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Chrystal Giles

    Chrystal D. Giles makes her middle grade debut with TAKE BACK THE BLOCK. As a 2018 We Need Diverse Books mentee and with her poem "Dimples" featured in the THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE anthology, Giles has established herself as a notable voice. Her writing resonates with themes of community and appreciation, offering valuable insights to readers. Through her literary work, Giles explores significant societal issues and inspires thoughtful consideration.

    Take Back the Block
    Not an Easy Win
    • 2023

      FOUR STARRED REVIEWS! Twelve-year old Lawrence is new to chess--can he find a way to get on the board, even though the odds are stacked against him? Find out in this powerful novel about family, forgiveness, and figuring out who you are when you don’t make the rules—just right for middle-grade fans of Nic Stone and Jason Reynolds. *“Essential middle grade and tween realistic reading.”—School Library Journal, starred Review Lawrence is ready for a win. . . . Nothing’s gone right for Lawrence since he had to move from Charlotte to Larenville, North Carolina, to live with his granny. When Lawrence ends up in one too many fights at his new school, he gets expelled. The fight wasn’t his fault, but since his pop’s been gone, it feels like no one listens to what Lawrence has to say. Instead of going to school, Lawrence starts spending his days at the rec center, helping out a neighbor who runs a chess program. Some of the kids in the program will be picked to compete in the Charlotte Classic chess tournament. Could this be Lawrence's chance to go home? Lawrence doesn’t know anything about chess, but something about the center—and the kids there—feels right. Lawrence thought the game was over . . . but does he have more moves left than he thought?

      Not an Easy Win
    • 2021

      "Sixth-grader Wes Henderson sets out to save the Oaks, the neighborhood where he's lived his whole life, from being sold to a real estate developer"-- Provided by publisher

      Take Back the Block