Chess not Checkers — Tony Lindsay

Chess not Checkers is a teen novel with adult adventures and situations. The novel's thrills happen in both urban and rural environments. A twenty-year-old, Thaddeus Adams, is looking back to when he was a self-described nerd who stood up to a brutal bully. Earl Jacobson is gang affiliated and heartless, and he adds layers of difficulties to Thaddeus' life that no teen should have to endure. The challenges require Thaddeus' strategic planning which shears off layers of his nerd qualities. At times, we see Thaddeus flat on his back, and at other times we see him standing with confidence; he learns to depend on family, community, and friends to survive. Chess not Checkers is sure to become a teen classic.