Elsa’s Chessboard
Elsa’s Chessboard by Jenny Andrus, published by Holiday House on April 29, 2025, is a children’s book that explores themes of resilience and connection through the lens of chess. The story follows Elsa, a young girl from 1900s Vienna, who is determined to learn chess despite her brothers’ initial reluctance. As she grows up, her passion for the game leads her to significant moments in her life, including meeting her husband. However, when World War II forces her family to emigrate to America, Elsa must navigate a new world filled with unfamiliar languages, relying on her love for chess to bridge cultural gaps.
In this 48-page edition, readers will discover how Elsa’s journey unfolds against the backdrop of historical events, highlighting the importance of games and activities in fostering relationships. The narrative emphasizes the role of chess not only as a game but also as a universal language that connects people across different backgrounds. With its focus on growing up and the challenges faced during tumultuous times, Elsa’s Chessboard presents a unique perspective on the power of perseverance and the potential for women in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Official synopsis Publisher
Elsa carries her chessboard everywhere, always ready for a game. When World War II forces her from Europe, can chess help make America home?
Growing up in 1900s Vienna, Elsa’s brothers are always playing chess. “No girls!” they tell her when she first asks to learn; but she wears them down, and soon she’s such a pro that they give her a special chess set of her own.
Elsa plays chess whenever she can. When she grows up, she even meets her husband over games in the park. But when World War II grips Europe, the young Jewish family must emigrate to America, where they find themselves surrounded by unfamiliar languages.
Luckily, Elsa knows one language that can always bring people together: chess!
In the wake of COVID lockdowns and the hit show The Queen’s Gambit, millions of Americans are falling in love with chess, and young people are no exception. Based on the life of author Jenny Andrus’s grandmother, Elsa’s Chessboard is a gripping tale of resilience, human connection, and the boundless potential of women in male-dominated fields.
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