Common Sense Media Review
By Scout Guerisoli
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fierce and fantastical trans tale of triumph over hate.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In A WORLD WORTH SAVING, A is summoned by an ancient Jewish golem to join the fight against transphobic hatred threatening the world in the form of soul-feeding demons. Armed with Jewish mythology and surrounded by a trans community and supportive rabbi, A embarks on an extraordinary adventure battling demons, sheydim, monsters, politicians, and anyone who would harm those he loves. The author's research and resource notes at the book's end offer insights into the mythological and cultural foundations that bring this tale to life.
Is It Any Good?
This middle grade fantasy novel reads as a powerful testament to the strength found in community, the wisdom of ancient traditions, and the contagious courage that emerges when we stand against hatred in all its forms. Throughout A World Worth Saving, the themes "we are better together" and "life is better with each of us here" resonate deeply, offering a life-affirming counterbalance to the toxic messages of pervasive transphobia. With Kyle Lukoff's blend of engaging intensity, rich mythology, and heartfelt relationships, this epic journey becomes an authentic page-turner. The novel's integration of diverse identities and the pluralism of thought, experience, and belief within both chosen family and religious circles offers lessons in finding harmony within polarized communities. Both practical and fantastical, Lukoff delivers a trans tale that inspires every reader to embrace exactly who they are. This story is written in part from the author's lived experience, and he weaves creativity with the profound understanding that the unseen world holds just as much power as the one before our eyes. A gift that feels both timely and timeless.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about allyship in A World Worth Saving. Which characters are especially good at supporting A and other trans kids? Who in your life is a good ally?
How did A keep going when things got hard? When have you had to persevere to achieve a goal? What did you learn?
How do you identify when it comes to your gender? What about other identities like race or ethnicity, religious faith, or family structure, immigration status, and more? How do all of your identities intersect, or come together, to make you, you?
How does the Rabbi's family deal with differences of belief? How about your family, friend group, or community? What do you do when you come across someone who believes something different from you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dial Books
- Publication date : February 4, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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