Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

I loved the voice of the narrator in this. The two girls had personalities that were more than their interests. I loved the pseudo-historical setting. I think this is a fun representation of elements of Jewish culture.

I wish a belated book birthday to Anna E. Jordan’s Shira and Esther’s Double Dream Debut that came out on October 10. The author takes her own background to weave a story that becomes an enjoyable mirror for Jewish middle graders and a delightful window for those who are not familiar with Jewish customs.
First, the reader needs to suspend disbelief that two girls look so much alike they will be able to fool their parents in a story that is a bit reminiscent of The Prince and the Pauper. Sometimes, the narrator who is named Morty uses a fourth wall, in an almost conspiratorial fashion, to draw the reader in, “Mayne kinder, this is the moment everything became as clear to me as well-strained broth in a good matzo ball soup.” Other times, he becomes self-deprecating by repeating, “What do I know? I’m just the deli man.”
The crux of the story revolves around Shira and Esther, who were born at the same time and are best friends. Each girl has a single parent since Shira’s mother died and Esther’s father disappeared into parts unknown. Shira’s desire to go on stage doesn’t sit well with her rabbi father any more than Esther’s performing mother understands her desire to study Torah. Since the girls are mirror images of each other except for a mole that can be hidden or created with makeup, they swap places to create their double dream debut. The author’s picture of a disconnect between children’s ambitions and parental expectation forms a common element for middle-graders in all cultures.
In relevant back matter, the deli man’s glossary is also entertaining, and the author’s note gives a brief interesting history lesson in Jewish culture, the use of spoken Yiddish, and the Yiddish theater in America. The book is listed for middle grade, but I see no reason to let them have all the fun.

Shira is the daughter of a rabbi who wants to be a comedian/actor. Esther is the daughter of an actress who wants to learn more about her religion from a rabbi. Born on the same day, looking almost identical, and living in the same town (albeit on different sides of town), they find themselves trading lives. The tension from the fear of getting caught is nicely balanced with their excitement at getting to live their dreams. I really enjoyed the way the story is told through a narrator, a wise and witty deli owner somewhat on the fringe of the storyline. My favorite aspect of this story? It’s a book about Jewish children that is not a Holocaust story, showing more ordinary aspects of life that might have been lived in the US during the early-mid-20th century. A rare treasure.

Thank you to Chronicle Books, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this charming and witty story.