Alex first learned to play chess when he was four years old. He loved it. He loved the pieces, the challenge, and the sweet taste that winning left in his mouth. He loved it until he played a chess game with moldy old Uncle Hooya...and lost. Then Alex decided to give up chess for good.
Now in third grade Alex wants to give chess another try. He joins the chess club and discovers that chess is fun again. He plays his friends, he listens to the coach, and he practices at school, at home, and on the computer. Alex is a chess maniac! All of this practice is leading up to the big tournament, where Alex finds himself face-to-face with Little Cousin Hooya. Memories of his earlier defeat return, but now is his chance to finally beat a Hooya. Is Alex up to the challenge?
Janet Wong's lyrical text, complemented by Stacey Schuett's bright illustrations, will inspire chess players of all ages to practice, practice, practice -- and to avoid moldy old Uncle Hooya!

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Published: 09/01/2004
ISBN: 9780689858901
Pages: 40
Weight: 0.89lbs
Size: 9.28h x 9.28w x 0.45d
Award: Parents Choice Award (Fall) (1998-2007) - Winner

Review Citations: Kirkus Review - Children 08/01/2004 pg. 751
Booklist 10/01/2004 pg. 339
School Library Journal 10/01/2004 pg. 136
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 11/01/2004 pg. 152 - Book Of Special Distinction
Multicultural Review 03/01/2005 pg. 104
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2005 pg. 59 - Recommended, Satisfactory

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 81720 / Alex and the Wednesday Chess Club
Reading Level: 4.1 / Interest Level: Lower Grade / Point Value: 0.5