Evie is teased by other middle-school girls at her Jewish private school because of her parents’ work: They run a funeral parlor, work that Evie is interested in pursuing someday. She meets Oren when her parents ask her to sit with him while they help his uncle plan the service for Oren’s parents, who were killed in a car accident. Evie doesn’t know what to say to Oren, but Oren isn’t interested in talking; in fact, he hasn’t talked since the accident. Oren’s uncle later arranges for Oren, who is Evie’s age, to spend summer days at Evie’s. Evie talks enough for the both of them (a trait she is aware of but can’t easily curb), and they text to communicate. The two develop something that isn’t, Evie insists, a friendship, because she’s sworn off friends. Oren’s fascination with what happens at the funeral parlor is one way he’s starting to process his grief, but it’s spending time with Evie and her family, for whom talking about feelings and providing comfort and support to the grieving may not be easy but is always something they’re willing to do, that has the biggest impact. Meanwhile, Evie discovers Oren is a true friend after all. Varied Jewish traditions and beliefs around life and death are an essential part of this story featuring two singular, quirkily realistic kids, both white, whose burgeoning friendship is a delight in a sometimes funny, always moving story. (Ages 9-13)

★ “A heartfelt and expertly written tale of loss, family, and friendship that will have readers blinking back their tears...Beautiful and sincere.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Evie Walman is not obsessed with death. She does think about it a lot, though, but only because her family runs a Jewish funeral home. At twelve, Evie already knows she’s going to be a funeral director when she grows up. So what if the kids at school call her “corpse girl” and say she smells like death? They’re just mean and don’t get how important it is to have someone take care of things when your world is falling apart. Evie loves dusting caskets, polishing pews, and vacuuming the chapel—and on funeral days, she dresses up and hands out tissues and offers her condolences to mourners. She doesn’t normally help her parents with the grieving families directly, until one day when they ask her to help with Oren, a boy who was in a horrific car accident that killed both his parents. Oren refuses to speak and Evie, who is nursing her own private grief, is determined to find a way to help him deal with his loss.

Praise for previous books by Joanne Levy:

“Levy's narrative is spot on.”—Booklist review for The Sun Will Come Out

“The story gives voice to the experience of Jewish preteens; chronic illness and disability are also sensitively tackled in this complex tale about difference, acceptance, and self-confidence. A heartfelt tear-jerker about love, friendship, and courage.”—Kirkus Reviews review for The Sun Will Come Out

“Uplifting, gentle...Exudes inter-generational warmth, family love, and friendship.”—Association of Jewish Libraries review for Fish Out of Water

“Though brief, this text masterfully connects the toxic masculinity to its roots in deep misogyny, making Fish a hero people of all genders can stand up and cheer for. All readers will appreciate this book’s nuanced messaging around gender roles and trusting yourself.”—Kirkus Reviews, review for Fish Out of Water