How to Find What You're Not Looking For [Hardcover]

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.A Sydney Taylor Award Winner
A Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner
A Judy Lopez Memorial Award Winner
A NAIBA Carla Cohen Free Speech Award Winner
A National Jewish Book Award Finalist
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A 2022 ALSC Notable Children’s Book
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2021
A New-York Historical Society's Children’s History Book Prize Winner
An Amazon Best Children’s Book of 2021
A Bank Street College The Best Children’s Books of the Year 2022
2025-2026 California Young Reader Medal Nominee (California)


PRAISE FOR HOW TO FIND WHAT YOU'RE NOT LOOKING FOR
by Veera Hiranandani

* A splendid historical fiction tale of bravery and determination. —School Library Journal, starred review.

* A powerful blend of important themes and everyday triumphs and sorrows. —Kirkus, starred review. lÃ.