Elsa’s Chessboard

“A passion for chess becomes a catalyst for homan connection in this story based on actual events. Growing up in Vienna in the early 1900s, Elsa defies gender expectations when she develops a skill for a game typically played by boys and men: chess . . . Young readers interested in chess will find ample resources on learning and playing in the end matter of this inspiring tale.”
—Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC ) Choice 2026 

“(This) is a book that Jewish and non-Jewish readers will take to heart…and love. This is a book that speaks to the human experience, a book that belongs on all shelves.”
—Sydney Taylor Shmooze

“Compellingly told, the text will appeal to a wide age range and foster respect for refugees. The watercolor and colored pencil illustrations have a burnished tone that evokes the early twentieth century, and several spreads include San Francisco landmarks . . . concludes with an author’s note, several family photos, and helpful tips on teaching chess to children.”
—Association of Children’s Librarians of Northern California (ACL). DISTINGUISHED BOOK LIST

“(A) luminous and touching story of resilience . . . lovely, earth-toned watercolor and colored pencil illustrations present a concrete backdrop for this ambitious sweep of history.”
—Youth Services Book Reviews. STARRED REVIEW

“Based on author Jenny Andrus’s grandmother’s life, this beautiful story with lovely vintage illustrations captures the wonder of the game of chess alongside the fortitude of immigrant families. Highly recommended.”
—Historical Novel Society

“Using watercolors and colored pencils, Downing depicts people and places in the past with sensitivity, warmth, and attention to detail. For kids intrigued by this appealing picture book, the back matter offers an annotated bibliography of nonfiction children’s books related to chess.”
—Booklist

” . . . Warm, naturalistic watercolor and colored pencil spreads by Downing (Night in the City) alternate between intimate family scenes and wide vistas, including the family’s first view of San Francisco’s sweeping skyline . . .  this heart-tugging story considers the way a treasured object—and pastime—offers meaning across lifetimes and generations.”
—Publishers Weekly

“This beautifully illustrated children’s book for grades K-3 is based on the true story of the author’s grandmother. Born in Vienna in 1900, (Elsa) was taught to play chess by her brothers at a time when that was not typical for young girls . . . Andrus researched her story and wove it into a book aimed at inspiring youngsters to dream big and never give up.”
—j. The Jewish News of Northern California

“This book serves a double purpose: it is a tribute to the author’s Austrian Jewish grandmother and an introduction for children ages 4 to 8 to the exciting world of chess . . . Illustrations by Julie Downing make picturing Elsa’s life journey easy.”
—San Diego Jewish World