Ain’t It Funny
Written by Margaret Gurevich
Published by Penguin Workshop
Eleven-year-old Maya’s life is bit of a mess. Her dad just moved out to pursue his stand-up comedy dreams, her mom seems more preoccupied with running the family’s Russian deli than getting Dad back, and Maya’s anxiety and germ worries have only been heightening. Her grandma always tells her “slozi goryu ne pomozhet”—tears won’t help sorrow—but right now it’s hard to be strong.
So when her teacher Ms. Banta announces the sixth-grade talent show, Maya sees an opportunity. If she can perform stand-up comedy in the show, she can prove to her mom and dad that comedy has a place in all their lives and try to bring them together again. But conquering her fears amidst her family falling apart and a growing hot-hot-hot feeling inside is easier said than done…
In this authentic novel full of both humor and heartbreak, Margaret Gurevich crafts a story about comedy, fractured family, and learning how strength comes in many forms.
Primary ISBN: 9780593659434
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 09 or older
Community Represented: Russian/Russian American
Themes: Arts, Coming of Age, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Food, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Audiobook, Generation: 2nd, Generational Differences, Mental Health, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Jewish, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Illness
Setting: United States (New Jersey)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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