Chess Rumble

Chess Rumble (2007) by G. Neri and illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. 64 pages.
ISBN: 978-1-58430-279-7

Eleven-year old Marcus is angry. His sister has recently died, his father has left the family, his mom is always tired and edgy, and a bully won't leave him alone at school. He lives in a tough, urban neighborhood where life is difficult.

Told in free verse using street vernacular, Marcus tells of his difficulties at home and school. His anger gets him in trouble; he readily responds with his fists. After one incident, the principal, sends Marcus to the library; "it be fulla kids playin' chess". Attempting to leave, Marcus is blocked by a big dude, CM. Marcus's first game doesn't go well and he responds by throwing the board.

While playing basketball in the park with his friends, Marcus runs into CM playing chess. He gets pulled in to the games and gets some coaching. CM, a chess master, relates chess to life, provoking Marcus to think about his moves before making them; "three moves is all it takes to change the outcome of the game".

With powerful emotions and bleak inner-city surroundings, the story evokes empathy for Marcus and his struggles. Its quick pace, contemporary theme and street language makes it engaging and attractive to reluctant readers, as well as those who enjoy urban literature. Black, gray and white illustrations add to the story's atmospherics. Good read for 9 to 12 year olds.

Book Trailer provided by Lee & Low Books.

Hip-Hop Chess Federation - using chess, music and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and non-violence.

Miracle's Boys

Miracle's Boys (2000) by Jacqueline Woodson. 131 pages
ISBN: 0-399-23113-7
(2006) Audiobook read by Dule Hill. New York, NY: Listening Library, download to MP3.

Winner of Coretta Scott King Award 2001

Lafayette is a thirteen year old being raised by his older brother Ty'ree. When their mother Milagra died, their other brother, Charlie, was in Rahway reform school. Their great-aunt Cecil wanted them to live with her, but they wanted to stay in New York. Ty'ree became guardian of his brothers, giving up his acceptance to MIT.

Ty'ree works full time, but there isn't much money. Charlie is back living them, but is a different person than he was before, lost and angry. Lafayette is dismayed and sees him as 'Newcharlie'. Newcharlie has a tendency toward trouble, finds himself at a gang initiation.

Ty'ree provides loving guidance and companionship to Lafayette. They reminisce about their mother and talk about the accident that led to their father's death. Charlie begins to reconnect with his brothers. The boys are loyal to each other; "B-to-B" (brother-to-brother) they say as their expression of love for each other.

This story is realistic, urban drama with authentic characters. The dialague connects the reader with characters' sorrow and anger. Listening to this story puts the reader closer to the drama. Dule Hill, who reads the audio version, brings an urban and ethnic tone that enhances its telling. Good read for 11 to 13 year olds.

If you like Miracle's Boys, you may like other Jacqueline Woodson books , as well as those by Walter Dean Myers