May the Best Player Win

“A middle-grade Queen’s Gambit, May The Best Player Win is a realistic story of one girl’s love of chess, and her journey to rediscovering the love of the game. It will resonate with any middle schooler navigating achievement, success, and the weight of expectations. Utterly believable and inspirational, May’s story will have you on the edge of your seat and you itching to play a game of chess!”

Carissa Yip

2x US Women’s Chess Champion & Women’s Grandmaster

"This book is a game-changer for readers of all ages, regardless of whether you play chess! May the Best Player Win captures the thrill of competition, the weight of expectations, and the sting of naysayers. May Li's story is a beautiful exploration of rediscovering the joy of the game itself, and from start to finish, this book will have you cheering for May from the edge of your seat and inspired to conquer your next match in life."

Xiran Jay Zhao

#1 New York Times-bestselling author of Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

"Girls deserve to just have fun! Full of puns and emotions that had me on the edge of my seat, May the Best Player Win is an all-too relatable tale about how girls have to prove themselves over and over in boy-dominated hobbies instead of getting to simply be there to enjoy themselves."

Rebecca Mix

New York Times bestselling author of The Mossheart's Promise

"Compassionate, empowering, and full of heart, May the Best Player Win reminds young readers that sometimes, the only limits on our potential are the ones we place on ourselves."

Katie Zhao

Author of Last Gamer Standing and the Winnie Zeng series

"May Li is the type of fierce, loveable, larger-than-life heroine who stays with you long after the story ends. Readers will root for May and her friends from start to finish in their epic journey to the nationals!"

Kirkus Reviews

“The chess games are thrilling…and the book’s valuable life lessons will speak to anyone who’s lost their love for a pursuit. An emotionally intelligent work that explores socially relevant themes.”

Publishers Weekly

“Digestible chess strategy breakdowns and terminology scattered throughout serve as an approachable introduction to the sport.”

Tatiana Flores

World Chess Champion for People with Disabilities & International chess journalist

"A fierce yet tender narrative [that is] rich in emotions and facts. It will enlighten the young audiences’ minds with the usage of a smart and educative language, sharp puns, easy-to-understand chess terminology and history. A top recommendation for young readers."

Dr. Alexey Root

1989 US Women's Chess Champion

"Kyla Zhao's novel convincingly portrays chess players and their emotions and makes the reader care about these characters. May the Best Player Win is a winner."

Jerry Nash

Chairman of the International Chess Federation's Education Commission

“May the Best Player Win is a great read for almost any age group! It offers the opportunity to discuss critical issues such as gender and culture. It also explores emotional challenges that are relevant and relatable for all ages, such as dealing with internal and external expectations. I like the way the story ended and look forward to more books like this by the author!”

Chessbase India

"The author was able to spin a very beautiful narrative around very important and pertinent themes, such as performance anxiety and sexism towards female chess players, without ever sounding very preachy. She has you rooting for the protagonist from the get-go and also packed in tense moments that leaves you flipping the pages to find out what happens. Although the book is specially aimed at the younger readers, it speaks to the inner child in everyone. There is something in this book that everyone can relate to. I am genuinely thrilled that such an exceptional chess novel exists! This book possesses timeless qualities that will resonate with readers for years to come."

Lilli Hahn

Councilor of European Chess Union, Commission of Women's Chess

"In May the Best Player Win, Kyla Zhao brings the world of competitive chess to life, creating a story that feels both authentic and inspiring. May is a likable character you can relate to - her determination and struggles with performance anxiety resonate deeply. A great read for chess enthusiasts and anyone who's struggling with the pressures of winning."

The Week Junior

“[Zhao], who is a former competitive chess player, addresses gender bias, self-doubt, and anxiety in this riveting story.”

Jennifer Shahade

2004 and 2002 US Women's Chess Champion

“An instant classic. I wish I read this book when I was growing up, and now that I'm a chess mom and mentor to many other kids, I am so thrilled it exists. Kyla is a wonderful writer and she paints richly detailed and emotional scenes, as she deftly handles themes that can apply to any competitive field. Gripping and fun, this is a gem of a book!”

Chessbase

"May the Best Player Win quickly draws you in because it deals with a subject that interests and affects many people: the pressure to perform. Author Kyla Zhao handles these serious topics with humour and refreshing ease, writing pointedly, wittily and entertainingly. This makes the book, which is full of hidden allusions and in which even the chess terms are correct, a surprising pleasure. Especially, but not only, for chess players."