Mira in the Present Tense
Originally published in the UK as Artichoke Hearts, this book tells the story of Mira Levenson, half Jewish and half Indian, who is trying to make sense of her changing life. Mira’s period starts on her twelfth birthday, a fact she is reluctant to reveal to either her mother or her best friend. In fact, she finds herself becoming more secretive in general. A crush blossoms into a first romance, which she also tries to hide. Mira keeps a diary for her writing class, and there she is completely honest, particularly about her beloved Nana Josie, who is “busy dying at the moment.” As she helps her Nana paint her casket, say good-bye to beloved places, and eventually move into a hospice, Mira notices how “the whole of life is in slow motion.” This is a gentle coming-of-age story built around a heartbreaking event. Mira, a compelling narrator with an artist’s eye for detail, benefits from a lifetime surrounded by people who love her. Her story resonates with truth (despite the secrets) and joy (despite the sorrow.) Grades 5-8. --Kara Dean