Mendel the Mess-Up

Put Fiddler on the Roof and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in a blender, add a jigger or two of Seinfeld, and the result is this boisterous and affirming graphic novel. “Everything I do turns into a DISASTER!” bemoans the 12-year-old eponymous protagonist as he clumsily maneuvers his way through Lintvint, his financially struggling shtetl. He blames his inability to “be GOOD at something” on Starface Matja, the village witch who cursed Mendel’s pregnant mother for purchasing the last of a vendor’s wares. When murderous Cossacks invade Lintvint, Mendel becomes the last line of defense. But can a “mess-up” like Mendel save the day? According to Starface Matja—who, in a climactic apology, claims “I’ve always had poor impulse control” as the reason for her curse working—“the most effective curses are the ones we put on OURSELVES,” opening the door to limitless potential and personal introspection. LaBan (Edge City) skillfully unspools the jokes and fast-paced plot with broad cartooning reminiscent of classic Sunday comics and wraps it up with a triumphant depiction of a quintessential Jewish coming-of-age tradition. Back matter provides historical and religious context. Ages 8–12. (Dec.)