Elsa's Chessboard

An inspiring story based on the author's grandmother's life, ELSA'S CHESSBOARD by debut author Jenny Andrus and illustrator Julie Downing will slide onto bookshelves everywhere April 29, 2025 from publisher Neal Porter Books/Holiday House.

"Growing up in 1900s Vienna, Elsa loves watching her brothers play chess. “No way!” 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 carries her chessboard with her everywhere, always ready for a game. She even gets to know her future husband over games in the park. But when World War II grips Europe, the young Jewish family flees to America, where they find themselves surrounded by unfamiliar languages. Luckily, Elsa knows one language that can always bring people together: chess!"

ELSA'S CHESSBOARD moved me to tears and touched my heart. And I have never played chess once in my life! But, I felt connected to this story. I think that's a testament to the beautiful written storytelling by Jenny and visual storytelling by Julie. We see Elsa from the time she was a young girl to a great-great grandmother. You feel her joy when chess connects her with her husband and with other people in a new land, but your heart sinks when she is uprooted due to war and when the precious chessboard is lost. A touching author's note gives you more background and photographs of the real-life Elsa. You don't have to understand or play chess to enjoy this story of resilience and human connection. But, you might just want to learn after reading this remarkable story.

Elsa takes her chessboard with her everywhere and now you can too!

ELSA'S CHESSBOARD by Jenny Andrus and Julie Downing

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Magnetic Folding Travel Chess Set

Jenny has generously offered to give away a copy of ELSA'S CHESSBOARD and a folding travel chess set! Please go to my Instagram to enter the giveaway and X (Twitter) for an extra chance at winning this BOOK + GIFT! (U.S. only)

ICYMI

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