Published: 2020
Author/Illustrator: Terri Libenson
Genres: Middle Grade Graphic Novel, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Audience: Grades 6–9
Number of Stars: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Goodreads Link: Becoming Brianna
Content Warnings: Religious questioning, limited bullying/insults.
Publisher’s Summary
Middle school is full of challenges, but for “brainy Bri,” the biggest one is just around the corner. Why did she ever agree to a Bat Mitzvah? It forces her to learn a new language, deliver a public speech, help organize a massive party, and juggle drama at school—all while she’d much rather stay out of the spotlight.
Told in alternating past and present chapters, Bri’s story unfolds over the eight months leading up to her big day. As the event inches closer, Bri begins to wonder if the stress, the Hebrew lessons, and the family expectations are actually worth it. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier, this is a heartwarming story about finding confidence and defining who you are.
Full Review
Becoming Brianna is a delightful middle-grade graphic novel that follows Brianna as she prepares for her Bat Mitzvah. Initially, Brianna agrees to the ceremony just to please her mother and honor a family tradition. However, she quickly realizes the immense effort required: learning Hebrew prayers after years away from Hebrew school, reading from the Torah, and writing a speech for a large audience.
The book uses a dual-timeline structure—one set during the actual Bat Mitzvah and party, and another starting eight months earlier to show the grueling preparation. I genuinely learned a lot about the Jewish faith; Libenson does a wonderful job of simplifying concepts and even provides a helpful “Bat Mitzvah glossary” at the end.
Beyond the religious elements, the book explores universal themes of identity and self-discovery. Brianna’s honest questioning of her faith and her struggle with the pressures of growing up make her incredibly relatable. Whether a student is navigating their own religious milestones or simply dealing with friendship conflicts, they will find Brianna’s journey to be an easy and enjoyable read.
✡️ Understanding the Mitzvah Journey
A Bat Mitzvah (for girls) or Bar Mitzvah (for boys) marks the transition into religious adulthood in the Jewish faith. It is not just a party; it is a year-long (or longer) commitment to study and community service.
The Challenges of Preparation
Brianna’s experience highlights the “behind-the-scenes” work that goes into this rite of passage:
| Component | Brianna’s Struggle | Skill Developed |
| Hebrew Lessons | Hasn’t attended Hebrew school in years; difficult to master a new alphabet. | Linguistic Perseverance: Learning to read and chant ancient texts. |
| D’var Torah (The Speech) | Anxiety over public speaking and finding a personal meaning in the text. | Critical Thinking: Interpreting historical scripture for a modern audience. |
| The Party/Event | Juggling family expectations and social drama with friends. | Social-Emotional Balance: Managing high-stakes family and peer events. |
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
- Social Studies (World Religions): Use the book to introduce Jewish traditions and terminology.
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Activity Idea: Use the glossary at the back of the book to create a “Traditions Match” game, helping students understand terms like Torah, Bimah, and Mazel Tov.
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- ELA (Dual Timelines): Analyze how the “Past” and “Present” chapters interact. How does knowing the “outcome” of the party change how we feel about Brianna’s struggles during her lessons?
- Health/Counseling (Self-Discovery): Brianna isn’t sure she believes everything she is learning. Discuss the importance of Intellectual Honesty. How can someone participate in a tradition while still asking hard questions about their own beliefs?
- Art/Visual Literacy: Terri Libenson uses different art styles to represent different characters in the Emmie & Friends series. Have students draw a “self-portrait” in two different styles: one representing how they feel when they are confident, and one representing how they feel when they are stressed.
