A picture book portrait of young chess champion Tani Adewumi describes how his family fled persecution in Nigeria to become refugees in a New York City homeless shelter before his growing chess skills and the random kindness of others helped him make history and find a new home. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations. - (Baker & Taylor)

"The incredible true story of Tani Adewumi, a Nigerian refugee who garnered international news coverage after winning the New York State Chess Championship at the age of eight. Tani's story of finding a new life in America reminds children that perseverance and hope make a difference--and small acts of kindness can make the world a better place"-- - (Baker & Taylor)

The incredible true story of Tani Adewumi, a Nigerian refugee who garnered international news coverage after winning the New York State Chess Championship at the age of eight. Tani's story of finding a new life in America reminds children that perseverance and hope make a difference--and small acts of kindness can make the world a better place. - (Thomas Nelson)

Tani Adewumi's moving true story of immigrating to America, developing his talent for chess, and finding a new home will inspire families looking for stories of hope and kindness.

* 2021 ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Award winner

Tani was just six years old when he and his family fled persecution in Nigeria and became refugees in New York City. Tani was amazed, and a little overwhelmed, by all the new things in America. But one new experience turned out to be the most wonderful discovery--chess! With joy and determination, Tani studied hard, practicing chess for hours on the floor of his room in the homeless shelter. Less than a year later, he won the New York State Chess Championship, and through one act of kindness after another, found a new home.

This picture book biography for children ages 5 to 10

• tells the captivating real-life story of a young chess champion
• celebrates the power of hope and hard work
• reminds us that we can each make the world a more welcoming place
• encourages empathy and compassion
• includes beautiful digital illustrations by Courtney Dawson
• is perfect for children reading alone; story time for families, classrooms, and libraries; and celebrations of World Refugee Day

This exciting book about chess, family, and community reminds us all that home is a place where you can follow your dreams.

Tani Adewumi's moving true story of immigrating to America, developing his talent for chess, and finding a new home will inspire families looking for stories of hope and kindness.

Tani was just six years old when he and his family fled persecution in Nigeria and became refugees in New York City. Tani was amazed, and a little overwhelmed, by all the new things in America. But one new experience turned out to be the most wonderful discovery--chess! With joy and determination, Tani studied hard, practicing chess for hours on the floor of his room in the homeless shelter. Less than a year later, he won the New York State Chess Championship, and through one act of kindness after another, found a new home.

This picture book biography for children ages 5 to 10

• tells the captivating real-life story of a young chess champion
• celebrates the power of hope and hard work
• reminds us that we can each make the world a more welcoming place
• encourages empathy and compassion
• includes beautiful digital illustrations by Courtney Dawson
• is perfect for children reading alone; story time for families, classrooms, and libraries; and celebrations of World Refugee Day

This exciting book about chess, family, and community reminds us all that home is a place where you can follow your dreams.

Booklist Reviews

Seven-year-old Tani loved his Nigerian home and the love, family, and culture that surrounded him there. But when a terrorist group called Boko Haram demanded that his father print messages of hate at his print shop, the family was forced to flee and seek refuge elsewhere. Tani struggles to make a new home of New York City—that is, until he discovers chess. Many will recognize the miraculous and heartfelt story of Tani and his family from local and global news, but this book puts the reality and complexities of the refugee experience into perspective for the youngest of audiences. Digital illustrations boast a palette of muted blues and greens, accentuating the shifting range of emotions shown on characters' faces as Tani's story unfolds. Whether or not readers have experienced being refugees, this inviting title offers a newfound faith in humankind. Despite the many injustices that we meet, this book gives a resounding sense of hope and a reminder that greatness is unbound to our circumstances. Grades K-3. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.

Kirkus Reviews

After his family is forced to flee Nigeria and adjust to the United States while living in a homeless shelter, Tani wins a chess championship. Tani lived “in a home that felt as secure as a castle, in a fine neighborhood in Nigeria.” But one day, his father, who owns a print shop, sneaks away from members of the terrorist group Boko Haram after they ask him to make posters, and the whole family, now in danger, must flee. They move to a home six hours away, but Boko Haram members find them. They must leave Nigeria quickly. They land in New York City and move into a homeless shelter, where Tani and his brother must sleep on a separate floor from their parents. At school, Tani joins the chess club and practices with his brother in their room at the shelter. In his first tournament, he scores the lowest of all players, but he studies and practices and keeps competing, and a year later, he wins the New York State championship. Headlines bring his story to readers around the world, who respond with encouragement and large donations to his family. Tani’s story is narrated in a lovely childlike voice that retains the wonder of learning new things. The turn of events that can cause happy families to need asylum will enlighten young readers and open minds. The generous view of the United States feels optimistic but genuine. (This book was reviewed digitally with 8.8-by-21-inch double-page spreads viewed at 65.1% of actual size.) A valuable story of family, community, new beginnings, and perseverance. (afterword) (Picture book/biography. 4-9) Copyright Kirkus 2020 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.