Checkmate – School Journal Level 3 August 2019

In the story “Checkmate” by Victor Rodger, a young boy named Mani, who is usually underestimated by his more academic sister and competitive cousins, surprises his family by revealing his strategic talent during a game of chess. Despite being seen as someone who only cares about rugby and “dumb stuff,” Mani uses his quiet observation and focus to defeat his cousin and earn a new level of respect from his whānau.