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“Four sixth graders who belong to a chess club learn about playing the game and also about themselves. …They’re distinct individuals who learn the value of teamwork; together they build friendships, immerse themselves in the world of chess, and navigate the roller coaster that is middle school. Alternating among all four kids’ perspectives, Donnelly effectively fuses various social themes, like navigating the loss of friendships, dealing with bullying, and being a good sport, with basic information about chess game play and history.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Chess Club: The Winning Move

Written by Rebecca Donnelly
Illustrated by Isabelle Duffy
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Chess is Halima Kasim’s favorite thing in the world. But with no local chess club in her small town, she has no one to practice with offline. Yearning for worthy opponents IRL, she recruits newbies: her next-door BFF Jem (a dedicated friend reeling from the recent loss of her grandfather), Jem’s long-lost friend Parker (eager to escape the shadow of his sport-star siblings), and Daniel (itching for answers after discovering a mysterious note left for him inside a book).

Together the team forms their own chess club, navigating not just the board but the highs and lows of middle school social life. Along the way they’ll learn that it takes more than practice to be great—it’s teamwork, confidence, and the power of friendship. And never forget . . . chess is a game full of surprises.

Primary ISBN: 9781250328588
Publication Date: June 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New York)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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