Checkmate (The News Crew, Book 2)

About this book

Sidney Aronofsky is one of the best chess players under age 16. When he's arrested for trying to buy drugs, it comes as a total surprise to those who know him. The expectations of parents, schools, and tutors pressure the young players. Sidney loves and wants to play chess, but dislikes the constant spotlight. He thinks that if he appears to be involved in drugs he'll be excused from playing on the school's team. In this book Zander and his crew are back, using their school newspaper to express their frustrations and triumphs.

Reviews

PRAISE FOR CRUISERS:

* "Fleet pacing, spot-on voice, good characters, great dialogue, smart ideas, and an unusual story that can maneuver whip-quick from light to heavy and back again." -- Booklist, starred review

"Readers will look forward to further tales of these kids as they navigate the high seas of middle school life." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Thought-provoking . . ." -- Publishers Weekly

"The Cruisers are a thoughtful, mouthy bunch . . . watch them set off metaphorical fireworks . . ." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books