The game is on in this fun-filled middle grade debut about chess, girl power, and performance anxiety in sports, perfect for fans of Kelly Yang and Celia C. Pérez!
The clock is ticking for May Li, whose middle-school chess team just earned a victory at the state championship—and with it, a ticket to nationals. What’s even more exciting is that May got an award for being the top female player and a splashy feature in the biggest chess magazine in the country.
May should be thrilled. But some of her teammates, including her supposed-to-be-friend Ralph, aren’t too pleased with the attention she’s getting—and they’re even questioning her skills. Backed into a corner, but not one to back down, May makes a move as bold as any of her chess tactics: She bets Ralph she can win the school’s internal tournament and be chosen as team captain for nationals.
The crown is May’s for the taking . . . except she’s starting to crumble under the weight of everyone’s expectations. Anxious feelings begin to affect her performance and, what’s worse, eat away at her love for the game. Now May is left to wonder: Can you still play for fun when you’re playing to win?
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"This book is a game-changer for readers of all ages, regardless of whether you play chess! May the Best Player Win captures the thrill of competition, the weight of expectations, and the sting of naysayers. May Li's story is a beautiful exploration of rediscovering the joy of the game itself, and from start to finish, this book will have you cheering for May from the edge of your seat and inspired to conquer your next match in life."
— Carissa Yip, 2x US Women's Chess Champion & Women's Grandmaster
A middle-grade Queen’s Gambit, May The Best Player Win is a realistic story of one girl's love of chess, and her journey to rediscovering the love of the game. It will resonate with any middle schooler navigating achievement, success, and the weight of expectations. Utterly believable and inspirational, May's story will have you on the edge of your seat and you itching to play a game of chess!
— Graci Kim, New York Times bestselling author of the Gifted Clans trilogyMay Li is the type of fierce, loveable, larger-than-life heroine who stays with you long after the story ends. Readers will root for May and her friends from start to finish in their epic journey to nationals!
— Katie Zhao, author of Last Gamer Standing and the Winnie Zeng seriesCompassionate, empowering, and full of heart, May the Best Player Win reminds young readers that sometimes, the only limits on our potential are the ones we place on ourselves.
— Rebecca Mix, New York Times bestselling author of The Mossheart's PromiseA middle grade Queen’s Gambit, May The Best Player Win is a realistic story of one girl's love of chess and her journey to rediscovering the love of the game. It will resonate with any middle schooler navigating achievement, success, and the weight of expectations. Utterly believable and inspirational, May's story will have you on the edge of your seat and you itching to play a game of chess!
— Graci Kim, New York Times bestselling author of the Gifted Clans trilogyGirls deserve to just have fun! Full of puns and emotions that had me on the edge of my seat, May the Best Player Win is an all-too relatable tale about how girls have to prove themselves over and over in boy-dominated hobbies instead of getting to simply be there to enjoy themselves.
— Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times-bestselling author of Zachary Ying and the Dragon EmperorCompassionate, empowering, and full of heart, May the Best Player Win reminds young readers that sometimes, the only limits on our potential are the ones we place on ourselves.
— Rebecca Mix, New York Times bestselling author of The Mossheart's PromiseMay Li is the type of fierce, loveable, larger-than-life heroine who stays with you long after the story ends. Readers will root for May and her friends from start to finish in their epic journey to nationals!
— Katie Zhao, author of Last Gamer Standing and the Winnie Zeng seriesA middle grade Queen’s Gambit, May The Best Player Win is a realistic story of one girl's love of chess and her journey to rediscovering the love of the game...Utterly believable and inspirational, May's story will have you on the edge of your seat and you itching to play a game of chess!
— Graci Kim, New York Times bestselling author of the Gifted Clans trilogyGirls deserve to just have fun! Full of puns and emotions that had me on the edge of my seat, May the Best Player Win is an all-too relatable tale about how girls have to prove themselves over and over in boy-dominated hobbies.
— Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times-bestselling author of Zachary Ying and the Dragon EmperorThis book is a game-changer for readers of all ages, regardless of whether you play chess! May the Best Player Win captures the thrill of competition, the weight of expectations, and the sting of naysayers.
— Carissa Yip, 2x US Women's Chess Champion & Women's GrandmasterThe chess games are thrilling...and the book’s valuable life lessons will speak to anyone who’s lost their love for a pursuit. An emotionally intelligent work that explores socially relevant themes.
— Kirkus Reviews"A compelling urban fantasy about love, familial obligations, and one’s power over fate.
— Kirkus ReviewsThe chess games are thrilling...and the book’s valuable life lessons will speak to anyone who’s lost their love for a pursuit. An emotionally intelligent work that explores socially relevant themes.
— Kirkus Reviews"Digestible chess strategy breakdowns and terminology scattered throughout serve as an approachable introduction to the sport.
— Publishers WeeklyBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Emily Eiden is an award-winning actress best known for her role in the 2005 film Scab. She also appeared in the television series Campus Ladies. She is the winner of the 2012 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children’s Video, and she was named a 2013 Notable Children’s Recording by the American Library Association.