Checkmate at Chess City
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
When Chess City is captured and the king and queen go missing, it's up to the reader to solve the mystery. This book teaches children how each chess piece moves by inviting them to strategically maneuver knights, pawns, bishops, and rooks through mazes filled with obstacles to rescue the king and queen. This interactive and colorfully illustrated book provides a perfect introduction to the game of chess, combining puzzle-solving with learning chess strategy.
Age
7-10
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the characters in Chess City solved their problems? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem in a similar way?
How did the chess pieces in the book work together to achieve their goals? Why is teamwork important in games and in real life?
What do you think is the most important lesson that Chess City teaches us? How can you apply that lesson in your own life?
If you could be any of the chess piece characters from the book, which one would you choose and why?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting? What setting would you choose?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the strategies used in chess to real-life situations. Discuss how planning ahead, thinking critically, and considering the consequences of actions are essential skills both in chess and in everyday life.
Highlight the importance of collaboration and teamwork, as shown by the chess pieces in the book, and relate it to your child’s experiences with friends or in school.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story such as perseverance, bravery, and thinking creatively. Encourage your child to share instances where they have or could apply these values in their lives.
Invite your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings for the book, which helps develop creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Use the descriptions and actions of the chess pieces to introduce your child to the basic rules and fun aspects of playing chess, promoting strategic thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Strategic Thinking
Explanation: In 'Checkmate at Chess City,' children follow the journey of the knight, who must strategize to save Chess City from its adversaries. The game of chess is used as a metaphor to convey the importance of planning and foresight.
Real-World Application: Children can use strategic thinking skills learned from the book to solve problems in school assignments or in deciding how to manage their time effectively.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, different chess pieces work together to protect their city, representing how collaboration can achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of working with others in group projects at school or in team sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: As challenges arise, the characters in the book continue to persevere, demonstrating resilience in the face of obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up when facing difficulties with their homework or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: Decisions made by characters in 'Checkmate at Chess City' show immediate outcomes, teaching children that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children think through their choices more carefully, whether it's in their interactions with friends or in following rules at home.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist often faces puzzles and challenges that require creative solutions, highlighting the importance of problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply creative thinking to overcome obstacles in real life, such as figuring out how to repair a broken toy or resolving a disagreement with a sibling.