Essie Rose's Revelation Summer

By: Deanie Yasner

Narrated by: Laura C. Saunders

"There are so many things I do not understand.”

What happens when the lone Jewish girl in a small Mississippi town challenges the rules of segregation in the hot summer of 1953?

Essie Rose Ginsberg, writer, loner, and all-time worrier, is hoping for a carefree summer vacation. But when the family’s beloved housekeeper is suddenly called away, Essie Rose must figure out how to "get on with her business" and make her Pearlie May proud.

When Daddy’s store is vandalized, when mean girls bully her, when her entry in the town’s essay contest is jeopardized because Pearlie May is not a Caucasian, Essie Rose’s worries become a reality.

The Fourth of July comes and goes without Pearlie May's return. Will she make it home in time for Essie Rose's 11th birthday? Will the Ginsbergs remain in Tipton, or will increasing discrimination and danger finally force them to return up North?

Listen over her shoulder as Essie Rose captures it all in her Writer’s Notebook, chronicling a summer of friendship, love, loyalty, and “getting on with her business.

Inspired by the author’s childhood experiences in the Jim Crow South, Yasner’s coming-of-age debut novel is a moving, multi-layered, and meticulously-researched story of loneliness and loyalty, bullying and friendship, loss and courage.

“Yasner is a new talent to watch, and Essie Rose is an unforgettable character. Don't miss this story.” (Anna Myers, author of 20 books for young people, including Tulsa Burning)

“An absolute delight. I laughed. I cried. I loved it.” (Mary Guess Flamer, EdD, former title i coordinator, NJ Department of Education)

©2019 Deanie Yasner (P)2021 Deanie Yasner

A wonderful family listen

I recommend this book a wonderful listen for the whole family!

Written as a writers notebook diary, Essie Rose reveals her journey to understand herself and her world during a complex time in her l0 year old life. Author Deanie Yasner is able to capture the voice of this Jewish girl living in 1950s Mississippi, with great authenticity.

I also found Laura C. Saunders narration a delight to listen to as she brings the written diary entries to life.

A precious jewel

Deanie Yasner brings her characters and their heartfelt emotions to life in a beautiful way. Her words are relate-able, simply stated but are packed with power and beauty. Laura Saunders' telling of the story just added another beautiful layer of depth that makes the reader feel like he/she is right there in the story with them. I laughed. I cried. I grinned with pride. The lessons for young people are extremely important. The audible is just wonderful and I think children will love it. They'll walk away feeling like everything's possible, will learn about courage and the importance of being themselves no matter what. As an adult, I loved reading the book and enjoyed listening to it just as much. It's just wonderful through and through.

Poignant for teens & adults

Memoir that reminds us that what matters most in a person is their character and not the color of their skin or religion. We should all be like Essie Rose! This story stays with you, read it and see why.