Check Mates by Stewart Foster

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Some people think that I'm a problem child, that I'm lazy and never pay attention in lessons. But the thing is, I'm not a problem child at all. I'm just a child with a problem.    Felix is struggling at school. His ADHD makes it hard for him to concentrate and his grades are slipping. Everyone keeps telling him to try harder, but no one seems to understand just how hard he finds it. When Mum suggests Felix spends time with his grandfather, Felix can't think of anything worse. Granddad hasn't been the same since Grandma died. Plus he's always trying to teach Felix  boring  chess. But sometimes the best lessons come in the most unexpected of places, and Granddad soon shows Felix that there's everything to play for.

This is a heart-warming, yet at times heart-breaking, tale of family, friendships, secrets, the Cold War, ADHD and chess.

We are introduced to Felix, a young boy struggling to deal with his ADHD. He is often in trouble at school from his inability to sit and concentrate or his inappropriate outbursts. We also meet his granddad, who is suspicious of everyone and is semi reclusive. Both are still grieving the loss of Felix's grandmother. Initially forced to spend time together, they are struggling to get on - that is until Granddad introduces (a reluctant and unsuspecting) Felix to the game of chess.

This book is about so much more than a game of chess, it is a rollercoaster of issues and emotions - with the developing confidence of Felix and the ability to control his ADHD, to his granddad's acknowledgement and opening up to Felix about his horrific treatment in Germany.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it to Upper KS2/Lower KS3.