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When Auggie Learned to Play Chess

by Meredith Rusu Publisher: ANNE SCHWARTZ BOOKS

A new town, a chessboard, and a first friend

Regular price $18.12 USD
Regular price $30.21 USD Sale price $18.12 USD
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Hardcover New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A new town, a chessboard, and a first friend

Auggie’s chess lessons with his father, Tata, begin with a family heirloom: a board that belonged to his grandfather. As Auggie adjusts to a new town and struggles to connect at school, playing together gives him a welcome routine and a chance to build confidence. The game’s role then expands beyond home when Auggie spots a classmate interested in chess and offers to teach him. The story brings together a father-son bond, the experience of starting over, and a child using a growing skill to open a door to friendship.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Picture-book readers ages 4–8 interested in games and recreation
  • Children navigating a move or a new school
  • Families looking for a story about learning chess together

Themes

Chess and learningFather-son connectionAdjusting to a new environmentFriendship and confidence

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

In this heartfelt picture book, a shy kid's dad teaches him how to play chess... and chess gives him the confidence to make a new friend.

When Auggie finds an old chessboard that once belonged to his grandfather, he decides he wants to learn how to play chess. And his dad, his Tatâ, is happy to teach him.

They've just moved to a new town, and Auggie is struggling to make friends at his new school. In the big, busy hallways, he feels like a tiny pawn. But after every hard day at school, he can't wait to play chess with his dad. Slowly, slowly, he gets better at the game... until he can beat Tata!

Then, Auggie finds a chessboard in his classroom. When he sees that another boy looks interested in it, he knows just what to do: he can teach Luke how to play chess, too!

Here is a moving father-son story that shows how chess helps one boy feel at home in a new environment.
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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.