The Book of Elsie

  • Pages:160
  • Publisher:Orca Book Publishers
  • Series: Orca Currents
  • Themes:racism, hate crimes, community, antisemitism, prejudice
  •  
  • Available:08/16/2022
  • Reading Level:2.8
  • Lexile:HL530L
  • ATOS:3.7
  • Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient:V
Paperback
9781459834248
$10.95
EPUB
9781459834262 LICENSE OPTIONS
$8.99

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.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

“Strong first-person narration thoughtfully explores experiences of antisemitism and prejudice…Levy presents a realistic, gutsy, problemsolving youth navigating difficult situations with the love and support of community, friends, and family.”
– Booklist
“Both Jew­ish and non-Jew­ish read­ers will be inspired by Elsie’s brav­ery while learn­ing about Jew­ish hol­i­days and com­mu­ni­ty sup­port. This book would make a per­fect gift for a young Jew­ish [reader].”
– Jew­ish Book Coun­cil (JBC)
“Allows readers to find the space to ask questions and have conversations about racism and antisemitism in society. Recommended.”
– CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“Covers many social issues that young people need to read about...a good discussion for the reader and an adult.”
– Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens   | 2023  |  Commended

Customizable Text and Layout

Text and layout can be adjusted for text size and colour, background colour, and layout to support individual reading preferences.

Described Images

Non-text content includes descriptive text, such as alt-text and long descriptions.

Table of Contents and Structured Navigation

Page elements are labelled and structured in a meaningful sequence.

Screen Reader and Text-to-Speech (TTS) friendly

Structured for screen readers and text-to-speech tools, including assistive technologies and browser plugins.

Bookmarks and Highlights

Add bookmarks and save highlighted passages.

ARIA Roles

ARIA roles clarify semantic elements of this ebook, making it easier for screen readers and assistive technologies to understand the contents of the book.