Young Estee Ackerman loved to play Ping-Pong. She challenged everyone in her family and discovered that she had a special talent for the game. She began to play in tournaments as often as she was able, except for those held on Shabbat. Shabbat was a special day for Estee, and she observed it with joy.
Estee continued to win tournaments and became a bona fide champion on a national level. At age eleven, after winning a competitive match, she discovered that the next game in the series would be held on Shabbat. This would be an important, award-winning game. Estee tried to have the schedule changed, but she was unsuccessful; the officials refused to move the date. A newspaper covered the controversy, and Estee became a hero to many. The following year, she won a gold medal at nationals, gratified by the knowledge that she had honored her values, her religion, and her conscience.
This brightly illustrated book includes an afterword with updates about what Estee is currently achieving. She is a role model for young women, observant Jews, and all who choose to adhere to their personal beliefs and values.
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.
