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The Book of Elsie
Elsie Rose-Miller loves celebrating the Purim holiday and can't wait for the annual costume party at her local synagogue.
Elsie plans to dress up as the fierce and smart Queen Esther, who saved all the Jewish people. But when financial hardship and a terrible incident of hate-inspired vandalism threaten not only the party but the synagogue too, Elsie, like Queen Esther, takes action to bring her entire community―Jewish and non-Jewish alike―together.
Elsie plans to dress up as the fierce and smart Queen Esther, who saved all the Jewish people. But when financial hardship and a terrible incident of hate-inspired vandalism threaten not only the party but the synagogue too, Elsie, like Queen Esther, takes action to bring her entire community―Jewish and non-Jewish alike―together.
- GenresMiddle GradeJewish
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2022
About the author
Joanne Levy
10 books236 followersJoanne Levy’s love of books began at a very early age. Being the youngest and the only female among four children, and the daughter to voracious readers, she was often left to her own devices and could frequently be found sitting in a quiet corner with her nose in a book.
A survivor of the corporate world, Joanne now works from home, supporting other authors and creating the friends she wishes she had when she was a kid.
She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two mischievous cats, a mean African Grey parrot and a sweet but not-so-smart dog. When she’s not busy writing or assisting, she enjoys reading (obviously), needle-felting with wool (Google it), and taking long walks with her faithful writing companion, Labrador Retriever, Zoe.
About my reviews: I'm an author, so I know what it's like to get a non-stellar review of my book. So, with that in mind, I only review books I really like.
A survivor of the corporate world, Joanne now works from home, supporting other authors and creating the friends she wishes she had when she was a kid.
She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two mischievous cats, a mean African Grey parrot and a sweet but not-so-smart dog. When she’s not busy writing or assisting, she enjoys reading (obviously), needle-felting with wool (Google it), and taking long walks with her faithful writing companion, Labrador Retriever, Zoe.
About my reviews: I'm an author, so I know what it's like to get a non-stellar review of my book. So, with that in mind, I only review books I really like.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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January 1, 2022I wrote it, so of course I've read it. I can't wait to share Elsie with you in August 2022.
August 25, 2022
An uplifting hi-low novel that deftly weaves the theme of tolerance throughout its pages. A quick and engaging read.
June 27, 2022
Jewish books! My absolutely favorite, and since I don’t always check NetGalley with regularity (because I’m pretty realistic about what I have time for, unless it’s a used book sale and then all reality flies out the window), I often miss out on what they have to offer. Not this time! I came across The Book of Elsie by Joanne Levy (Orca Book Publishers, 2022) while browsing NetGalley’s stacks one day and leapt to request it. Lo and behold, I was approved! Huge thanks to NetGalley. Orca Book Publishers, and Joanne Levy for allowing me to read an early review of this book.
Elsie is super excited about Purim this year. Her Queen Esther costume, created by her costume designer dad and which she’s still trying to accessorize with the perfect finishing touches, is going to be amazing, and she can’t wait to wear it at her synagogue’s Purim celebration. But then the bad news drops: the Purim celebration is cancelled. The synagogue is in serious financial trouble and is in danger of closing altogether. Elsie is devastated…and then she gets to work. If Queen Esther saved the Jews, Elsie can surely save her synagogue!
With her rabbi’s approval, Elsie’s synagogue opens up the Purim celebration to outsiders and begins to sell tickets to the events. It’s not just hamantaschen and hard work; Elsie and her best friend Grace experience a little bit of prejudice along the way. Things only get dicier when the synagogue is vandalized. Can Elsie continue to find inspiration in the story of Esther, or will Purim and the synagogue be cancelled entirely?
This is a charming, modern-day story centered around the Jewish holiday of Purim, which celebrates how Queen Esther saved the Jewish people from imminent death at the hands of the evil villain Haman. It’s traditional to dress up in costumes (biblical or not; there was a banana at my synagogue this year), get drunk (yes, really!), and make lots of noise (including a very loud, “BOOOOOOOOOOOO!” when Haman’s name is mentioned). Elsie’s Christian best friend Grace serves as an outsider who’s unfamiliar with Purim and needs the basics explained to her, opening up this story to be enjoyed and understood by middle grade readers of all backgrounds.
Elsie is a spunky, determined kid who doesn’t always make the right choices (and what kid does?), but she learns from her mistakes and has excellent follow-through. Not only is this book full of fabulous Jewish representation, her best friend is Black, and her two dads, Dad and Abba, make for great LGBT representation, especially as it’s never commented on as being A Thing, just presented as Elsie’s everyday life, which I loved.
There are a few instances of antisemitism and racism here. Nothing violent and in-your-face scary, but sensitive kids on the younger end of the middle grade spectrum who aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of what it means to live with these threats may benefit a few conversations about them with a loving adult. Elsie’s courage in the face of hatred and the violation of her community’s sacred space provides a great lesson in bravery and the refusal to back down when it comes to creating the kind of future you want and need.
The Book of Elsie is a quick, charming read that should delight younger readers as well as educate those who may not be familiar with Purim. This would make for a great parent-child read; not only is it a lovely book headed by a determined main character, there are a lot of great discussion points throughout the book, and I can imagine many wonderful conversations a parent and child may have as they make their way through the story. I’m going to read this with my just-turned eight-year-old in a few weeks, when we finish up our current read. I expect that she’ll love it. : )
Elsie is super excited about Purim this year. Her Queen Esther costume, created by her costume designer dad and which she’s still trying to accessorize with the perfect finishing touches, is going to be amazing, and she can’t wait to wear it at her synagogue’s Purim celebration. But then the bad news drops: the Purim celebration is cancelled. The synagogue is in serious financial trouble and is in danger of closing altogether. Elsie is devastated…and then she gets to work. If Queen Esther saved the Jews, Elsie can surely save her synagogue!
With her rabbi’s approval, Elsie’s synagogue opens up the Purim celebration to outsiders and begins to sell tickets to the events. It’s not just hamantaschen and hard work; Elsie and her best friend Grace experience a little bit of prejudice along the way. Things only get dicier when the synagogue is vandalized. Can Elsie continue to find inspiration in the story of Esther, or will Purim and the synagogue be cancelled entirely?
This is a charming, modern-day story centered around the Jewish holiday of Purim, which celebrates how Queen Esther saved the Jewish people from imminent death at the hands of the evil villain Haman. It’s traditional to dress up in costumes (biblical or not; there was a banana at my synagogue this year), get drunk (yes, really!), and make lots of noise (including a very loud, “BOOOOOOOOOOOO!” when Haman’s name is mentioned). Elsie’s Christian best friend Grace serves as an outsider who’s unfamiliar with Purim and needs the basics explained to her, opening up this story to be enjoyed and understood by middle grade readers of all backgrounds.
Elsie is a spunky, determined kid who doesn’t always make the right choices (and what kid does?), but she learns from her mistakes and has excellent follow-through. Not only is this book full of fabulous Jewish representation, her best friend is Black, and her two dads, Dad and Abba, make for great LGBT representation, especially as it’s never commented on as being A Thing, just presented as Elsie’s everyday life, which I loved.
There are a few instances of antisemitism and racism here. Nothing violent and in-your-face scary, but sensitive kids on the younger end of the middle grade spectrum who aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of what it means to live with these threats may benefit a few conversations about them with a loving adult. Elsie’s courage in the face of hatred and the violation of her community’s sacred space provides a great lesson in bravery and the refusal to back down when it comes to creating the kind of future you want and need.
The Book of Elsie is a quick, charming read that should delight younger readers as well as educate those who may not be familiar with Purim. This would make for a great parent-child read; not only is it a lovely book headed by a determined main character, there are a lot of great discussion points throughout the book, and I can imagine many wonderful conversations a parent and child may have as they make their way through the story. I’m going to read this with my just-turned eight-year-old in a few weeks, when we finish up our current read. I expect that she’ll love it. : )
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April 19, 2023This review first appeared on my blog Bookishly Jewish
Purim is almost upon us, a holiday in which the Jewish people celebrate their triumph over persecution. On this special holiday, Jews across the globe will give charity, bestow gifts of food upon one another, eat a festive meal, and listen to the Book of Esther. The Book of Esther – also known as Megillat Esther – tells the story of the day, and honestly contains more plot twists than your average YA novel and calls for audience participation that most authors would sacrifice their left kidney to achieve. These special mitzvot are meant to foster community and strengthen our ties to one another. Joanne Levy’s Purim themed Middle Grade novel, The Book of Elsie, does an admirable job highlighting those values.
Elsie, who attends public school during the week and Jewish school with her Synagogue on the weekend, is most looking forward to the Purim custom of dressing in costume. One of her Dad’s is helping her create a Queen Esther costume that is sure to rock the annual Synagogue Purim party. Her only regret is not being able to share the event with her best friend Grace, who is not Jewish.
Elsie’s perfect night is threatened when Synagogue finances reach a catastrophic level. Not only is the party threatened, the entire Synagogue building may need to be closed. However, Elsie channels her inner Queen Esther and decides to kill two birds with one stone. She proposes turning the event into a fundraiser -open to the wider community- to help with finances. If her idea pans out she will not only get attend the party with Grace, she will save the entire Synagogue just like Queen Esther saved the Jewish people.
The only person not enthused by this idea is one of Elsie’s father’s, who is worried the additional attention to the Synagogue will bring about an increase in antisemitism. He has recently suffered some homophobic indcidents and he has become wary.
Unfortunately, Elsie’s father is not wrong. We live in a time when antisemitism, and hate of marginalized groups in general, is on the rise. Discussing this topic with youngsters is becoming more and more of a harsh necessity. Elsie’s story, and that of the surrounding community, provides a solid scaffold for parents who wish to do so with their children.
Of note, the book was written with a special type of reader in mind. Although the content is thematically complex, the language and reading level required are significantly less so. Striving readers who love a good story but are frustrated when trying to decipher long books and words will find their niche here. When compared to Levy’s other book we have reviewed, Sorry For Your Loss, readers will find The Book of Elsie significantly less difficult to parse although no less rich in content.
This is a modern take on a classic tale. Elsie has two Dads, the Rabbi of her Synagogue is female, and antisemitism no longer takes the form of henchmen in triangular hats. Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that Elsie proves that triumph over antisemitism is timeless and the cure is always the same – community. As emphasized by the mitzvot of the day, we must stand together in the face of those that would destroy any minority.
Purim is almost upon us, a holiday in which the Jewish people celebrate their triumph over persecution. On this special holiday, Jews across the globe will give charity, bestow gifts of food upon one another, eat a festive meal, and listen to the Book of Esther. The Book of Esther – also known as Megillat Esther – tells the story of the day, and honestly contains more plot twists than your average YA novel and calls for audience participation that most authors would sacrifice their left kidney to achieve. These special mitzvot are meant to foster community and strengthen our ties to one another. Joanne Levy’s Purim themed Middle Grade novel, The Book of Elsie, does an admirable job highlighting those values.
Elsie, who attends public school during the week and Jewish school with her Synagogue on the weekend, is most looking forward to the Purim custom of dressing in costume. One of her Dad’s is helping her create a Queen Esther costume that is sure to rock the annual Synagogue Purim party. Her only regret is not being able to share the event with her best friend Grace, who is not Jewish.
Elsie’s perfect night is threatened when Synagogue finances reach a catastrophic level. Not only is the party threatened, the entire Synagogue building may need to be closed. However, Elsie channels her inner Queen Esther and decides to kill two birds with one stone. She proposes turning the event into a fundraiser -open to the wider community- to help with finances. If her idea pans out she will not only get attend the party with Grace, she will save the entire Synagogue just like Queen Esther saved the Jewish people.
The only person not enthused by this idea is one of Elsie’s father’s, who is worried the additional attention to the Synagogue will bring about an increase in antisemitism. He has recently suffered some homophobic indcidents and he has become wary.
Unfortunately, Elsie’s father is not wrong. We live in a time when antisemitism, and hate of marginalized groups in general, is on the rise. Discussing this topic with youngsters is becoming more and more of a harsh necessity. Elsie’s story, and that of the surrounding community, provides a solid scaffold for parents who wish to do so with their children.
Of note, the book was written with a special type of reader in mind. Although the content is thematically complex, the language and reading level required are significantly less so. Striving readers who love a good story but are frustrated when trying to decipher long books and words will find their niche here. When compared to Levy’s other book we have reviewed, Sorry For Your Loss, readers will find The Book of Elsie significantly less difficult to parse although no less rich in content.
This is a modern take on a classic tale. Elsie has two Dads, the Rabbi of her Synagogue is female, and antisemitism no longer takes the form of henchmen in triangular hats. Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that Elsie proves that triumph over antisemitism is timeless and the cure is always the same – community. As emphasized by the mitzvot of the day, we must stand together in the face of those that would destroy any minority.
October 15, 2022
THE BOOK OF ELSIE is a slim book, but an affecting one. It's a fast read (it took me maybe an hour and a half to finish) and the story is told in a simple, straightforward manner. Although there's not a lot in the way of character development or setting, it still features a likable cast and a focused, if predictable, plot. Even without a lot of detail, though, the novel is moving, impactful, and empowering. Although it deals with anti-Semitism, racism, prejudice, and hate, it's a hopeful book that preaches the opposite. Kids will find it very approachable and, hopefully, very meaningful. I definitely did.
May 26, 2022
There is a lack of Jewish juvenile books that don't take place during the Holocaust and I'm happy to now have this one. The story is about Elsie, a girl who's hero is Queen Esther, who stood up to Haman for her people and can't wait to dress up like her for Purim. Unfortunately Elsie soon learns first hand how common antisemitism still is and it threatens her synagogue and Purim costume contest.
The story of Queen Esther means a lot to me and by the end I was definitely tearing up along with the rabbi. As a kid, the synagogue I went to, and others in the area, had many similar incidents over the years, so I know first hand how Elsie felt to see the hate that people still hold in their hearts.
And while it wasn't the point of the story I really appreciated that Elsie had two dads, there's not enough Jewish LGBTQIA+ representation out there and I've already started recommending this book for when it comes out.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital ARC!
The story of Queen Esther means a lot to me and by the end I was definitely tearing up along with the rabbi. As a kid, the synagogue I went to, and others in the area, had many similar incidents over the years, so I know first hand how Elsie felt to see the hate that people still hold in their hearts.
And while it wasn't the point of the story I really appreciated that Elsie had two dads, there's not enough Jewish LGBTQIA+ representation out there and I've already started recommending this book for when it comes out.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital ARC!
March 20, 2024
Purim is a Jewish holiday which celebrates the victory over evil that endangered Jewish people. The celebration always includes the reading of the biblical Book of Esther. This brave, smart woman outsmarts a wicked prejudiced man to save her people. The book of Elsie has a modernized variation of the theme. Elsie discovers that the Purim party will have to be canceled because the temple is in financial straits , and that the congregation may have to sell the building. She channels her inner Esther and develops a plan that may just save the temple. Unfortunately, she encounters antisemitism and prejudice along the way. The main character is Jewish, but her family is one with two fathers, and her best friend is black. The book follows the characters as they deal with many forms of prejudice. It has some heavy themes appropriate for middle grade readers. but it is a special book in that it follows a hi-lo format. Hi-lo is a term for high interest, low reading level. They are designed to be accesable to reluctant readers and readers with learning disabilities. They have dyslexia-friendly fonts, are shorter, and have more simple language. This makes it a great book for these readers. The book centers on a preteen protagonist, but it is interesting enough to capture the attention of adults too. I recommend this book for anyone ten or older at any reading level.
May 28, 2022
Elsie is looking forward to celebrating purim, when she finds that the synagogue might have to close. Like Queen Esther, she will do anything she can to save her community.
Yes, there is a hate crime. Yes, bad things happen. But good things happen as well. We even have her two dads who don't want to open up the purim celebration to the non-jewish community, because one of them was treated badly for being gay.
A little predictable, but a good story, none the less. I think that kids will love that it is a contemporary jewish story, and includes two dads. Representation matters.
A quick read, part of the hi-lo book series that have interesting story lines that are written at a slightly lower grade level.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Yes, there is a hate crime. Yes, bad things happen. But good things happen as well. We even have her two dads who don't want to open up the purim celebration to the non-jewish community, because one of them was treated badly for being gay.
A little predictable, but a good story, none the less. I think that kids will love that it is a contemporary jewish story, and includes two dads. Representation matters.
A quick read, part of the hi-lo book series that have interesting story lines that are written at a slightly lower grade level.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
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December 19, 2022need to order through marina
gay theme, elsie's father is gay.
gay theme, elsie's father is gay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2023
Quick engaging and I learned so much! As with all Levy's books, the characters are stand outs.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews