One of the reasons that I like these books is that even though they’re a series, they can all be read independently. Each book takes place at approximately the same time and a reader can see each of the kids the important events in their lives. In this case, Brianna has been asked by her mother to be bat-mitzvah. While she’s dreading it, she’s also finding out more about herself, and why she likes her family religion. And while this book is about a bat mitzvah, it is not a religious book. It is just like the other books, a look at the life of a middle schooler, and all their thoughts and feelings. It’s a mix of graphic, novel and prose and just all together works well. I was very interested in Brianna‘s story and can’t wait to read the next one. ( )

I enjoyed this so much more then [b:Invisible Emmie|31371502|Invisible Emmie|Terri Libenson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1484930073l/31371502._SX50_.jpg|49458773], the main character is so much better, it's not so problematic and I can relate to the fake friend's aspect.
I relate to Bri being brainy and struggling with public speaking and I enjoyed her growing more confident, making new friends. Emmie wasn't as prominent and I could understand her warning Bri about new friends but her still being mad made no sense, it's ok for people to make new friends.
I relate to people using you and am glad Bri found real friends.

The book felt repetitive because every chapter was Bri worrying about the Bat Mitzvah, I did enjoy learning about the process of this Jewish tradition, however.
The time skips also annoyed me
Overall, a beautifully illustrated book but with nothing too special to offer. ( )

Becoming Brianna is a notebook novel about her experiences with an upcoming Bat Mitzvah. This is not the first Brianna book but it can be read alone. The setting is the same school and includes characters from previous books. Brianna is now dealing with her parents divorce. In this newest instalment. After being badgered by her mother, Brianna has finally and reluctantly, given in to her mother's desire for her to have a significant bat mitzvah celebration. The family is not terribly religious (Brianna's father is not Jewish), and her parents can barely afford such a celebration. Unselfishly Brianna understands that this is very important to her mother and agrees even though she has a lot of anxiety about being the center of attention. So now and in a rather short time she has to learn learn to speak Hebrew, write a speech and deliver it to an audience in Hebrew! That’s enough to make the most outgoing person tremble. As many of us do with difficult things, she leaves the speech to the last minute.

She is also at odds with her best friend, Emmie, who is not only tired of hearing about the bat mitzvah, but also doubts that popular girl Zoe who has suddenly befriended Brianna has sincere motives. Zoe texts Brianna frequently, and makes an effort to talk to her and hang out, but the two don't really click, and Emmie feels that Zoe has heard rumors about the Bat Mitzvah party and just wants to be invited. Going back and forth in time from Brianna's preparations to the present day, we see her anxiety building as she deals with family, friends and her upcoming event. As I read Brianna’s predicament I began to feel anxiety.

I enjoyed Libenson's comical illustrations and the hand lettered text made the story quite personal.
I thought the parental drama was realistic and not over the top. When she impulsively invites her new friends to her party, I thought it a bit insensitive for mom to go off on how they can’t afford to feed four more people. But it was very interesting how Brianna negotiated with her mother to come up with the additional funds. This was a very mature thing for a teen to do.

The friend drama is a consistent to middle school interactions. and the desire to make friends. I don’t know if popular kids would really befriend the lesser just to attend a party, but I have only attended one Bat Mitzi and while it was very nice it wasn’t a Disney World event.

This left me with the desire to know more about Brianna as well as how her family fares in life. ( )