Bookshelf Best: 'Check Mates' by Steward Foster

This week's Bookshelf Best is a smashing read: 'Check Mates' by Steward Foster.

 Felix has ADHD. He always seems to be getting into trouble because his mind has wandered one too many times. The isolation room seems to be his second home. But he doesn’t want things to be this way. No-one seems to understand how hard it is for him to concentrate or to ‘just try harder’.

Due to his parents’ long working hours, he finds himself being looked after by his grandad more and more. Grandad, keen to help Felix and his concentration, springs a list of ‘Ten things to do with Felix’ on him.

Felix reluctantly completes nine of the items on the list but the last one is completely impossible - to play chess. How can Felix learn to play chess when he can’t sit still for longer than five minutes? How can he refuse without hurting his grandad’s feelings?

Bookshelf Best: Check Mates by Stewart Foster

An absolutely consuming read and a well-deserving award winning book.

Perfect for 9+ year old readers.

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