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!