Not an Easy Win
on Goodreads (671)
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Lawrence moves to Larenville, North Carolina to live with his granny, and after getting expelled from school due to a fight, he starts spending his days at a rec center running a chess program. Despite knowing nothing about chess, Lawrence finds a sense of belonging at the center and a chance to compete in the Charlotte Classic chess tournament. This novel explores themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery, perfect for middle-grade fans of Nic Stone and Jason Reynolds.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-10
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they faced challenges?
What would you have done differently if you were in their place?
Can you think of a time when you had to work hard to achieve something?
What does success mean to you, and do you think it was the same for the character?
How important do you think teamwork and support from friends are when trying to win?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story where you faced a difficult challenge, encouraging your child to do the same.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers, reinforcing that their opinions are valued and important.
Relate the book’s scenarios to real-life situations in your child's world to help them connect deeper with the themes.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book that resonated with them. Discuss the drawing to gain insights into their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage your child to think about what they can learn from the character's experiences and apply it in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges throughout the story which they overcome through persistence and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of persisting through difficulties, whether in their academic pursuits, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Key moments in the book showcase how working together with others can lead to greater success than working alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to collaborate effectively with their peers in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The characters in the story often step into each other’s shoes, offering insights into the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to everyday interactions by showing empathy and consideration towards the feelings and viewpoints of others.
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: The protagonist faces moral dilemmas and learns the importance of choosing honesty over taking the easy way out.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of honesty in their daily interactions and the long-term benefits of being truthful.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: The book introduces characters from various backgrounds and highlights the strength found in diversity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and respect people’s differences and learn from diverse groups in their community.