Janet S. Wong - Author of Acclaimed Children's Books - Janet Wong's Books

Award-winning author, Janet S. Wong, and noted illustrator, Stacey Schuett, bring chess to life in this lyrical book with whimsical illustrations that emphasize the delight a child can take in the challenge a game of chess.

Alex first learned chess when he was four years old. He loved the pieces, the strategy, and the sweet taste that winning left in his mouth. He loved it until he played a game with his neighbor's Uncle Hooya…and lost. Then Alex decided to give up chess for good.

Now in third grade, Alex is giving chess another try. He joins the chess club and discovers that chess is fun again. He practices at school, at home, on the computer—Alex is a chess maniac! All of this practice leads up to the big tournament, where Alex finds himself face-to-face with Little Cousin Hooya.

According to a recent New York Times article, more than one million children in the United States play chess, but there are few fictional titles about the game for children. With a compelling story and easy-to-follow chess tips, this book is a great introduction to the world of chess and will likely send young readers searching for Bobby Fischer.

Reviews and Comments

"Wong’s terrific telling (full of humor and clever asides) offers a fine example of enjoying chess in the non-obsessive mode…"
--Kirkus

Ordering Information

Alex and the Wednesday Chess Club
By Janet S. Wong
Illustrated by Stacey Schuett
Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication date: September 2004
ISBN: 0-689-85890-6; $16.95
Ages 4-8

This book is available at your local independent children's book store or online at:


		Alex and the Wednesday Chess Club Wong takes a game perceived as something only the brainy kids would want to play and brings it to life—so much so that kids and adults alike will read her book and be left wanting more

		Award-winning author, Janet S. Wong, and noted illustrator, Stacey Schuett, bring chess to life in this lyrical book with whimsical illustrations that emphasize the delight a child can take in the challenge a game of chess. Alex first learned chess when he was four years old. He loved the pieces, the strategy, and the sweet taste that winning left in his mouth. He loved it until he played a game with his neighbor's Uncle Hooya…and lost. Then Alex decided to give up chess for good. Now in third grade, Alex is giving chess another try. He joins the chess club and discovers that chess is fun again. He practices at school, at home, on the computer—Alex is a chess maniac! All of this practice leads up to the big tournament, where Alex finds himself face-to-face with Little Cousin Hooya. According to a recent New York Times article, more than one million children in the United States play chess, but there are few fictional titles about the game for children. With a compelling story and easy-to-follow chess tips, this book is a great introduction to the world of chess and will likely send young readers searching for Bobby Fischer. Reviews and Comments "Wong’s terrific telling (full of humor and clever asides) offers a fine example of enjoying chess in the non-obsessive mode…" --Kirkus Ordering Information Alex and the Wednesday Chess Club By Janet S. Wong Illustrated by Stacey Schuett Margaret K. McElderry Books Publication date: September 2004 ISBN: 0-689-85890-6; $16.95 Ages 4-8 This book is available at your local independent children's book store or online at: eToys.com BookSense.com
		Copyright © 1999 Janet S. Wong. All Rights Reserved.