Elsa's Chessboard

by Jenny Andrus, Julie Downing (illustrator)

Elsa carries her chessboard everywhere, always ready for a game. When World War II forces her from Europe, can chess help make America home?

Growing up in 1900s Vienna, Elsa’s brothers are always playing chess. “No girls!” 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 plays chess whenever she can. When she grows up, she even meets her 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!

Over the course of her life, Elsa's cherished chessboard will take her to new places while keeping her tethered to her truest self—no matter how many challenges the world throws her way.

Based on the life of author Jenny Andrus’s grandmother, with illustrations by award-winning artist Julie Downing, Elsa’s Chessboard is an inspiring and exciting story, perfect for any reader who's ever found meaning in a special object.

One of Tablet's Best Jewish Children's Books of the Year
A CALIBA Golden Poppy Finalist
Horn Book Starred Review

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Immigration, Jewish, Family, Historical, War

48 pages, Hardcover

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

As a K-8 school librarian, I loved sharing picture books with kids of all ages. Those experiences inspired me to start writing ones of my own. The first—Elsa's Chessboard—is based on the life of my grandmother. These days, I spend as much time as I can up California's North Coast, a beautiful and wild place filled with endless story possibilities. Visit me at jennyandruswrites.com

Reviews

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a school librarian and I run a mock Ezra Jack Keats book award competition with my K-4 students. Elsa’s Chessboard was our gold medal winner this year and it won by MANY student votes. It was also loved by kids across the K-4 grade level band. They loved the story of someone being told she couldn’t do something and then repeatedly showing she could. They loved that it followed Elsa’s life from the time she was a little girl until the time she was a grandmother. They also loved the beautiful illustrations and pouring over the pages to see which items repeated throughout the story… we found three! Lastly, they (and I) thought it was pretty awesome that the author of this book is Elsa’s granddaughter, Jenny. This book deserves so much love. I’m delighted it’s the one my students chose as their winner.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move your young reader forward with a fascinating book about an amazing girl who achieves her dreams in the chess world. Beautiful illustrations add to this fun book. A wonderful book for readers of all ages.

[Laura Witherbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book! My third grade students loved this book. They poured over the pictures, were completely invested in the story, and loved that Elsa’s granddaughter wrote the book! They got to point where they could finish the ends of the sentences! Highly recommend!

[Jan Schwaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is touching and so beautiful. I was quickly entranced by the story of Elsa, a little girl determined to play chess despite her brothers' complaints that she's too young - and that girls don't play chess! We follow Elsa's journey as her chessboard plays a role in some major milestones in her life, from marriage to having a child to leaving the country to making new friends to connecting with her grandkids and great grandkids. Thematically, the book touches on the idea that chess unites Elsa with others; even when she's an outsider and they don't speak the same language, they're able to speak the language of chess together. Watching Elsa go through the stages of life through gorgeous illustrations tethered me to her journey, and the satisfying ending nearly moved me to tears. What a heartfelt and sweet book with relatable, empathetic characters. I would recommend this to everyone.

[Judy Sobanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsa's Chessboard written by Jenny Andrus is a lovely tale based on her real-life grandmother, Elsa. Elsa, born in Vienna, longs to play chess like her older brothers. But she is told she is too young and "girls don't play chess." Determined to learn the fascinating game, one of Elsa's brothers relents and teaches her. Eventually, her family gifts her her own chessboard set. Elsa's love of the game carries her through many experiences in her life. She finds it's a connection to others including her husband. When they are forced to flee Vienna when Germany invades during WWII, Elsa takes her chessboard set to America. Though the language and customs are very different, Elsa's chessboard once again brings her together with others. The ending of the story is beautiful and the message of how people can connect in many ways other than language alone, is brought to life in both the text and in Julie Downing's charming illustrations.

[Dublindem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book tells the story of Elsa, her love for chess and the impact the game had on her life. Watching her brothers play chess, she is told she is too young to play and girls don’t play chess. On her 10th birthday she is given her own chessboard. Elsa carries this treasure throughout her life and it brings her love and later comfort during her family’s forced move from Austria. Chess paves the way for connections in a new country with a new language and into new generations.

[Sharon McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a heartwarming historical fiction story that grips your heart while providing information about equality, immigration, and how to connect all people through games, this one's for you. The connection between chess and the main character's siblings and extended family makes a creative connection to children's lives. I just loved the intergenerational element and how Elsa's passion for chess becomes contagious to the reader!

[Judith Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsa's Chessboard by Jenny Andrus and illustrator, Julia Downing, is a must read. This warm story of strength and resilience is told through the view of a child's love of her family and chess. She leaves Vienna, Austria due to the occupation of the Nazi's and rebuilds her life in a new land with the help of the game of chess. This book will be a welcome addition to all bookshelves.

[YSBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Jenny Andrus has pulled from her own family history to create this luminous and touching story of resilience. Elsa (Andrus’s grandmother) lived in Vienna and loved to watch people play chess, but in 1906, it was not an activity for girls. Nevertheless, her three elder brothers bought her a set and taught her to play, giving her a gift that would stay with her for the rest of her life. The narrative follows Elsa as she meets a man (through chess, of course), marries, has a daughter, and leaves for America as “Europe becomes a chessboard with different countries lining up on each side.” Although her new life is hard (she works in a garment factory), chess becomes a way to gain respect and bond with friends. During a chaotic move, the elderly grandmother loses her treasured set, but miraculously it reappears just in time for her to teach her great grandson the game. Back matter includes a personal note from the author, more books and stories about chess, resources for learning to play chess, and 5 sharp and interesting family photos.

Julie Downing’s lovely, earth-toned watercolor and colored pencil illustrations present a concrete backdrop for this ambitious sweep of history. Young readers will travel from quaint Vienna (dotted with outdoor tables and long-coated rabbis) right through to the late twentieth century, as Elsa plays Twister and lights a menorah with her granddaughters. It’s fun to trace the passage of time as fashion and hairstyles change and Elsa morphs from a little girl to a stout, practical great grandmother. Sharp-eyed readers will appreciate the many visual references to chessboards. As a young girl, Elsa sees four in a series of paired vignettes: in a book, on a tablecloth, in bathroom floor tiles, and in her bedroom windows and a quilt. Then throughout the story, more “chessboards” pop up, especially in the repeated appearance of checkered clothing. Beautiful endpapers front and back show the two sides of the board complete with labeled pieces, one black and the other white. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story by the granddaughter of Elsa, the protagonist, this picture book is a lovely slice of history with a feminist flavor. As many chess players know, girls and women haven't always been welcomed into the chess fold since it's typically a game played by boys and men. Growing up in Austria, Elsa learns the game by watching her brothers and then being taught by one of the three boys. She even receives her own chessboard and meets her future husband through their shared interest in chess. Fleeing the Nazis and WWII, her new family immigrates to San Francisco, carrying only their essentials, which in Elsa's case, includes that cherished chessboard. She even uses it to make friends in her new job at a dress factory. But she quit playing chess after the board and pieces were lost during a move, only to be found decades later by her great-grandson, to whom she teaches the game. Poignant and impressive in many respects, this picture book shows the value of a shared interest that can bridge the language and cultural gap as well as a passion that can be shared across generations and genders. With endpapers showing how the chessboard should be set up and handsome artwork, rendered with watercolor and colored pencils, and capturing the mood of those times, and a Note from the Author with photos and background to the story, it's yet another refugee and Holocaust story that merits a place on classroom library shelves.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in 1906 Vienna, Elsa longed to learn chess. But the brothers she admired believed it wasn’t a game for girls. Worn down by her persistence they gifted her lessons and a snug travel chessboard she carried everywhere. The game became a passion that entertained and connected her, finding her a spouse, accompanying her as she fled war and genocide, bridging gaps among her fellow workers, as she rebuilt a new life in San Francisco. But at the end of her long life, in a final move, when her chessboard is lost, can Elsa find a way to bridge the gap between her and the generations she will leave behind? Luminescent watercolor illustrations are full of delightful details that bring the sweep of history to life and emphasize the continuity and comfort the game provided. This is one of those rich stories that has great surface appeal and offers profound depth and opportunity for discussion. Kids see how the pastimes they love now may resonate throughout their lives. They get an age-appropriate window on issues of immigration, intolerance, resilience and finding common ground. One of the strengths of story is its honesty. Neither Elsa’s children, nor grandchildren, have any interest in learning the game that meant so much their Oma. But time passes and another chance presents itself. A warmhearted, inspiring, inter-generational story about the power of sharing what we love.

[Heather Kinser · Rating 5 out of 5]

ELSA’S CHESSBOARD is a transporting story that took me back in time to experience a young girl’s struggle to be taken seriously by the boys and men in her life. Tenderly told by author Jenny Andrus and evocatively drawn by illustrator Julie Downing, this true family story carries us through time—from a girl’s life in pre-war Europe, through a romance with both the game of chess and a young suitor, into a narrow escape from Nazi Germany, on to a new life in America, and down into the attrition of old age. Through it all, Elsa’s chessboard is ever-present. I could feel the reverberations of so many families’ immigration stories in these pages. And when Elsa loses her treasured chessboard, it feels as though her whole life history has been lost—until a curious great-grandson finds it, and revives his relative’s sense of joy and self-worth. This is a story full of depth, emotion, and compassion that will broaden young readers’ perspectives on history, women’s roles, and the value of our honored elders.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the life of Andrus's grandmother, Elsa, who lived in Vienna, Austria in the 1930s. Elsa falls in love with the game of chess as a young child so her brothers give her a chessboard when she is ten. Elsa carries the chessboard wherever she goes. Eventually, she marries a man who also loves the game and they continue to play whenever they can. At the beginning of World War II, they leave Europe with their daughter to move to San Francisco. They can't take much but Elsa does take the chessboard and even in America, chess is a part of her life. Years pass and her husband dies so she moves to be closer to her granddaughters. Somehow the chessboard is lost in the move and Elsa stops playing chess. She has no interest in playing on another board. Even more years pass and her granddaughters are grown. Then one day her great-grandson makes a discovery while playing in the attic that brings chess back into Elsa's life. This is a compelling family story and will be a wonderful book to share with grandparents and anyone who enjoys a good game of chess.

[Doreen Klein Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checkmate for Elsa’s Chessboard!
In this beautiful story, author Jenny Andrus gives us a glimpse into the life of her grandmother, Elsa, and her beloved chessboard, gifted to her by her brothers for her tenth birthday. It’s a moving tribute that shares Elsa’s journey, leaving Vienna with her husband Edmund because it was too dangerous to be Jewish in Europe in the 1930s. Life as an immigrant in San Francisco was difficult, but Elsa’s chessboard was her way of communicating, bridging the gap between people who spoke different languages. Much later, Elsa’s chessboard goes missing during a move and she stops playing, until a box with the precious chessboard is discovered by her great-grandson. The illustrations by Julie Downing add a lovely layer of authenticity to this story and capture the time period and settings with accuracy. An author’s note, family photos, and additional resources and recommendations are included in the back matter.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elsa watches her brothers play chess and longs to learn, only to be told she can’t—because she’s a girl. When her oldest brother finally teaches her, she quickly falls in love with the game. Her passion deepens when she receives her very own chessboard, a treasured gift. The story traces Elsa’s life from childhood in Vienna, through migration during WWII, to her new life in America—with chess as a lifelong constant.

Written by her granddaughter and illustrated by Julie Downing, this picture book offers a gentle, biographical portrait of an ordinary woman with an extraordinary devotion to a game she wasn’t expected to play. The story’s quiet strength lies in its message of perseverance and quiet rebellion against gender expectations. The illustrations match the traditional tone of the narrative and evoke the time periods with warmth and subtle detail. Elsa’s early experiences with gender bias will spark important classroom conversations, and the lyrical prose lends itself well to read-alouds.

While not groundbreaking, this is a heartfelt and inspiring story that centers everyday resilience and passion—and honors the legacy of a woman whose love of chess shaped her world.

[K. Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In early 1900s Vienna, young Elsa, bright and persistent, convinces an older brother to teach her to play chess—despite the strong belief that the game was only for boys and men. Author Jenny Andrus deftly and gently weaves Elsa’s persistence and passion for chess through marriage and motherhood, escape from the Nazis, becoming a refugee, and rebuilding her life in San Francisco. “How about a game?” With these four words, Elsa used chess to connect with people in her old and new lands, even when she couldn’t speak the language. Julie Downing’s vibrant illustrations compliment Andrus’ beautiful language. I highly recommend this book as a riveting story and for its child-friendly introduction to the experiences of women, the Jewish people, and refugees during this period in history.

[Suhasini Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsa's Chessboard, written by Jenny Andrus, illustrated by Julie Downing, is a heartwarming intergenerational story inspired by the author’s grandmother, who fell in love with chess at the age of six. From Vienna to San Francisco, Elsa’s life unfolds through the game she loved—each square on the board marking friendships, memories, and milestones.
I especially appreciated the thoughtful metaphors the author used to reflect Elsa’s journey through the lens of chess, weaving emotions into every stage of her life. The illustrations beautifully capture Elsa’s passion, showing how chess became not only her joy, but also a universal language—connecting her with others, even when she didn’t yet know English.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical story tells about a young girl who learned how to play chess around the age of 6 in Austria. Her family had to flea after the invasion during the second World War and they relocated to San Francisco. Though Elsa loved chess most people believed that women should not play chess and would not play with her. Elsa was her own person and never lost her love for the game even when her beloved chessboard was lost for a while. Backmatter is wonderful and includes a note from Elsa's granddaughter the author of this book. Julie Downing's illustrations are lovely and show the passage of time in the wardrobes of the people in them.

This story that could be used when learning about WWII or when speaking about small moment writing or memoirs.

[Andrés · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intimate, personal, inter-generational biography of the author's grandmother, Elsa. Chess is Elsa's personal throughline, from her happy childhood and young adulthood in Vienna to fleeing from religious persecution in the 1930s, to caretaking in the Bay Area as grandma and great grandma. The author's note and family photos at the end are touching. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about history, courage, or chess or likes to think of the impact of an entire 80+ year lifespan. If you like this story, I also recommend The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs, a book about escaping the Holocaust with most treasured artefacts.

[Caroline Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book! Elsa's Chessboard centers around a young Jewish girl who develops a love of chess, despite societal opposition to female players. The pivotal moments in her life are intertwined with the game, and the reader is transported from wartime Vienna to the safety of San Francisco. While in her new city, Elsa discovers that chess is a universal language, and her chessboard becomes key to her integration. Based on the real life experiences of author Jenny Andrus's grandmother, this is a powerful story, perfectly complemented by Julie Downing's evocative illustrations. The ending is just lovely, too. A wonderful addition to home and school library collections!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeously illustrated picture book tells the story of Elsa, who absolutely LOVED playing chess from a very young age. The books walks the reader through Elsa's life, beginning in 1906 Vienna and crossing the continent with Elsa and her family in the 1930s. Eventually, Elsa got a job in a factory in San Francisco, cared for her young grandchildren, and lost her beloved original chessboard in a move late in her life. No one in her family (besides her late husband) seemed very interested in chess... but there is always hope for the future.... I wondered if this was based on a true story, and sure enough, it was written by Elsa's real-life granddaughter.

[Daisy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Jenny Andrus shares her own family history to create this brilliant and moving story of resilience & strength. This is one of those profound stories that offers an opportunity for discussion. Kids see how their entertainments & hobbies they love now may echo throughout their lives. What a heartwarming story.
Based on the real-life experiences of author Jenny Andrus's grandmother. Appendix includes a personal note from the author, more books and stories about chess, resources for learning to play chess, and 5 sharp and interesting family photos.
Beautifully paired with the illustrations which are beautiful and rich.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story of Elsa - a girl who was interested chess even when it wasn't a game for girls (supposedly). Fortunately, one of her brothers, the kind one, taught her how to play, and she loved it. They gave her a chessboard which became a prized possession. It traveled with her across the world when she had to immigrate to the United States during WWII (she was Jewish), but it got lost. Eventually, her great-grandson discovered it in a box in the garage, and reignited her desire to play. In the author's note, the author, Elsa's granddaughter, explains that the story was based on her grandmother. Reminds me of "The Queen's Gambit"!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heart-warming family memoir is beautifully illustrated by Julie Downing. The author tells the story of her Jewish grandmother (Elsa) from Vienna. Elsa had learned to play chess from her brothers and became quite good at the game. Eventually, Elsa, her husband, and daughter had to leave Vienna due to WWII, and they ended up in San Fransisco, where Elsa continued to challenge people to chess games. The illustrations, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, follow Elsa's life closely, in double-page spreads, single-page spreads, and panels. Eventually, Elsa is even able to challenge her great-grandson to a chess game. Julie Downing has won a number of awards for her artwork; it's about time she adds a Caldecott to that list.

[Lynn Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsa loved to play chess and carried her chessboard everywhere. When World War II was beginning, Elsa’s family needed to leave Europe in a hurry—and they could only take the most important things with them. This story about the author’s grandmother highlights the importance of chess and family, chess and community. This book will spark interesting conversations about family traditions and pastimes. Kids will enjoy learning about chess as it is woven into history, and the back matter points to resources for learning more about the game.

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written book tells the inspiring story of a girl whose passion for chess lights up her life and transcends generations to her great-grandchildren. Her unwavering enthusiasm for the game shines, even against the odds of it being viewed as a boys' game, fostering deep bonds with her husband and forging connections across continents and friendships. It is magical to see how the younger generations embrace her love for chess. The illustrator captures charming details from each place and time period, making this a memorable read.

[Mother Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsa’s Chessboard is a poignant story that traces the life of Elsa, whose love for chess became a thread connecting her childhood to adult life. Beginning in 1906 Vienna, Elsa's early fascination with chess was nurtured by her brothers, and later by her own determination. As Europe became increasingly perilous in the 1930s, Elsa and her family immigrated to San Francisco, where she continued to share her passion for the game with strangers, family, and friends. A beautifully written and illustrated biography that highlights resilience, familial love, and an enduring passion for chess.

[Meagan Dekker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful picture book is a modern classic with many layers--it speaks to both the struggle for women and immigrants. It also highlights how practice, passion, and determination make you better at the things you love, which makes the things you love even more fun. There is also a beautiful throughline about intergenerational relationships and family. I love the lyrical way this intricate tale is written sparingly and with choice words. The illustrations are rich and moving. An engaging tale to intrigue children and the adults reading to them.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We recently revived the chess program at the library I work at, and I've loved seeing all the youth...especially the girls...who have turned out to play. I went looking for a picture book about girls in chess and while they are very hard to find, this one was beautiful! This is the true story of Elsa Weisz, the author's grandmother, a Jewish young woman escaping Nazi Germany during WWII. Her journey from Vienna to San Francisco is harrowing but the game of chess that she has loved since she was a child, helps her establish a new life. There are so many beautiful messages in her story!

[Holly Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrative nonfiction. Shelved in fiction? This would be a fun read aloud. There are clues in the pictures that would be fun to discover with kids. Elsa is the great grandmother of the author. She bucked the system and didn’t let people define her. She played chess even though girls just didn’t do that. She had to flee Europe during the holocaust and landed in San Francisco. Although I was expecting her to be a grandmaster chess champion, she was a more everyday hero. Thoughtful and hopeful story of overcoming adversity.