A World Worth Saving

A transgender teen and a golem aim to dismantle a supernaturally evil conversion therapy program in this satisfying horror-tinged novel by Lukoff (Different Kinds of Fruit). After 14-year-old A Izenson comes out as trans, his Jewish parents force him to attend Save Our Sons and Daughters, a “support group” that’s coercing participating members into backing a politician’s crusade against gender affirming healthcare. When agender Yarrow, A’s closest friend in the group, stops attending meetings—ostensibly to undergo further “treatment”—A’s attempts to uncover Yarrow’s whereabouts lead him to discovering a golem made of trash that claims A must save the world from a growing evil. With the help of an understanding rabbi, A learns more about banishing sheydim, Jewish demons that seem to be possessing the most ardent anti-trans folks he’s encountered. But as A’s search for Yarrow becomes entangled with his mythical calling, he realizes that the challenges are too great to face alone. This superb fantastical adventure tackles serious real-world problems faced by queer youth via unique interpretations of Jewish mysticism that, paired with A’s powerfully raw emotional journey, further flesh out the thrilling plot. Most characters cue as white. Ages 10–14. (Feb.)