The Orchard by David Hopen

Ari and his family live a very devout life in an Orthodox Brooklyn neighborhood until Ari's dad uproots the family to Florida. Life could not be more different for Ari's senior year in the new privileged school he now attends as he makes his way into a new circle of friends and begins to date for the first time. The new group doesn't fret about breaking away from their Orthodox Jewish roots and for the first time Ari is given freedom. But, it comes with a price as he realizes too late. Their activities take on a more reckless and dangerous path led by Evan, the brightest and most erratic of the group. This stunning debut takes a look at old religious views and pits them against peer pressure and the natural tendency by the young to push the boundaries. The Hebrew phrases take a bit of time to master but it is well worth the effort and it further cements to difficult bridge that Ari must straddle in this poignant coming of age story. This is a good match for readers of Chaim Potok and coming of age stories with strong moral dilemmas.  4 1/2 stars