OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy

OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy

Walker & Co., May 10, 2011

Read for 2011 Debut Author Challenge

Summary from Goodreads:

Jewish girl. Christian camp. Holy moly. 

Ellie Taylor loves nothing better than a good argument. So when she gets accepted to the Christian Society Speech and Performing Arts summer camp, she's sure that if she wins the final tournament, it'll be her ticket to a scholarship to the best speech school in the country. Unfortunately, the competition at CSSPA is hot-literally. His name is Devon and, whether she likes it or not, being near him makes her sizzle. Luckily she's confident enough to take on the challenge-until she begins to suspect that the private scholarship's benefactor has negative feelings toward Jews. Will hiding her true identity and heritage be worth a shot at her dream? 

Debut author Amy Fellner Dominy mixes sweet romance, surprising secrets, and even some matzo ball soup to cook up a funny yet heartfelt story about an outspoken girl who must learn to speak out for herself.

This was a very sweet debut novel, one that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to younger teens. Ellie is a typical almost-freshman teenager—except that she argues for fun and because she loves it. She wants to take her debating skills as far as she can, and the Benedict School is where she knows she’ll excel. All she has to do is dazzle the pants off of the woman in charge of scholarships. Who might not be so fond of people of Jewish faith. And Ellie is Jewish. No problem!

This is a learning story. Ellie learns more about who she is and wants to be, as well as when it’s important to stand up for what you believe in, and why you should do that. This book also has a hint of romance and a strong sense of family, which can be refreshing after reading countless books about absent and/or drunk moms and/or dads. This is one of those books that will have you thinking about what you believe in, and why.

Borrowed book from the library.

Enjoy your reading!
Christi