Dear Shayna B,

I just got a super cool new coat… or so I thought. I wore my brand new coat to school and all my friends started laughing at me. It’s a metallic silver puffer coat and I was soooo excited about it, but then the mean girls told me I look like I’m 5 years old. I turned 10 last week! My mom won’t let me get a new coat because I just got this one, but I don’t like it anymore! What should I do?

Sincerely, Embarrassed Emily

Dear Embarrassed Emily,

You’re like Queen Esther. Huh? Standing out like Esther did. And guess who Achashveirosh chose to be Queen? Esther. How is this related to your coat story? Esther was the prettiest. Achashveirosh thought she was the prettiest. Your coat is the coolest. Maybe everyone’s pretending to dislike your coat because they like it the most. Your coat story is also like Mordechai’s story. Mordechai didn’t bow to Haman. Mordechai stood out, your coat stands out. Esther and Mordechai and Achashveirosh saved the Jews. I’m not saying you’ll save the population or a nation, but at least your coat is cool.

Best of luck,

Shayna B.

Purim Sameach! Let’s see if you can find these words! They can be up, down, across, and even backward! Happy finding!1) purim 2) haman 3) mordechai 4) esther 5) achashveirosh 6) shushan

m i r u p j l a k r e s t h e rc h a v r e a i s h h d y a ya c h a s h v e i r o s h u a s h a s m y k s h u n s g s h u s h a n h a a c h hf t y n I I u r n y o l r u f hm o r d e c h a i y a t z i I

Shayna is a fifth grader and understands what kids in elementary school are going through. She is happy to help others navigate this tricky time. She can be reached at [email protected]. She is looking forward to hearing from you soon.