Shira and Esther's Double Dream Debut - by Anna E Jordan (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Shira and Esther are identical strangers living on opposite sides of town. Shira, daughter of a rabbi, dreams of a life onstage, while Esther wants to devote her life to her faith, so they switch places to pursue their dreams. Working together, they uncover the truth about their mysterious connection and prevent a beloved local theater from being destroyed"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A 2023 Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2023

"This book is pure magic."--Maulik Pancholy, actor and Stonewall Honor-winning author

The switcheroo fun of The Parent Trap meets the showbiz spirit of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in this timeless coming-of-age story about family, friendship, and following your dreams.

When Shira and Esther first meet, they can hardly believe their eyes. It's like looking in a mirror! But even though they may look identical, the two girls couldn't be more different. Shira dreams of singing and dancing onstage, but her father, a stern and pious rabbi, thinks Shira should be reading prayers, not plays. Esther dreams of studying Torah, but her mother, a glamorous stage performer, wishes Esther would spend more time rehearsing and less time sneaking off to read books. Oy vey! If only the two could switch places . . .

Would Shira shine in a big-time televised talent show? Would Esther's bat mitzvah go off without a hitch? What's a little deception, when it means your dreams might finally be within reach? One thing is certain: Shira and Esther are going to need more than a little chutzpah to pull this off. But if they do, their double dream debut is sure to be the performance of a lifetime.

★ "Adult readers may wish they were young again, so this could instantly become their favorite book." ― Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Readers will love this sparkling intergeneration ode to chutzpah and Jewish Joy."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

FUNNY AND HEARTFELT FRIENDSHIP BOOK: Brimming with heart and humor, this unforgettable novel from a compelling new voice in young adult literature will make readers laugh, cry, and come back for more knishes.

FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COMMUNITY: Themes of connection, unity, and the need for belonging will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.

JEWISH COMING-OF-AGE: This book represents and celebrates many ways of being Jewish while also inviting non-Jewish readers to share in what makes the religion, culture, and community so wonderful.

BRILLIANT EXTRAS: At the back of the book, a guide to Yiddish words and an author's note on the research and inspiration behind the story invites learning and discussion.

Perfect for:

• Preteens and tweens looking for funny friendship books
• Parents, caregivers, educators, and librarians seeking Jewish children's books
• Jewish and bicultural readers
• Readers who enjoy young adult historical fiction books
• Readers interested in theater, acting, music, and the arts
• Hannukah gift, theater kid gift, or bat mitzvah gift for girls

Review Quotes

"Completely fresh and absolutely charming."--Julie Berry, New York Times bestselling and Michael L. Printz honor-winning author

"Readers will love this sparkling intergenerational ode to chutzpah and Jewish joy." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) ?

"The characters peopling Jordan's debut novel could not be more vibrantly real. Adult readers may wish they were young again, so this could instantly become their favorite book." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This book is pure magic--set in a world you'll want to live in forever and filled with characters that are brimming with joy. The path to following Shira and Esther's dreams is filled with challenging twists and turns, but they navigate it all with big hearts and even bigger courage. A delightful debut all around!"--Maulik Pancholy, Stonewall Honor-winning author of The Best at It

About the Author

Anna E. Jordan is an author, poet, bookseller, and educator who lives in the Washington, DC, area. This is her first novel.