Synopses & Reviews
Some of the second graders in Mrs. Zookey’s class have a new interest: chess. Vice principal Mr. E (and he is something of a mystery) has started a chess club, and Richard, Ben, Ophelia, and Patrick are all members. As usual, Patrick is a nuisance, and so Richard isn’t at all happy when Mr. E tells him that he and Patrick are alike. It’s true that to become better chess players, both of them need to learn to concentrate and to plan ahead. And Richard is determined to get better at chess, even if it means putting up with Patrick’s shenanigans.
With on-target themes like competition, teamwork, and loyalty, plus a dash of magic and a generous helping of chess facts, this new Table Two adventure is the kind of lively, funny school story that only Jamie Gilson can tell.
Review
"Richard finds his neighbor and second-grade classmate Patrick annoying. Even in chess club, Patrick manages to get under Richard's skin. But as members of the team representing their school at a tournament, they must try to set aside their differences, at least temporarily. Gilson shows a sound knowledge of grade-school psychology in this entertaining chapter book from the Table Two series. Each of the six chapters includes full-page illustration, not seen in final form. The jacket art reflects the upbeat tone of both the story and its memorable tale, which is a cheer shouted at chess club meetings."--
Booklist
"In this chapter book, four second graders from Mrs. Zookey's class find the after-school Chess Club exciting, challenging, and fun. At each meeting the students shout, "I love it I love it I love it!" Although the story includes issues such as competition and friendship-Richard and Patrick often butt heads-it will probably be most interesting to readers who already know the game. There is an abundance of chess talk, yet how to play is never explained. Humorous, full-page illustrations appear throughout. More demanding than most early chapter books, this is an additional purchase for older reluctant readers."--School Library Journal
About the Author
Jamie Gilson is the author of many successful books for children, among them Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub; Hello, My Name Is Scrambled Eggs; and the Hobie Hanson stories. The previous Table Two books, most recently Gotcha!, were also published by Clarion. Ms. Gilson lives in Wilmette, Illinois; she has grown children and several amazing grandchildren. For more information visit www.jamiegilson.com.