

171 pages

Grades 5-7

Mystery

   Eleven-year-old Aviva has lived in the little apartment connected to her community shul's mikvah, where her mother serves as caretaker since her father's death. Ever since Aba's passing five years before, Ema is reluctant to leave the safety of the apartment and mikvah, virtually fading before Aviva's eyes. Further complications arise from a mythological unsettled spirit or Dybbuk, who resides in the mikvah wrecking havoc. When the school's Bas Mitzvah celebration is changed to accommodate Aviva's Family situation, her classmates are resentful. A bitter encounter with former best friend Kayla forces the two girls to plan the Bas Mitzvah Bash together as punishment. Reconnecting with Kayla moves from awkward to fun, as the girls join forces to track down the Dybbuk, discovering secret areas of the shul. As the Dybbuk's behavior worsens, Aviva and Kayla try to expel him, which is not an easy task. The plot reaches a crescendo at the anticipated Bas Mitzvah Bash, when other forces demonstrate that the community has bigger problems to worry about than a mischievous Dybbuk.

   This title is another book that is showing up on a lot of "best of the year" lists. It is beautifully written, has well realized characters, and a great storyline with surprises along the way and themes of social significance. Unfortunately, it is another book that kids will not pick up on their own and will require handselling. Aviva is a relatable and sympathetic character who must deal with a agoraphobic and depressed mother, being a social piranha with her peers, and keeping a mischievous dybbuk out of trouble. It is a big load! Relief comes in the form of kind adults both from the community and her school and, eventually, reconnecting with a friend. Readers will wonder about the truth behind the Dybbuk and this plotline, as well as others, including the truth behind the death of Aba are satisfactorily answered. The importance of community is a big theme in current middle grade fiction and this title demonstrates it in a crucial way. The action takes a serious turn, as hate-crimes against Jewish communities are demonstrated, making me very upset as I read. It gave me pause to realize that this is the second book this year that I have encountered dealing with violence against Jews in neighboring New York State. Jewish terms are explained at the back of the book, making it accessible to those outside the culture. Though this was a very sad story and hard to read at times, it is ultimately hopeful, healing, and beautifully written.