FICTION

Just Like Queen ­Esther

Jessica Kingsley. Jan. 2025. 32p. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781805013068.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1–A somewhat didactic story about Atara, who wears her crown everywhere she goes so that everyone will know that she is a girl. When she plays the leading role in her drama class’s Purim play, she learns how Queen Esther hid her true identity in order to save the Jewish people. Just like Queen Esther hid her Jewish identity from the king, Atara, who was born a boy, hid her identity as a girl. After her outstanding performance as Queen Esther, she realizes that she doesn’t need to wear her crown to feel confident and secure in her gender identity. Pleasant cartoon illustrations in pastel colors complement the text, and a template for creating your crown is appended. A very simplified summary of the story of Queen Esther is integrated into the text, but no other holiday customs are included.
VERDICT While the story is rather didactic and uninspiring, with no real conflict or suspense, libraries looking for picture books with Jewish and transgender representation may find it this a useful addition.

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