PING-PONG SHABBAT

From the moment young Estee Ackerman picked up a Ping-Pong paddle, she fell in love with the game.

Estee started winning against her family and then entered tournaments, but never on Saturdays, the Jewish Shabbat, a day of rest. At age 11, in 2013, she qualified for the finals at the U.S. National Table Tennis Championships. But when she realized she was scheduled to play on a Saturday, Estee decided that she’d follow the tradition of not working or playing athletic games on Shabbat. “She was sad she had missed the chance at a gold medal. But she knew she had made the choice that was right for her.” When a reporter wrote about her dilemma, other articles followed, and many supported her difficult decision. Luckily, next year, finals were scheduled for a Monday, and Estee won! The straightforward text highlights Estee’s skill and independence. Those with religious ideals will most appreciate this book, but other thoughtful readers will understand the importance of Estee making up her own mind, especially when her family says, “It’s up to you, Estee.” The illustrations have an action-oriented cartoon quality and incorporate onomatopoeic Ping-Pong ball sounds. Filled with swirling stars, the Shabbat scenes shine with familial warmth. Estee’s family is light-skinned, and her dad and brother wear yarmulkes. Backmatter notes that Estee is currently enrolled in Yeshiva University and training in the hopes of joining the U.S. Olympic Table Tennis Team.

A noteworthy tale of a young Jewish athlete taking a personal stand.