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• The Trouble with Secrets - 2024 Quill Tree Books, New York, NY
• On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories (edited by Chris Baron, Joshua S. Levy, and Naomi Milliner ; illustrated by Shannon Hochman) - 2024 Amulet Books, New York, NY
• Super Jake & The King of Chaos - 2019 RP Kids, Philadelphia, PA

• Naomi Milliner weblog - https://naomimilliner.wordpress.com/

  No bio.

• Amazon -

  Naomi Milliner is the author of Super Jake and the King of Chaos and coeditor and contributor to On All Other Nights, a Passover anthology for middle grade readers. She created the Authors Book Club for her SCBWI chapter and has served on the Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads committee since 2009. Naomi enjoys mentoring children and adults, visiting schools (virtually or in-person), and reading everything she can get her hands on. She lives in Maryland with her family, countless books, and one very fuzzy cat. Visit her on Facebook and Twitter under Naomi Milliner and her blog at naomimilliner.wordpress.com.

• Jewish Books For Kids…and More! - https://jewishbooksforkids.com/2025/05/26/interview-with-naomi-milliner-author-of-the-trouble-with-secrets/

  Interview with Naomi Milliner, author of THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS
  May 26, 2025
  In Naomi Milliner’s new middle grade novel THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS (Quill Tree Books, 2025), middle schooler Becky faces significant challenges when her personal goals don’t align with her father’s expectations. At the same time, her beloved older sister is harboring a secret, causing Becky to question whether she should help her sister or betray her trust. This thought-provoking story explores a realistic, imperfect family and their struggles in a sometimes painful but honest way. I look forward to learning more about THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS. Welcome, Naomi!

  In your new book, THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS, Becky had a problem. She wants to pursue her goal of trying out for an honors band, but her father, a rabbi, insists that she needs to prepare for her Bat Mitzvah, which will not leave time for her musical pursuits. This sets up a very “grey area” dilemma. Readers might think her dad is unfair, but others think Becky’s resulting decisions are unwise. What challenges did you face as a writer in creating this situation for Becky? How do you think readers will respond to Becky and her dad?

  It was definitely challenging! I wanted to make both Becky and her father sympathetic, and likable, but had to risk making them both unlikable because of the decisions they made. I hope that readers relate to Becky, but also understand where her dad is coming from. Either way, I think both characters change, and are changed by, their choices, and that they come to understand each other’s point of view.

  Naomi Milliner
  Becky’s sister also has a secret from her parents. As a reader, I find it compelling that this is a loving family with flaws like all families, yet honesty seems to be such a struggle. Can you share some thoughts about that?

  That’s an excellent point. I think all the characters in this book are fundamentally good people, and that Becky’s family is close-knit. However, as she explains early on, because her dad is a rabbi, the congregants are always watching. He has to be careful what he says and does (even eats!). “Trouble was, they were always watching the rest of us, too…”

  I think because Becky and her entire family live under the pressure of constantly being scrutinized and judged, she and Sara feel like they’re forced to keep some things hidden.

  You have a unique time frame that allows the reader to experience Becky’s full range of experiences and emotions. Was this the structure you planned from the beginning, or something that grew out of the revision process?

  It was always divided into two parts (it was originally Before and After, but as I revised, it morphed into Before and Now). But the short “now” pieces interspersed in Part One evolved later. I added them for two reasons: first, and more importantly, I wanted to let readers know that, while Part One is mostly fun and filled with everyday goings-on, Something Bad Is Coming. I wanted to warn them so they wouldn’t feel completely blindsided when the tragedy does happen. Second, I hoped the dramatic, somewhat ominous, nature of the “Now” sections might generate curiosity and suspense!

  What were your thoughts when you saw the cover illustration?

  I loved it! The beautiful artwork, by the talented Violet Tobacco, includes every element I hoped for: the two sisters; the two secrets (represented by Becky’s flute and Sara’s hidden necklace); a picture of Becky and her best friend, Nipa; and even the plastic stars-covered ceiling.

  Throughout the novel, Becky experiences love, loss, personal pain, and growth and healing. What do you hope young readers take away from Becky’s story?

  I hope readers who have already experienced loss will feel seen and, if possible, find hope that – like Becky – they can also experience joy again. And for readers who have not yet suffered loss, maybe they will be more compassionate towards those who have, and maybe even be a little more prepared when they do experience it themselves. I hope that everyone who reads SECRETS will take away that, even when the worst thing happens, they can and will get through it.

  Thank you, Naomi!

  Naomi Milliner is the author of Super Jake and the King of Chaos and coeditor and contributor to On All Other Nights, a Passover anthology for middle grade readers. She created the Authors Book Club for her SCBWI chapter and has served on the Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads committee since 2009. Naomi enjoys mentoring children and adults, visiting schools (virtually or in-person), and reading everything she can get her hands on. She lives in Maryland with her family, countless books, and one very fuzzy cat. Visit her on Facebook and Twitter under Naomi Milliner and her blog at naomimilliner.wordpress.com.

• Pop! Goes the Reader - https://popgoesthereader.com/interview-naomi-milliner-author-of-the-trouble-with-secrets/

  Interview: Naomi Milliner, Author of The Trouble With Secrets
  April 22, 2025
  Leave a comment

  Please Note: I received a digital review copy of The Trouble with Secrets and was monetarily compensated in exchange for composing and hosting an interview with the author. This compensation in no way affected my opinions.

  Title The Trouble With Secrets
  Author Naomi Milliner
  Intended Target Audience Middle Grade
  Genre Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  Publication Date April 8th 2025 by Quill Tree Books
  Find It On Goodreads ● Amazon ● Chapters ● Blackwell’s ● Barnes & Noble ● IndieBound

  A Jewish girl preparing for her upcoming bat mitzvah tries to keep a secret — along with one of her sister’s — in this beautiful coming-of-age contemporary novel that explores change, grief, and the complexities of sibling relationships.

  Twelve-year-old Becky has great expectations placed upon her. Not only does she need to be as perfect as her older brother and sister, but her upcoming bat mitzvah needs to be perfect, too. She is the rabbi’s daughter, after all. The trouble is, Becky’s intentions often lead her astray. At least when she plays the flute, she feels like the best version of herself. Until playing the flute causes Becky to do something not so perfect: keep a secret from her parents.

  Then Becky discovers that Sara, her “perfect” sister, has an even bigger secret. One that could turn the family upside down. The sisters couldn’t be more ready to keep each other’s secret safe…until the excitement turns to guilt, and Becky is forced to make an impossible choice.

  When secrets are shared and choices are made, doing the right thing can feel so wrong. And Becky will learn that actions, no matter how well intended, always have consequences.

  Naomi Milliner

  Naomi Milliner is the author of Super Jake and The King of Chaos and coeditor and contributor to On All Other Nights, a Passover anthology for middle grade readers. She created the Authors Book Club for her SCBWI chapter and has served on the Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads committee since 2009. Naomi enjoys mentoring children and adults, visiting schools (virtually or in-person), and reading everything she can get her hands on. She lives in Maryland with her family, countless books, and one very fuzzy cat.

  Author Links: Website ● Twitter ● Goodreads

  1. The Trouble With Secrets is your third story written for a middle grade audience, following your debut novel, Super Jake & The King of Chaos, and a short story contribution to On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration In 14 Stories. What are some of your favourite things about writing for this age group? Are there any unique challenges in writing for a middle grade audience?

  My favorite thing about writing for middle grade is the readers themselves: they are The Best! They’re old enough, and open enough, to read stories that span a tremendous range of topics: funny or exciting superhero capers; heartwarming tales of family or friendship; thought-provoking coming-of-age stories; and sad, powerful stories about things like racism or the Holocaust. Yet, whatever the topic, I feel it’s a privilege and a responsibility to write for them. I try to be honest, gentle and kind.

  2. One of the many things I loved about the book was Becky’s close and loving relationship with her siblings. Siblings are commonly portrayed as adversaries or annoyances, so it was wonderful to see them genuinely want to spend time together and act as an unwavering support system for one another. Can you speak a little about this element of the story? Why was it important for you to present Becky’s family in this way?

  Thank you! I think all of my stories feature loving, supportive families. I was fortunate to have been born into such a family, and hopefully my husband and I created the same for our sons. Beyond that, though, it was important in Super Jake because I wanted to show that a special needs child is just as “special” and lovable as everyone else in the family. In Secrets, it was important to establish the loving, happy “Before” (Part One) of Becky’s family to appreciate the enormity of what was lost in Part Two (Now).

  3. Becky privately struggles with feelings of inferiority in comparison with her older siblings, who she feels are infinitely more talented and capable. In addition to being deeply relatable, I appreciated how this aspect of the story demonstrated how much easier it is to identify and appreciate other people’s talents and strengths in comparison to our own. In addition to being an accomplished flautist, Becky is brave, ambitious, tenacious and a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend. In honour of Becky and embracing what makes us special, what are some of your strengths and/or things you love about yourself? Do you have any advice for readers struggling to recognize and celebrate their own accomplishments?

  Wow; that’s a great question! I guess one characteristic I share with Becky – and probably everyone in the creative arts – is tenacity. Whether it’s writing, music, singing, acting, ballet, painting…perseverance is key. I like to think another of my strengths is finding friends and connecting people. Writing is such a solitary profession, that celebrating and commiserating with other writers is incredibly rewarding and satisfying.

  As for readers struggling to recognize and celebrate their own accomplishments, I think of the way I often sign copies of Super Jake (which features an 11-year-old magician on the cover), which is: Find the magic in you. I believe 100% that each of us has a story (or two!) to tell, and each of us has something to contribute. My advice is to find what you love, and find someone else who loves it, too. Don’t be afraid to go after your dreams!

  4. The final third of the novel offers a heart-wrenching and empathetic exploration of the grieving process as Becky grapples with the sudden and unexpected death of someone dear to her, a loss which shakes the foundation of both her family and her faith. In doing so, you offer young readers experiencing a similar loss a safe space in which to explore and validate their feelings. In the past, there has been a great deal of discussion surrounding the appropriateness of difficult subject matter for middle grade readers, particularly in regard to ‘grief books’. What are your thoughts on the subject?

  Long before I experienced a profound, shattering loss of my own, I read so many books that dealt with loss! My favorite was/is Louisa May Alcott’s classic, Little Women. The death of Jo’s beloved sister, Beth (based on the death of her own sister), and Jo’s journey from devastation to happiness, touched me deeply. Unfortunately, death is an inevitable part of life. I feel it’s a disservice to pretend otherwise to any age reader. But – again – I think it’s paramount that any and all exploration of grief and loss is handled with sensitivity and care.

  5. Keeping secrets and the consequences of doing so are a prevalent theme throughout the novel. For example, Becky lies about having her parent’s permission to audition for the Junior All County Honors Band and forges her mother’s signature in order to do so. What would you say to a young reader who has a secret of their own and is struggling to know if, or how, they should reveal it?

  Another great question, Jen! I would suggest they seriously consider the pros and cons of keeping, or revealing, their secret. Would – or could – someone be hurt by keeping it? By revealing it? And, of course, if safety or health is involved, always tell!

  6. Becky’s Judaism is a significant part of the story and obviously an important part of her character. I absolutely loved being given a glimpse into her family’s beliefs and practices, particularly in relation to her preparation for and complicated feelings about her bat mitzvah. When she experiences the unexpected death of someone important to her, Becky’s faith is understandably shaken and she reflects “I’ve been thinking about faith a lot lately. It’s easy to have…until you really need it. And hard to find once it’s gone.” What does faith, either religious or otherwise, mean to you?

  You chose my favorite passage! As someone who, like Becky, suffered a devastating loss, I myself struggled with faith. It took a lot of time, soul-searching, talking and reading to find my way back… kind of like Becky does. Faith is no longer something I take for granted.

  7. One of the most moving underlying messages of the novel appears to me to be an emphasis on the power and Importance of art, both in regard to the act of creating it and in art’s ability to inspire, uplift and connect. This message resonated with me deeply, as I have found escape, solace and comfort in books more than ever recently as we navigate an uncertain and challenging period in history. Is there a particular piece of music, writing or other form of art that has had a significant and/or positive impact in your own life?

  I can’t think of a specific book or movie, but anything that is about someone overcoming a struggle (illness, death of a loved one, suicide attempt, or fighting incredible odds to survive in historic fiction, or non-fiction) moves and inspires me. I think reading about other people’s struggles and challenges, and seeing how they overcome them, is crucial for everyone.

  8. From pursuing one’s passions and the importance of telling the truth to navigating an unexpected loss and the grieving process, you cover a number of subjects I have no doubt are relevant to and will resonate deeply with young readers. What do you hope readers will take away from the novel?

  Thank you! I hope readers who have lost a loved one will know they are not alone, and that (as Becky comes to discover), they will get through this loss, and experience joy again. And I hope that all readers will cherish and appreciate their family and friends a little more – and maybe even let them know it!

• Writer's Rumpus - https://writersrumpus.com/2025/03/18/how-to-stay-in-your-lane-and-still-write-the-novel-you-want/

  How to “Stay in your lane” – and Still Write the Novel You Want
  March 18, 2025 Alumni & Guests Book Reviews, Book Reviews - Middle Grade, Inspiration, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing - Middle Grade & Young Adult 4 comments
  Guest Post by Naomi Milliner

  After my first middle grade novel, Super Jake & the King of Chaos, debuted in 2019, I was asked to “stay in my lane” for the foreseeable future. In other words, continue to write for that age group. The reason behind this was that the alleged hordes of middle grade readers who devoured Super Jake would be hungry for more of my books.

  Well.

  Far be it for me to disappoint them! Besides, I genuinely do love that age group, whether it’s visiting their classrooms, reading their books, or writing them myself.

  The trouble was I enjoyed reading and writing books for young adult readers as well. Not to mention that I’d already penned three completed YA novels, and was really quite fond of them all.

  Still, always anxious to please, I wrote and submitted another middle grade novel which was promptly submitted to an editor or two… and just as promptly rejected. Soon after, it was placed on hold. Indefinitely.

  “Write something else,” I was told.

  “Actually,” I replied. “I have some YA novels that are ready to – ”

  “Stay in your lane…”

  Oh. Right.

  So I dutifully – longingly – waited for inspiration of the middle grade variety to strike. The trouble was, I couldn’t forget those YA novels and their characters, who had already buried themselves deep in my imagination. And my heart.

  One of the books that refused to be ignored featured a free-spirited 17-year-old and her 19-year-old brother. Other members of their close-knit family included the father, who was a rabbi, and their younger sister, 12-year-old Becky.

  Wait…

  Twelve-year-old? As in, middle grade?

  What if it became her story instead?

  It was definitely an intriguing possibility.

  And so I gave Becky her very own storyline (suitable for middle grade readers), along with a first-person voice, a best friend, and a Big Secret.

  Then I gave the older sister from the YA iteration another Big Secret to raise the stakes further. I also added a younger brother, so I could play around with Becky in the new role of big sister and give her more choices and responsibilities.

  Did it work? You can find out for yourself. My newest middle grade novel, The Trouble with Secrets (Quill Tree/HarperCollins) comes out April 8, 2025.

  Ultimately, it’s not for me to say whether “stay in your lane” is good advice or not; there are so many variables. Some authors write everything from picture book to young adult, and do it all without missing a beat. Others choose to stay in their lane because it’s the best fit for them.

  In the end, it’s less about staying in your lane and more about telling the story you want – maybe even need – to write, and writing it the best way you can. I like to think your readers will find you. To paraphrase Field of Dreams: if you write it, they will come.

  The bottom line is, there’s more than one way to tell the story you want. It’s up to you to find the best one.

  Naomi Milliner is the author of Super Jake & the King of Chaos (Running Press Kids) and the forthcoming The Trouble with Secrets (Quill Tree/HarperCollins), as well as coeditor and contributor of On All Other Night, which was chosen as a Junior Library Guild Selection. She created the Author Book Club for her SCBWI chapter, served on The Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads Committee since 2009, and enjoys mentoring both children and adults. Naomi lives in Olney, MD with her family, too many books to count, and one very fuzzy cat.Super Jake.JPGBy Naomi Milliner

• Writer's Rumpus - https://writersrumpus.com/2019/05/31/the-perks-and-perils-of-write-what-you-know/

  The Perks – and Perils – of “Write What You Know”
  May 31, 2019 Alumni & Guests Inspiration, Writing, Writing - Tools, Tips & Resources 4 comments
  By Naomi Milliner

  If I had a dollar (okay, maybe a hundred) for every time someone advised, “Write what you know,” I could buy a mansion… or at least a comfy townhouse in the poorer part of town. Not only that; it must be good advice because my debut middle grade novel is based on people and events in my life. So I know them very well indeed. And yet…

  It took sixteen years for SUPER JAKE & THE KING OF CHAOS to be published. Turns out writing what you know can be harder than you think. At least, it was for me. Let’s give a few examples.

  In real life, the names of my three sons began with the letter “J.” When the characters’ names also began with “J,” I was told it was “too confusing.”
  In real life, my youngest son, Jake, had special needs and worked with five therapists, one each day, Monday through Friday. For the story, I was told that was way too many.
  In real life, there was no actual antagonist – so I had to create one.
  There were other changes too, and one was monumental – but revealing it here would give too much away. You’ll just have to take my word for it… or read the book.

  Still, the real problem was this: What I knew wasn’t enough. What I knew was a young boy with severe brain damage. In my heart, this book was always about Jake. But it wasn’t a memoir; it was middle grade fiction.

  It took many critiques over many years for me to understand that my 11-year-old hero, Ethan, needed his own storyline. It was Ethan’s story, not Jake’s. It wasn’t a story about a boy with special needs, or a boy whose brother had special needs. It was about a boy with hopes and dreams and struggles of his own – who happened to have a brother with special needs. When I look back now, it seems more of a “duh” moment than a “ah-ha!” epiphany.

  I think this is the downside of “write what you know.” There were countless times in my critique group when any one of us said to another, “That doesn’t make sense,” or “That’s really hard to believe.” And the writer under fire always responded, “But that’s what happened in real life!”

  Lesson learned the hard way: just because something “really happened” doesn’t make it believable in a fictional world. Just because telling Jake’s story was foremost in my mind when I started writing it, didn’t make it his story. And just because I knew my subject matter inside and out, didn’t mean I knew the best way to tell it.

  So for what it’s worth, here’s my advice: Write what you know, then figure out what you don’t. Leave enough of what’s real to keep it honest and authentic, but add enough fiction to turn it into a real story.

  Naomi Milliner has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s in Screenwriting from USC Film School. As a long-time member of SCBWI, she created the Authors Book Club (ABC) for published authors and illustrators to share their journey with other members. She has also served on the Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads Committee since 2009. Super Jake & the King of Chaos is her first novel, and is inspired by her family. She lives in Maryland, with her husband and sons, and two ridiculous felines

• KidLit 411 - https://www.kidlit411.com/2019/04/author-spotlight-naomi-milliner.html

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  Author Spotlight
  naomi milliner
  Author Spotlight: Naomi Milliner

  April 26, 2019

  We are excited to feature MG author Naomi Milliner and her debut book, SUPER JAKE AND THE KING OF CHAOS, illustrated by Erwin Madrid (Running Press Kids; pub date: May 7, 2019).

  Enter to win a copy!

  cover illustration ©Erwin Madrid

  Tell us about yourself and how you came to write for kids.

  Well, I was too short to play basketball; too uncoordinated to be a ballerina; too squeamish to be a surgeon; and too self-conscious to be an actress. Besides, everyone knows what an easy, lucrative and glamorous career writing children’s books is!

  Okay, the truth is I’ve always loved writing: short stories, bad poetry, plays, screenplays… when I became a mom, I discovered writing for children was my sweet spot.

  Congrats on your book, SUPER JAKE AND THE KING OF CHAOS. Tell us about it and what inspired you.

  Thanks so much! My novel, which is thematically similar to RULES and WONDER, is about 11-year-old Ethan, an aspiring magician with 2 younger brothers, the youngest of whom (Jake) is severely brain-damaged. Although Ethan is devoted to Jake, sometimes it's hard to believe in magic when his brother can't walk, talk, or even reach out.

  SUPER JAKE was inspired by the the youngest of my three sons: the original Super Jake. Due to an amniocentesis gone catastrophically wrong, Jake was born with severe brain damage. We were told he was blind and deaf, and that “babies like him didn’t make it past their first birthday.” Luckily, it turned out none of that was true. It is true that Jake had many limitations; but the love and joy he gave was without limits. A few weeks after he died at 28 months, I wrote the first draft – for three reasons:
  So his brothers (7 and 11 at the time) would remember him;
  because, as a writer, capturing his life on paper was the best coping mechanism I knew; and if it ever did get published, other people could read about Jake and discover how special he was… and together, perhaps he and I might foster a little more compassion and understanding.

  Was your road to publication long and windy, short and sweet, or something in between?

  Considering the first draft was written in 2003…. I think you have your answer. ☺

  What projects are you working on now?

  I have completed a middle grade book about a girl named Daisy and her misadventures, and a YA SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS wannabe. I’m also itching to return to my screenwriting roots and work on a rom-com I’ve been thinking about for awhile now. It will star Tom Hiddleston (he just doesn’t know it. Yet.)

  Favorite classic MG novels?

  LITTLE WOMEN, THE GIVER, TOM SAWYER.

  Favorite recent ones?

  If I listed all the outstanding 2019 middle grade debuts, we would run out of space! I will settle for giving a shout-out for a few that made me smile and cry, since that’s what I hope SUPER JAKE does, too: PLANET EARTH IS BLUE by Nicole Panteleakos; THE MIRACULOUS by Jess Redman; CATERPILLAR SUMMER by Gillian McDunn; THE SIMPLE ART OF FLYING by Cory Leonardo; and ALL OF ME by Chris Baron.

  What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

  A) Join SCBWI and go to conferences whenever, and wherever, you can.

  B) Join, or form, a critique group.

  C) Enter as many Pitch Wars contests as you can.

  D) Read. Read. Read.

  E) Find a rich spouse, patron or friend to support you, or buy a lot of Lottery tickets.

  But, most of all:

  F) Don’t. Give. Up.

  What is one thing most people don't know about you?

  I am obsessed with Mah Jongg. Also word games on my phone. And Food Network.

  Where can people find you online?

  You can find me:

  On Twitter: @NaomiMilliner

  My blog: naomimilliner.wordpress.com (you can also read more about Jake, and Jake’s Garden, there).

  Naomi is a long-time member of SCBWI, and has served on the Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads Committee since 2009. She lives in Maryland with her husband, sons, and two ridiculous cats.

  I am gratefully repped by Liza Fleissig of Liza Royce Agency.

MILLINER, Naomi. Super Jake and the King of Chaos. 288p. Running Pr. May 2019. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780762466153.

Gr 4-7--Ethan is an aspiring magician who has been practicing magic since fifth grade and performs for children's birthday parties. He has two younger brothers: Freddie, who can be annoying, and two-year-old Jake, who was born with a neurological disorder. He loves his family, but sometimes feels that life isn't always fair with a brother whose needs consume the family. Ethan wants to perform in front of a real audience and maybe even meet his hero, Magnus the Magnificent. His dreams have the possibility of coming true when he learns about a competition in Atlantic City. He begs his parents to let him attend. They finally agree and then Jake falls gravely ill. His parents are at the hospital for days, so Freddie and Ethan are shuttled to and from their grandparent's, neighbor's, and friend's. There is a great support system for the family as they endure this stressful period. Ethan's mother arranges for a neighbor to accompany Ethan to the competition. He performs perfectly and makes it to the finals. When he calls home to let everyone know, he gets devastating news. Jake has had a setback and no one is sure he will survive. Ethan is torn. Should he finish the competition and possibly have his dreams come true? Or does he go home to support his baby brother? Readers will feel his frustration and fear while rooting for this loving family. Back matter includes instructions for performing some of the magic tricks that are mentioned in the novel. VERDICT A strong family story for realistic middle grade fiction shelves.--Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY

Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2019 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Herbert, Annette. "MILLINER, Naomi. Super Jake and the King of Chaos." School Library Journal, vol. 65, no. 3, Apr. 2019, pp. 72+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A581175268/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=4e24528b. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

Milliner, Naomi SUPER JAKE & THE KING OF CHAOS Running Press (Children's Fiction) $16.99 5, 7 ISBN: 978-0-7624-6615-3

An aspiring magician in Maryland must balance performing with caring for his baby brother, disabled due to brain damage, who's based on Milliner's son.

Eleven-year-old Ethan Miller loves magic. Having honed his tricks at birthday parties with his puckish 7-year-old brother, Freddy, as his assistant, Ethan's determined to compete at Magic Fest in Atlantic City; the winner gets to meet his hero, Magnus the Magnificent! Unfortunately, getting his parents' permission--and attention--is tough. Born with brain damage that's left him unable to move or speak and prone to extreme internal temperature fluctuations, Ethan's baby brother, Jake, almost 2, requires constant care. But when Jake falls seriously ill, Ethan learns that Jake is "the real magician in [his] family." Though the author sympathetically acknowledges the stress of Jake's condition and Ethan's occasional feelings of neglect, the Millers' love for one another radiates throughout Ethan's witty, introspective narration. Jake is never a burden; his family members include him in fun activities and everyday life as best they can. However, there's no question that Jake's primary role in the plot is to inspire Ethan--a tired trope. Ethan's Jewish faith inflects his story, from his observation of Yom Kippur to thought-provoking discussions of disability and God's will. Some characters are stock, and some conflicts resolve via incredible coincidences--but, as Ethan notes, magic is "a mysterious, seemingly inexplicable" force, after all. As a fun finale, Ethan teaches five magic tricks. Most characters appear white; one of Ethan's friends is East Asian.

A warm, hopeful debut. (Fiction. 8-12)

Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2019 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Milliner, Naomi: SUPER JAKE & THE KING OF CHAOS." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Mar. 2019. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A578090610/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=171644e1. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories. Ed. by Chris Baron and others. Illus. by Shannon Hochman. Mar. 2024. 256p. Abrams/Amulet, $18.99 (9781419767296). Gr. 3-6.

Few Jewish holidays unify families like the spring observance of Passover, and few celebrations are as open to individualization as the rituals around the Passover meal, or Seder. In this welcoming and buoyant anthology, 3 editors join 11 additional contributors in offering a chapter that corresponds with each of 14 traditional steps of a Passover Seder, joyously melding broad cultural affirmation with insights on religious rituals. This who's who of contemporary middle-grade Jewish literature, with a stockpile of Sydney Taylor Book Awards among the authors, offers stories in formats and tones consistent with their popular work and joyously reflective of the variety of their backgrounds and own Jewish traditions. Each chapter begins with an explanation of that step of the Seder and discussion questions (four, naturally), and most include full-page black-and-white interior art that brings a charmingly vintage feel to even the contemporary and fantastical entries. Five notable chefs provided Passover recipes to round out the collection. A festive reflection of Judaism's limitless range, with author appeal extending interest beyond religious holiday collections.--Kit Ballenger

Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 American Library Association
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Ballenger, Kit. "On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories." Booklist, vol. 120, no. 14, 15 Mar. 2024, p. 72. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A788125056/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=94e19c37. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

Milliner, Naomi THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins (Children's None) $18.99 4, 8 ISBN: 9780063311640

A Maryland seventh grader prepares to become a bat mitzvah while still worrying about typical middle school challenges.

From the dramatic opening sequence, readers are deeply immersed in 12-year-old Becky's world, infused with food, friends, and family traditions. As part of a close-knit Jewish family, dark-haired, blue-eyed Becky, a talented flutist, navigates the pressures of observant life as a rabbi's daughter while comparing herself to her seemingly perfect siblings. From maintaining appearances, to making questionable decisions, to grappling with interfaith relationships, the depiction of loving relationships among Becky and her siblings, parents, friends, and extended family is central to the charm of the story. Becky's kind-natured good intentions come through in her actions, such as supporting a friend or choosing thoughtful presents for her brothers. But as she discovers the dangers of idealizing those around her and makes her own flawed choices, the tension rises. Employing a dual timeline, Milliner's sophomore novel juxtaposes poetic present-day vignettes with richly detailed chapters set in the past, together showing Becky's insights and growth. This heart-wrenching, emotional, compulsively readable work traces the evolution of secrets and lies. From minor omissions to catastrophic revelations, they strain relationships and test unshakable bonds, leading to tragedy but ultimately concluding with hope and a clearer path to self-awareness and understanding.

A touching, intimate exploration of universal themes of trust, conformity, and the impact of family dynamics.(Fiction. 8-12)

Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Milliner, Naomi: THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A828785171/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=f71b83ec. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

The Trouble with Secrets. By Naomi Milliner. Apr. 2025. 336p. HarperCollins/Quill Tree, $18.99 (9780063311640). Gr. 5-8.

This heartfelt novel explores one seventh-grader's struggle to balance parental expectations with her personal aspirations, as well as finding her own approach to her faith. In the opening, Becky is preparing for a funeral and drowning in grief. The story then goes back in time to show how these events came to be, with funeral-day chapters interspersed. Becky feels pressure to be as perfect as her two older siblings, a stress that steadily increases as her bat mitzvah approaches. She has yet to finish her speech or her mitzvah project, and it doesn't help that, as the rabbi's daughter, Becky fears all eyes are on her. But Becky's true passion is playing flute. When her teacher invites her to audition for an all-county band, Becky is ecstatic--until her parents say no. Thus begins a life-changing series of secrets. When Becky learns her sister, Sara, is hiding a secret, too, she hopes their secrets will bond them. A slower pace and first-person narration allow readers an intimate, unfiltered look at tragedy and grief in one contemporary family. --Christine Hartman Derr

Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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Derr, Christine Hartman. "The Trouble with Secrets." Booklist, vol. 121, no. 13-14, Mar. 2025, p. 106. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A847202347/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=d704d85f. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

Herbert, Annette. "MILLINER, Naomi. Super Jake and the King of Chaos." School Library Journal, vol. 65, no. 3, Apr. 2019, pp. 72+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A581175268/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=4e24528b. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025. "Milliner, Naomi: SUPER JAKE & THE KING OF CHAOS." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Mar. 2019. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A578090610/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=171644e1. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025. Ballenger, Kit. "On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories." Booklist, vol. 120, no. 14, 15 Mar. 2024, p. 72. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A788125056/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=94e19c37. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025. "Milliner, Naomi: THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A828785171/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=f71b83ec. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025. Derr, Christine Hartman. "The Trouble with Secrets." Booklist, vol. 121, no. 13-14, Mar. 2025, p. 106. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A847202347/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=d704d85f. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

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