May the Best Player Win

After what she perceives as a disappointing performance in the California Middle School State Chess Championship finals, Chinese American seventh grader May Li is thrilled to learn that she won the award for “top female player.” She even gets a splashy feature in the esteemed Chessbase magazine, to the chagrin of her teammate Ralph, who bitterly remarks that “everyone knows that girls aren’t as good at chess as guys.” Hurt but refusing to let his comments get to her, May plays her gambit—she bets on herself to win the team’s internal tournament and subsequently be named captain before nationals. But as the competition progresses, she finds that the pressure and high expectations take a toll on her confidence and her friendships, leading her to question her love for chess. Zhao (The Fraud Squad, for adults) draws on personal experience, as addressed in an endnote, to explore themes of sexism in a male-dominated field and anxiety brought about by sudden fame and scrutiny. Digestible chess strategy breakdowns and terminology scattered throughout serve as an approachable introduction to the sport. Ages 8–12. (Sept.)