Not an Easy Win
by Chrystal D. Giles
Middle School    Random    256 pp.
2/23    9780593175217    $16.99
Library ed.  9780593175224    $19.99
e-book ed.  9780593175231    $9.99

Twelve-year-old Lawrence is in a losing season of his young life. Due to his father’s incarceration, Lawrence, his mom, and his little sister relocate from their home in Charlotte to rural North Carolina to live with his strict, no-nonsense grandmother. Then he’s expelled from his predominantly white school for fighting. Feeling bullied and betrayed, Lawrence starts volunteering at the Carver Recreation Center in order to keep busy and get out of the house. There he meets Deuce, a possible nemesis, and Twyla, a crush who gets him interested in learning chess. When the opportunity to return to Charlotte as part of a chess team comes up, it could be just the thing to turn around his current losing streak. Giles (Take Back the Block, rev. 7/21) gives readers another memorable character in Lawrence, a relatable middle schooler who feels misunderstood and alone but finds support in his community. Chess becomes a metaphor for life as he learns to navigate his current challenges. A sensitive yet joyful narrative about redemption, the story also nods to issues such as inequitable disciplinary practices in schools; the negative impact of incarceration on families; racism; and classism. The importance of caring adults and of working through conflict are highlighted in this well-written story about a boy who deserves a win.

From the March/April 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.