Brothers Zeke and Randy differ in their physical appearance, in their attitudes, and in their relationships with their dad, with girls, and, most significantly for this story, in their approaches to chess. This book capitalizes on dualities throughout, from the optical-illusion cover illustration to the brothers’ transformed relationship, as well as the family crisis to which the title may most aptly allude. Given an untenable position, does one retreat, attack, or concede?” — School Library Journal
“Wallace makes a subtle connection between the ability to see potential moves on a chess board and the ability to see the truth of life, and he tells his story in a series of revealing details. … A fascinating study of two fully formed characters. — Booklist
– A Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Winner