December 1, 2024
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.-Rachel Kamin
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 1, 2024
A trans girl finds a much-needed mirror in a biblical queen. Atara wears a crown everywhere she goes--in fact, her name even meanscrown. One day, her mom reads her a book about Purim, and Atara sees herself in Queen Esther; while Esther hid her Jewish identity, for a long time Atara never told her parents she was really a girl. Just as Esther's crown made it clear that she was a queen, Atara's crown gives her a sense of assurance about her identity. In drama class, Atara is even cast as Queen Esther in the Purim play. The show is a hit. But when Atara forgets her crown at home the next day, she must summon her inner confidence. The book's full-color, pastel illustrations are reminiscent of newspaper comic strips, with rounded, squiggly lines. The dyslexia-friendly text appears separately from the images. Though the writing is purposeful and at times clunky, it's wonderful to see a Purim story that centers a trans protagonist; many young people will identify with both Atara and Esther. The book has no endnotes about the holiday, so adults may want to pair this offering with an informational text. Atara and her mom have tan complexions and curly brown hair. Queen Esther has brown skin; the Persian King Ahasuerus is light-skinned. A delightfully inclusive Purim tale. (reading recommendations, coloring activity)(Picture book. 3-7)
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