Books like Sam I am by Ilene Cooper

Alone in his twenties, Sam Goodman must navigate the complexities of living in a household where his Jewish father and Christian mother have struggled to honor both cultures. After a playful mishap with his dog topples a shared Hanukkah bush and Christmas tree, the simmering tensions in the Goodman family erupt. Sam’s older sister and younger brother seem helpless, but his best friend Avi, who is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah, and his secret crush Heather, each bring individual insight into what it means to cherish family while honoring personal identity. Together, the Goodman family confronts their resentments and learns to celebrate their shared values and traditions. The story explores the themes of identity, family life and interfaith reconciliation, while offering a heartfelt look at the joys and challenges of growing up amidst two distinct religious celebrations.

First publish date: 2004