So That Happened ... But Maybe You Already Knew That

“So That Happened…But Maybe You Already Knew That” by Tami Sussman follows Natalie, otherwise known as Nutty, as she learns that being a twelve-year-old is no piece of cake. Not only is she planning her Bat Mitzvah, but she is finding herself at more of a distance than ever from her longtime friend Avi, and wondering just where her Aunty Sarah is when she needs her most. Couple all of that with general family drama and the fact that her family has to move, and everything gets all that much more difficult—especially because Natalie is not one for change.

When Natalie finds herself able to be a part of a popular group of girls, she is eager for the chance, even if that means leaving her best friend, Avi, behind. She and Avi should be having their Bat Mitzvahs together, but Natalie has joined up with Shayna and some other friends, and they are not always the nicest to Avi. Natalie wants to fit in, but she sometimes wonders if the cost of doing so is really worth it.

Natalie’s family moving also throws her for a loop, and when her Aunty Sarah disappears and doesn’t stay in contact, Natalie worries. Aunty Sarah has always been there for her, and now that she’s not, Natalie isn’t quite sure what to do or how to do it. Her Bubi also ends up moving, and everybody seems to be finding themselves in new situations that are not what they expected, but which bring unintended positive consequences all around when each person finds a way to connect with their family and friends once again, despite the circumstances that they felt seemed threatening and disconcerting at first.

Tami Sussman’s novel is great for middle grade and other interested readers who want a look at how young adulthood can sometimes seem quite upside down, but if one looks hard enough, they can find how to make things right.