Weil, Simone. Elvina’s Mirror. Translated from the French by the author. Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society, 2009. (originally published in 2003 by L’école des loisirs). 164 p. $14.00. ISBN 978-0-8276-0885-6. Advance reading copy. Ages 12-15.

Weil, Simone. Elvina’s Mirror. Translated from the French by the author. Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society, 2009. 164 pp. $14.00. ISBN: 978-0-8276-0885-6. Reviewed from an advance reviewer’s copy. Gr. 6–10.

We first met Elvina, Rashi’s granddaughter, in My Guardian Angel (Scholastic, 2001, translated 2004). In this second part of the trilogy, originally published in France, our heroine is now fourteen years old and has new challenges to face. The Jews of the community of Troyes, France are busy preparing for Passover, but ever-present is their fear of Crusaders who have recently terrorized Jewish communities in Germany. In addition, Jewish children in the town are becoming ill from an unknown disease. Finally, a family that was forcibly baptized in Germany has sought refuge in Troyes under the protection of Elvina’s illustrious grandfather. Elvina befriends Columba, a Jewish girl from the family that is being ostracized by the community. Medieval superstitions and healing are woven into the novel. But most of all, we learn how one person can make a difference through her courage and determination. With a varied cast of characters and an action-packed plot, Elvina’s Mirror will keep the young reader’s interest from beginning to end.

© Anne Dublin.

Originally published in AJL Newsletter, May/June 2009.

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