Lawrence was the kind of kid who never should have been in trouble. But he was. Was it because he was black? Was it because he had a gaping wound because his dad was in jail? Was it because Lawrence let others get to him? It didn’t matter the reason. Lawrence was now expelled from school for the rest of seventh grade and destined to spend his near future with his grumpy grandmother. But that grumpy grandmother doesn’t stand for people who don’t work and Lawrence finds himself “working” without pay for a nearby rec center. It’s not an easy win indeed, but Giles weaves a wonderful coming of age and healing tale that will keep readers enthralled.

Chrystal D. Giles’ NOT AN EASY WIN had a hold of my heart from page one. When he’s kicked out of school for fighting, Lawrence ends up spending his days at the local rec center, where he learns to play chess. More importantly, he becomes part of a loving and supportive community – a village – that helps him understand the importance of considering the moves you make, and the moves you don’t make. Just as in her debut novel, TAKE BACK THE BLOCK, Chrystal D. Giles has painted a beautiful portrait of a relatable and inspiring kid and his tight-knit and fiercely loving multi-generational family. Lawrence’s granny, who wakes everybody up by singing hymns every morning, is the best sort of literary grandma. And Lawrence’s touching realization that in his life, just as in the game of chess, it’s the queens who get the work done, is priceless. Also, no spoilers, but there’s a will-you-go-out-with-me scene that I could just read over and over again. Brilliant job, Chrystal. Highly recommend.

Anyone who's familiar with Chrystal Giles's books knows she has a true gift for creating characters that are so real and relatable that you feel like you're catching up with an old friend when you read her stories. In Not an Easy Win, we're introduced to Lawrence at one of the lowest points in his life when he's kicked out of school for fighting and gets one last chance to redeem himself. But when his elderly neighbor Mr. Dennis introduces him to chess, Lawrence feels like he may have finally found his groove. With tons of heart, small-town North Carolina vibes, and a redeeming story arc filled with hope and forgiveness, this book is a must-read!

NOT AN EASY WIN is about family, making new friends, and growing into yourself. After being expelled from school, Lawrence is hurt no one believes he wasn’t to blame. He starts helping at the rec center and meets people that make him feel welcome. I cheered Lawrence on as he learned to play chess, navigated a crush, and made new friends. Readers’ opinions about some of the characters at the beginning might change by the end. This is an honest and heartfelt story that will reach kids going through similar experiences as Lawrence, while giving others plenty of opportunities to relate to him. I really enjoyed this book: the questions it makes the reader ask themselves and the hopeful, inspirational warmth it leaves you with. Highly recommended!

Reading this book felt like home - a true love letter to Southern culture. Lawrence's voice was pitch perfect and I loved getting to know him through his struggle to become the author of his own story. As he finds out, chess is a game for thinkers, and chess, like life, is usually not an easy win.

So many things were done well in this book - the flashes of Pop, Ma's efforts to make things work, Granny’s hard love, friendships, crushes, authentic cultural notes. Most of all, coming to terms with the fact that the people we love most, through choice and circumstance, can break our hearts wide open.

This well-paced story is an easy win.

Chrystal Giles’ second novel for middle grade readers is a win! Life isn’t easy for Lawrence. His father is in prison and he’s living at his grandmother’s with his mother and younger sister. He attends a school that is predominantly white, and is always taking blame for the fights he gets into. The book opens with the last straw; Lawrence has to finish out 7th grade through remote learning. But just when he hits rock bottom, he finds a way to turn his life around through learning chess and making new friends at the local rec center.

I love how chess is woven into the story; the game becomes a metaphor for life, and could function as an entry point for readers who might be inspired to learn. I was rooting for Lawrence from page one. His earnest, heartwarming voice handles serious issues in a way that will make a memorable impact on readers of all ages.

This is a great book about finding who you are when you feel like you don't fit in.
Lawrence is expelled and starts going to the rec center during the day and learns to play chess. He eventually starts to feel like he might have found a place he fits in.
I really liked how we see how Lawrence is feeling and we get background on his dad and his family.
I liked these characters a lot and I think kids who feel like they aren't sure of their place in the world will really relate to Lawrence.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

Another wonderful book by this author, we find Lawrence expelled from school and frustrated that no cares that it wasn’t his fault. He feels as if he doesn’t fit in. With Pop in jail, Mom, sis Nikko and Lawrence live with Granny, and she tells him to find something to do during the day. Next door neighbor, Mr Dennis, takes him to the rec center and puts him to work. There he meets other kids and watches them play chess. When he gets blamed for something again, Lawrence realizes he needs to stand up for himself. Mr. Dennis shows him how to play chess and says the game is for thinkers. In time, Lawrence plays against the other kids and has a chance to play in a tournament. Does he make the final cut?