How to Find What You’re Not Looking For book cover
6 - 8
Sydney Taylor Book Award Medal Winner! Scroll down for the FREE discussion guide and author activity video!

How to Find What You’re Not Looking For

By Veera Hiranandani

New historical fiction from a Newbery Honor–winning author about how middle schooler Ariel Goldberg’s life changes when her big sister elopes following the 1967 Loving v. Virginia decision, and she’s forced to grapple with both her family’s prejudice and the antisemitism she experiences, as she defines her own beliefs.

Twelve-year-old Ariel Goldberg’s life feels like the moment after the final guest leaves the party. Her family’s Jewish bakery runs into financial trouble, and her older sister has eloped with a young man from India following the Supreme Court decision that strikes down laws banning interracial marriage. As change becomes Ariel’s only constant, she’s left to hone something that will be with her always–her own voice.

Educator Resources

  • Discussion and Learning Guide

    Download

State Awards

Recommended reading lists from your state's teacher or librarian associations!
  • Georgia
    • Georgia Children's Book Award
  • Connecticut
    • All Connecticut Reads
  • California
    • California Young Reader Medal

Subscribe to our newsletter

Enter your email and date of birth

Month
Day
Year

By clicking Subscribe, I agree to receive news and updates from Penguin Random House about Michelle Obama. I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime.

Sorry, but we are unable to process your request at this time.

Thanks for subscribing!