A coming-of-age novel follows Modern Orthodox Milla and her best friend Honey (both white) as they prepare for their bat mitzvahs and navigate the ups and downs of a school year. Milla and Honey have been best friends forever, but this year Honey will be attending Milla’s school for the first time. Initially ecstatic, Milla quickly finds it a challenge to navigate popular, outspoken Honey’s presence in her class. But outside of school, Milla still enjoys spending time with Honey’s large, loud family—so different from her own. Although she loves her cool, 25-year-old aunt Steph, Milla finds her mom too controlling and protective and longs to have more control over her own life and choices. In a year marked by friends’ bat mitzvah celebrations, the death of a beloved teacher, and a tense speech competition, Milla and Honey experience the push and pull of their relationship as they each begin to grow into their own individual selves. Honey makes the controversial decision to learn to chant Torah for her bat mitzvah, while Milla finds confidence in standing up for herself and opening up communication with her mother. In the end, each girl—and their friendship—comes out stronger in a slice-of-life tale strongly oriented around Jewish holidays and Modern Orthodox culture.  (Ages 9-13)

Fans of Judy Blume, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, and The Penderwicks will love this funny, charismatic story of a Jewish girl striving to forge her own identity in the shadow of her fearless best friend.

**A 2023 Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book!**

**A Kirkus Best Book of 2022**

* "Authentic, joyful, achingly real." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "An effortless story that is both widely relatable and culturally specific...highly recommended." - School Library Journal, starred review

Milla and Honey have been best friends since forever.

Milla envies Honey's confidence, her charisma, and her big, chaotic family-especially when they provide a welcome escape from Milla's own small family and quiet house. In their close-knit Jewish community, the two girls do everything together, from delivering meals to an ill-tempered elderly neighbor, to shopping at a local thrift store, celebrating the holidays, and going to their first bat mitzvahs while studying for their own.

So when Honey joins Milla's school for sixth grade, why is it not as great as Milla expected? Can their friendship survive all the ups and downs the year has in store for them? And will Milla ever find the courage to step out of Honey's shadow and into her own spotlight?

Charming, authentic, and wise, Honey and Me is a classic coming-of-age story filled with relatable middle school struggles, keen insight, and sparkling humor.