FOR THE REST OF US

This diverse compilation of 13 short stories explores different holidays and celebrations and includes contributions from a broad range of noted authors for young people.

In her editor’s note, Adler invites teens to “enjoy the tastes, sounds, sights, and meanings behind the days most special to us and our loved ones” and describes her desire to broaden the range of holiday-themed literature. Some of the tales are humorous and playful in tone, like Katherine Locke’s “Merry Chrismukkah, Loser,” in which Noa and Jordan, two Jewish girls who are longtime frenemies, hold a competition to see whether Hanukkah or Christmas (Jordan’s mom is Christian) has a better aesthetic, in the process mending their rift. Other entries are more somber in tone, with characters experiencing family tensions, loss, or racism. In Sonora Reyes’ “Honor the Dead To Honor the Living,” Yesenia is living with schizoaffective disorder. She uses an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos to honor the prima and tíos who have passed. They had secret struggles she feels connected to, but her Mami and Abuela aren’t ready to speak about them openly. This carefully curated collection conveys emotional depth and sincerity through its authentic voices. The entries move through the calendar year, covering Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Holi, Nowruz, Eid, Passover, Juneteenth, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Diwali, Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa.

Equity-minded, heartfelt, and deeply personal.