Super Maya and her Amazing Brother Leo – a Chess Adventure for Girls (and Boys)

Ten-year-old Maya has a list for everything—especially chess. Seven-year-old Leo has enthusiasm to spare and calls his sister “Coach.” Together they’re a tiny team with big plans in Super Maya and her Amazing Brother Leo – a Chess Adventure for Girls (and Boys).

From kitchen-table tactics and library club showdowns to their first interstate tournaments, Maya and Leo discover that the smartest move is often the kindest one. They invent Trail Chess (Three-Move Peek) on long walks with their rescue dog, Gambit; meet hilarious chess streamers who make “quiet before thunder” their motto; and, on a beach holiday in Mexico, learn ajedrez words, bughouse chaos, and how fun speaks every language. Back home, they join the city team, choose practical draws for the squad, and coach newer players with banana-fueled patience.

This warm, funny, and fast-paced story celebrates sister-brother teamwork, growth mindset, and the joy of learning—win or lose. Perfect for readers who like sporty stakes without meanness, clever problem-solving, and heart. By the last page, under an autumn sun, Maya and Leo are already dreaming forward—about chess, about life, and about bringing someone with them to the next square.

Ages 7–12 • Themes: confidence, kindness, strategy, bilingual moments (English/Spanish), tournaments, family, and the magic of a really good endgame.