Not An Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles

Abstract

Reviewed by: Not An Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles Quinita Balderson Giles, Chrystal D. Not An Easy Win. Random House, 2023 [256p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593175217 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593175231 $9.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 4-6 When a questionable traffic stop lands Lawrence’s father in prison, his mother moves him and his siblings in with their strict Granny in rural North Carolina where he attends a predominantly white middle school. Lawrence’s most recent scrape with a classmate results in expulsion forcing Lawrence to finish seventh grade remotely, but Granny, playing the role of traditional straight-laced southern matriarch, insists that staying home all day would be counterproductive to his development, not to mention unbiblical. Thankfully, the rec center offers opportunities for newfound interests: chess and Twyla, a beautiful dark-skinned methodical thinker whose mastery of the game inspires Lawrence into making the right moves. Giles gives readers an honest story about growing up in a world that affords few breaks to Black youth. The clever use of chess as a way for elders to teach life skills works brilliantly here, and much like the game’s different pieces, each character is moving through the world with varied strengths and abilities. On the surface, Granny seems overly strict, but she ends up being the queen Lawrence needs, steady, capable, and ready to help in behind the scenes role in his success, and mom’s the rook, doggedly pushing forward to make sure Lawrence is protected and supported. There are more pieces in play with a love interest, a bully, and other life decisions, and Giles strategically moves them all to a satisfying conclusion. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois