Chess books for children and teens
Children’s, young adult and teen books about chess. Chess isn’t just about knights and pawns – it’s a workout for the brain. Kids pick up sharper thinking, better focus, and learn how to stay cool under pressure. They also get a chance to practise patience, fairness, developing resillience and handling setbacks. Whether it’s remembering moves, planning ahead, or reading an opponent’s next step, chess quietly builds skills that come in handy way beyond the game. This list contains over 20 titles with a range of fiction, nonfiction and true stories suitable for school libraries, and independent reading for primary and secondary aged children. This list features books by Daniel King, Tanitoluwa Adewumi, Murray Chandler, Jennifer Shahade, Graham Burgess, Sabrina Chevanne, Stefan Zweig and Vladimir Nabokov.
Chess themed books for children and teens – our recommendations
The Chessmaster’s Secret by Mary Parker
Set in wartime London, this adventure sees siblings Belle and Joe stumble across a mysterious chess-playing automaton hidden among their uncle’s strange inventions. Their find catapults them into a time-hopping chase through 18th- and 19th-century Europe, where they rub shoulders with the likes of Baron Von Kempelen and Napoleon. Blending real history with mechanical marvels, it’s a tale of invention, family secrets and the curious legacy of The Turk – a machine that was never quite what it seemed.
Chess Activity Book by Lucy Bowman
Lucy Bowman’s Chess Activity Book breaks down the basics of chess with puzzles, stickers and hands-on challenges. Kids learn how each piece moves, tackle beginner checkmate tactics, and test their logic with mini games and brain teasers. It’s designed to be picked up independently or used with an adult – and the answers are at the back for quick checking. Lucy Bowman’s book is a fun, accessible way to build confidence with chess, whether at home or in the classroom.
How to Win at Chess by Daniel King
Daniel King’s beginner chess guide walks readers through the basics – how each piece moves, the rules of the game, and tactics like forks and pins. Aimed at children aged 7 and over, it mixes practical advice with exercises and a bit of chess history, from famous matches to world champions. The book is split into two parts: one for playing, one for context. It’s informative without being dry, and a solid starting point for young players.
Batsford Book of Chess for Children New Edition by Sabrina Chevannes
Sabrina Chevannes introduces chess through two child narrators who explain the rules, tactics and strategies in a clear, engaging way. The book covers everything from piece movement and openings to endgames and etiquette, with practice activities throughout to reinforce learning. Aimed at children aged 7 and up, it works well for home use, school clubs or class libraries. It’s a friendly and approachable guide that will give beginners confidence.
Chess for Children Activity Book by Sabrina Chevannes
Sabrina Chevannes’ Chess for Children Activity Book mixes strategy with play, using cartoon characters and fun puzzles to teach the basics. From smart moves to early tactics, it helps young players build confidence step by step. Designed to work with or without the Chess for Children book, it’s ideal for schools, clubs or rainy afternoons at home. It’s a solid pick for beginners who learn best with games, doodles and fun.
Check Mates by Stewart Foster
Felix would rather be gaming than learning chess with his grandfather – but when the school steps in, he’s got little choice. What starts as a reluctant pairing soon uncovers surprising family secrets, with chess strategies echoing his own ADHD-fuelled thinking. As the lessons progress, so does their bond, with glimpses into a Cold War past woven through. It’s a thoughtful and layered story about learning differently, making connections, and finding meaning in unexpected places. Highly recommended for 9-11 year olds.
How to Play Chess by Claire Summerscale
Claire Summerscale’s guide breaks down the basics of chess for ages 8 to 13 with clear steps and sharp 3D visuals. From setting up the board to solving puzzles, it walks readers through rules, tactics and piece movement without overwhelming them. A pop-out board and pieces are included, making it easy to dive straight in. Whether for home or school, it’s a practical starter for children picking up the game for the first time.
How to Beat Your Dad at Chess by Murray Chandler
Murray Chandler’s book focuses on 50 classic checkmate patterns, showing how to outplay stronger opponents using sharp tactics. Drawing on real games, it teaches readers to recognise key setups and deliver quick finishes – no need to wade through heavy theory. With a practical layout and clear explanations, it’s a solid pick for players looking to build confidence in attacking play, whether learning solo or at a club.
Chess Tactics for Kids by Murray Chandler
Grandmaster Murray Chandler breaks down 50 essential tactical patterns – from forks to more complex concepts – using real-game examples and plenty of clear diagrams. Aimed at children but popular with all ages, it’s a practical guide for sharpening pattern recognition and getting quicker at spotting winning moves. The clean layout and structured approach make it easy to dip into or use for regular training, whether you’re just starting out or brushing up for club play.
The Clockwork Queen by Peter Bunzl
Set in 18th-century Russia, this richly imagined adventure follows chess prodigy Sophie Peshka as she tries to free her father from the clutches of Empress Catherine the Great. With sharp moves, a loyal friend, and a mechanical chess queen on her side, Sophie must play the game of her life – on and off the board. Blending intrigue, history and heart, it’s a clever, character-driven tale that uses chess not just as a theme, but as a weapon. It’s a shorter read that will grip less confident readers in UKS2 and LKS3. Highly recommended.
Become a Chess Champion: Learn the Basics from a Pro by James Canty III
This beginner’s guide by James Canty III breaks down the rules and tactics of chess using a lesson-based approach. Illustrated by Brian Lambert, it includes mini games, puzzles, and bite-sized tips to build confidence without overwhelming new players. Alongside practical advice, it features chess history and short profiles of famous players. Aimed at children learning from scratch, it supports logical thinking and strategic play while keeping the tone friendly and accessible throughout.
Chess Player’s Bible by James Eade and Al Lawrence
James Eade and Al Lawrence offer a thorough chess guide packed with over 300 examples to help players improve at every stage – from opening ideas to endgame tactics. Diagrams and bite-sized explanations walk readers through key concepts like pawn structures, sacrifices, and classic combinations. Whether you’re new to the game or aiming to sharpen your strategy for tournament play, this one works as both a solid introduction and a long-term reference to keep dipping into. Highly recommended.
Chess Puzzles for Kids by Murray Chandler
This compelling puzzle book features 100 chess challenges, gradually increasing in difficulty to help children build confidence and spot tactical patterns. Each set starts with a sample problem, giving a quick heads-up on what to look for. From forks and pins to tricky mates, the puzzles cover a good mix of themes. Chandler’s straightforward layout keeps things clear, making it easy for young players to learn and apply ideas as they go. It’s a solid pick for sharpening tactical thinking.
The Chessmen Thief by Barbara Henderson
Twelve-year-old Kylan, a Scottish boy captured by Norse raiders, secretly plots his escape using carved chess pieces he helped create – which we now know as the Lewis Chessmen. His journey takes him deep into Viking territories as he searches for a way back to his mother. Blending historical fiction with archaeological speculation, the story introduces Norse culture, medieval trade, and the pursuit of freedom through the eyes of a determined and resourceful boy. It’s perfect for 10+ year olds.
Chess Endgames for Kids by Karsten Muller
Karsten Müller breaks down key endgame ideas into 50 clear, focused lessons, covering everything from basic mates to tricky rook endings. With simple diagrams and bite-sized explanations, it introduces concepts like zugzwang and opposition without drowning readers in notation. A puzzle section at the end lets players test what they’ve learned. It’s a solid, no-nonsense starting point for anyone looking to get a grip on the endgame.
Masterworks by Dylan Loeb McClain
This richly illustrated volume traces the artistry of chess sets from across the globe, featuring everything from Fabergé creations to carved pieces made in Soviet gulags. Curated by Dylan Loeb McClain and a team of experts, it explores how politics, culture, and craft have shaped chess design over the centuries. With contributions from museums and private collectors, the book offers a fascinating look at the game’s material history – part gallery, part global tour through a timeless obsession. It’s a hard-to-find large format coffee-table book, but one that anyone fascinated by the art and design of chess sets will find utterly compelling.
My Name Is Tani by Tanitoluwa Adewumi
Tanitoluwa Adewumi’s memoir charts his journey from an eight year old refugee in a New York homeless shelter to chess champion in just a year. After fleeing Boko Haram in Nigeria, Tani discovers the game at school and quickly rises through the ranks, winning the state championship for his age group. His story is one of resilience and raw talent, but also of the doors that open when families are given safety, support, and the chance to thrive. Highly recommended for older teens.
Chess by Stefan Zweig
Stefan Zweig’s final novella unfolds on a cruise ship, where a tense chess match draws in a mysterious challenger with a haunting backstory. As Dr B recounts how he learned to play while imprisoned in solitary confinement, chess becomes a symbol of both survival and obsession. Written in exile shortly before Zweig’s death, the story captures the psychological cost of tyranny and isolation – sharp, unsettling, and still painfully relevant. If you are looking for a book to read to older secondary students, there’s nothing more compelling. Highly recommmended.
Chess Queens by Jennifer Shahade
Jennifer Shahade, a two-time US women’s champion, blends memoir and commentary in this sharp, candid look at women in chess. From Judit Polgar to Ju Wenjun, she spotlights players who’ve broken barriers while reflecting on her own experiences in a game still shaped by gender imbalance. Shahade doesn’t shy away from tough topics – sexism, controversy, and the case for separate titles – but she also captures the passion and progress that continue to redefine the board. Highly recommended.
The Mammoth Book of Chess by Graham Burgess
Graham Burgess packs over 500 pages with everything from opening basics to annotated classics, making this a go-to guide for learners and club players alike. Alongside test positions and tactical tips, it includes updated advice on online play and computer chess. There’s also a glossary and a foreword by GM John Nunn. Whether you’re brushing up or building a solid foundation, it’s a practical, well-rounded resource with plenty to revisit as your game grows.
The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
Walter Tevis’s novel follows Beth Harmon, a young orphan in 1950s Kentucky who discovers an extraordinary talent for chess. As she climbs the ranks of competitive play, from local halls to international tournaments, her brilliance is shadowed by loneliness and addiction. Along the way, Tevis explores the pressures of genius, the cost of ambition, and what it means to survive – and thrive – as a woman in a world not built to welcome her. Quietly intense, sharply written, and unforgettable.
The Rookie by Stephen Moss
Stephen Moss takes a deeply personal route into the world of chess, using 64 short chapters to mirror the board itself. Part memoir, part cultural study, the book follows his return to competitive play while weaving in interviews, history, and sharp reflections on obsession and mastery. With cameos from giants like Kasparov and Carlsen, it’s a thoughtful, often wry exploration of why chess continues to fascinate – and frustrate – across the world. It’s a great read for KS4 & KS5 players and non-players.
The Luzhin Defense by Vladimir Nabokov
Vladimir Nabokov’s novel follows Alexander Luzhin, a reclusive chess genius whose life and mind are consumed by the game. As his obsession deepens, the real world starts slipping out of reach, especially in the lead-up to a critical match. Nabokov uses chess not just as a backdrop, but as a metaphor for Luzhin’s fragile grasp on reality – offering a haunting, sometimes claustrophobic portrait of brilliance tipping into breakdown.
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Chess resources for teachers
- Chess Sets offer a huge range of high-quality chessboards, pieces and timers – all available to order online.
- BBC has produced a resource pack with interesting facts about the Chess Masters: The Endgame TV series. Additionally, all episodes are available to watch on iPlayer.
- World Chess Day is perfect for primary and secondary schools and offers a great opportunity to introduce and develop chess in your school environment. BBC News has written a useful article that explores the day and provides starting points for school assemblies and wider discussion.
- Should every child be made to play chess? That’s the question posed in this interesting think piece, which looks at various academic studies and also what happened in Armenia when chess was made a compulsory school activity.
- Stuart Margulies Ph. D examines the hugely positive effects of playing chess on reading scores in this dissertation paper. Don’t be surprised if chess sets appear throughout your school once your SLT in charge of assessment reads this!
- National Museums Scotland has created this downloadable activity, which shows children how to make their own Lewis chess piece. There’s also an article explaining the history behind the Lewis chess set.
- ChessKid offers a free downloadable chess curriculum aimed at schools and after-school clubs. It includes diagrams, worksheets, and “mini-games”.
- English Chess Federation’s ‘New to Chess’ resources offer lots of advice and links to chess clubs, video guides, online learning resources and tournament details.
- Chess in Schools is “a nationwide charity that runs chess lessons and clubs in over 300 schools across the country.” Their website details how they support schools with lessons, clubs, equipment, and training.
BISAC JNF052020 – Juvenile Nonfiction / Games & Activities / Board Games, JUV028000 – Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / General, JNF011000 – Juvenile Nonfiction / Concepts / General | Thema YBG – Children’s Non-Fiction: Hobbies, Quizzes, Games & Toys, YNM – Children’s Non-Fiction: Sports & Outdoor Recreation, YFC – Children’s Fiction: Personal & Social Issues / Sports Stories, YXA – Children’s Non-Fiction: Mathematics and Logic Puzzles.
