Six Must Have Chess Books for Kids
Your kids can’t get enough of chess, you say? Or…maybe you’re planning to introduce a young niece or nephew to your favorite game. Encouraging a fledgling interest in chess can be challenging during those times when you don’t have time to play. A fantastic way to keep the flame of interest burning is a good chess book!
Which book to pick? There are hundreds of chess books out there, and it can be daunting to decide. Read on for a selection of must-have titles, whether you’re looking for a classic or something a little different. Let’s get started with a book for the very smallest beginners!
Book One: Chess for Children by Murray Chandler and Helen Milligan
Age and Experience Range: Best for the youngest players who are just starting out.
If you’re looking for a very simple primer on the rules of chess with an engaging premise, Chess for Children is fantastic. Aimed at the newest player, it covers basic play in a step-by-step format. Each new element has a simple, clear explanation and a “Terribly Tough Test” to reinforce the concept. The tests are not terribly tough, in reality, and will build your youngster’s confidence as they get the correct answer.
Adding to the fun are the interactions between George and his alligator friend, Kirsty, the self-proclaimed Grand Alligator of Chess. Her charmingly illustrated tall tales reinforce the lessons as you move through the book. This book is sure to be a well-worn favorite for very young players.
Related: Chess Opening Books: 10 of the Best.
Book Two: The Batsford Book of Chess for Children – New Edition by Sabrina Chevannes
Age and Experience Range: Elementary students will enjoy this book for beginners.
This introduction to chess is a conversation between Jess and Jaime, two kids who are eager to share everything a beginner needs to know. Using humor and relatable language, these two characters cover all the basics of the game. Updated in 2022, this classic of children’s chess has fresh, modern illustrations and an engaging format to keep kids reading. This is the perfect book for a child who is learning on their own or for a read-aloud where you both learn to play.
This is a larger volume than many chess books for kids at 152 pages. It covers more ground as a result. Not only will you get the basics of play, it introduces the stages of the game (opening, middlegame, endgame) and chess etiquette. If you don’t have a chess club locally, this book is a great start toward play in a tournament.
Book Three: Parker’s Chess Adventure by Dave Schloss
Age and Experience Range: Best for elementary kids who want to improve on basic knowledge of how to play.
Puzzle books are always popular in kids chess. If you’re looking for something for your chess kid to work through independently, Parker’s Chess Adventure is for you. Part storybook, part chess instruction, this book encourages kids to progress to find out what happens next! Split over 10 chapters, the book works through 100 one-move puzzles, using both the white and black pieces.
The tactic of each chapter is introduced by a section of the story of Parker the Pawn, a chess piece on a quest to get to the castle. Fun coloring pages break up the sections to give your chess kid a chance to show off their artistic side. Since this book is meant to be written and colored in, most kids will enjoy having their own personal copy.
Related: The Best Books On Chess Openings For Intermediate Players.
Book Four: Fried Liver & Burning Pants by “Coach Jay” Stallings
Age and Experience Range: Older elementary and middle school kids will love this, regardless of experience level.
Kids love stories about weird and outrageous things—Ripley’s Believe It or Not volumes are the first to need repair in school libraries! Fried Liver & Burning Pants delivers 20 of these wild and extraordinary stories about chess with fun pencil illustrations. Each story offers an intriguing historical moment or fact about chess, along with four related chess puzzles developed to teach a valuable insight and improve your chess kid’s game.
Beyond the puzzles, these stories are a great springboard for discussing the human themes of chess, like frustration and sportsmanship. Definitely a book your kid will read again and again—assuming you don’t steal it from them yourself!
Book Five: Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer
Age and Experience Range: Older elementary kids (must be confident readers) and up, with any level of experience — but make sure there are opportunities to play games along the way.
This classic has endured for some very good reasons! First, Bobby Fischer's teaching method was ahead of its time, using examples and puzzles to reinforce lessons like today's chess coaches. Second, it is a comprehensive basic course in one volume. Completing the book will give any chess kid confidence and improve their play. Last but not least, it introduces the mechanics of pattern recognition, an essential skill kids need to capitalize on positions and win games.
Written in an accessible style, with a unique “flip over and continue” format, it’s an opportunity to learn from a legend at your own pace. We’re recommending it for kids, but it’s a great addition to any chess library.
Related: The Best Books On Chess Openings For Advanced Players.
Book Six: How a King Plays, 64 Chess Tips from a Kid Champion by Oliver Boydell
Age and Experience Range: Good for older elementary through high school kids at any level of experience.
A departure from the step-by-step learning format of most chess books for kids, this book gives essential tips and inspiration directly from Oliver Boydell, a young chess phenom with a National Chess Championship under his belt. With a tip for each square of the chess board, this volume has something for any player to appreciate. While some of the tips are specific advice for play, many of them are about how to be more thoughtful and creative at the board. This book stands out as a great option for gifting, as all levels are sure to find something worth considering.
Time to Share the Pleasure of a Good Read
Whether you’re looking for a fun way to learn the basics or something to intrigue, you can’t go wrong adding these titles to your bookshelf! From how to orient your board (white on the right!) to some of the weird and fascinating history of chess, there’s something for every kid.
As a chess coach, your club would benefit from any of these titles, paying attention to the age range suggestions. It’s tempting to assume that your chess club library should be filled with technical courses and multi-book teaching courses—and there is certainly a need for that! However, remember that chess should be fun and engaging to all who attend your club, and a selection of less traditionally instructive titles will serve kids who might otherwise pass over the books.
Puzzle books are always popular, but make sure to tell your players frequently not to write directly in the books. Previous reader’s marks, even if erased, can spoil both the experience and the lesson.
It’s always hard to know which book will be a hit with a child you don’t necessarily see every day. In fact, buying books for anyone is a challenge! If you’re not sure what books they may have, or their playing level, you can always send a Gift Card via email. This electronic gift card will give them the chance to get that book they've had their eye on