Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
For Estee Ackerman (b. 2002), "Shabbat was a day of calm," Koffsky writes, "a break from the exciting pop, pop, ker-pops" of the ping-pong tournaments she played during the week. Rajunov contrasts the intensity of competition--images of fierce concentration, bold motion lines, and onomatopoeia--with starry scenes of the athlete's family serenely gathered around the Shabbat table. At 11, Ackerman was on the brink of winning the U.S. National Table Tennis Championships when the finals were set for a Saturday and the officials refused to budge. Her decision to forfeit wasn't easy, but it captured the nation: "People everywhere read the articles. Most of them didn't play Ping-Pong. A lot of them weren't Jewish. But many of them were excited to hear about a young girl who had chosen her values over the gold medal." The book concludes with Ackerman winning gold the following year--on a Monday--and an afterword. Ages 4--8. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Koffsky's biographic tale shows a dynamic young athlete faced with a tough choice between the value of faith and a championship game. Inspired by watching her dad and brother play, Estee works hard to become one of the best ping-pong players in the United States at the young age of 11. Her passion for the game only comes second to her dedication to her Jewish faith. Estee's family practices the sacred day of Shabbat to connect to God and family. As Estee continues to advance as a player, she earns a spot in the U.S. National Table Tennis Championships--a dream come true. However, when faced with the ultimatum to either play on Shabbat or give up her spot in the championship round, Estee inspires the world by remaining true to her beliefs. Regardless of religion, readers will be able to relate to and be uplifted by Estee's choice. Koffsky describes the importance of Shabbat in a simple way that younger children will be able to understand. The illustrations contain a powerful punch in conveying the fast-paced nature of ping-pong. VERDICT A compelling story of a young girl remaining true to herself, this will inspire readers and athletes of all faiths.--Lindsey Morrison
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
From the moment young Estee Ackerman picked up a Ping-Pong paddle, she fell in love with the game. Estee started winning against her family and then entered tournaments, but never on Saturdays, the Jewish Shabbat, a day of rest. At age 11, in 2013, she qualified for the finals at the U.S. National Table Tennis Championships. But when she realized she was scheduled to play on a Saturday, Estee decided that she'd follow the tradition of not working or playing athletic games on Shabbat. "She was sad she had missed the chance at a gold medal. But she knew she had made the choice that was right for her." When a reporter wrote about her dilemma, other articles followed, and many supported her difficult decision. Luckily, next year, finals were scheduled for a Monday, and Estee won! The straightforward text highlights Estee's skill and independence. Those with religious ideals will most appreciate this book, but other thoughtful readers will understand the importance of Estee making up her own mind, especially when her family says, "It's up to you, Estee." The illustrations have an action-oriented cartoon quality and incorporate onomatopoeic Ping-Pong ball sounds. Filled with swirling stars, the Shabbat scenes shine with familial warmth. Estee's family is light-skinned, and her dad and brother wear yarmulkes. Backmatter notes that Estee is currently enrolled in Yeshiva University and training in the hopes of joining the U.S. Olympic Table Tennis Team. A noteworthy tale of a young Jewish athlete taking a personal stand. (in Estee's own words)(Informational picture book. 6-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
