Across the Battlefield - by Jonathan Ferry (Paperback)

About the Book

Experience chess through the eyes of Prunella, a pawn who desperately wants to become a queen. She discovers chess strategies and teamwork lessons and how every piece, including pawns, has value.

Book Synopsis

In chess, life does not get any more difficult than when you are a pawn. Hindered by limited mobility, Prunella the pawn feels painfully aware of her weaknesses and misunderstands her true worth. Convinced that a promotion to queen will finally prove her value, she sets out on a daring adventure to cross the chessboard and realize her dreams. But confronted with a daunting army standing in her way, she doubts that she will ever succeed.

Join Prunella as she navigates the highs and lows of a tumultuous chess battle, learning the strategies and tactics needed to succeed in chess alongside her. Follow along as her journey to becoming a queen transforms into a quest of self-discovery, perseverance, and the profound realization that amidst the challenges we face, it is the support we find in one another that counts.

"Across the Battlefield is a wonderful combination of foundational chess teaching and the captivating tale of Prunella the pawn that I am sure kids will love and learn from a great deal. My 8-year-old son and I had a great time reading it. Highly recommended!" - GM Leinier Dominguez, 2008 Blitz Chess World Champion

"Both my daughters loved the adventures of Prunella the pawn! Across the Battlefield is a wonderfully enjoyable (and instructive!) underdog story that I'm sure many will love." - IM Danny Rensch, Chief Chess Officer - Chess.com

"MUST READ! I wish I could give Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey more than five stars! In Across the Battlefield, Jonathan Ferry offers an excellent introduction to chess for kids (and adults too!) that is fun and educational in equal measure. Caroline Zina's whimsical illustrations and the adventurous story can be enjoyed by the whole family, regardless of whether you have prior knowledge or interest in chess." - Reedsy Discovery

"Beautifully written throughout, this is truly a work that will capture the imagination of players (& readers) young and old alike. Jonathan Ferry has a real talent as a teacher and as a writer." - Ben Graff, English Chess Federation

"Across the Battlefield is a lovely story, beautifully written and enchantingly illustrated, that will appeal to many children - especially, but not only, girls - aged from about 6 or 7 upwards...many children will, understandably, fall in love with the book." - British Chess News

"Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey receives four stars. The story is well-told and the illustrations are absolutely beautifully done... For anyone wanting to teach chess to a young child or grandchild, this is a good little book." - American Chess Magazine

"Across the Battlefield is a captivating tale and guide that could help young players learn and enjoy chess." - Kirkus Reviews

"Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey is entertaining and instructional. Vivid illustrations contribute to the story's appeal to young players. They are mesmerizing and help tell a convincing story about being timid but brave when facing what appears to be overwhelming obstacles... It's a heartwarming story that young readers will want to read again and again." - Ray Linville - Chess.com

Review Quotes

"Across the Battlefield is a wonderful combination of foundational chess teaching and the captivating tale of Prunella the pawn that I am sure kids will love and learn from a great deal. My 8 year old son and I had a great time reading it. Highly recommended!" - Leinier Dominguez, 2008 Blitz Chess World Champion

"Both my daughters loved the adventures of Prunella the pawn! Across the Battlefield is a wonderfully enjoyable (and instructive!) underdog story that I'm sure many will love." - Danny Rensch, CCO - Chess.com

"Must Read! I wish I could give Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey more than five stars! An excellent introduction to chess for kids (and adults, too!) that is fun and educational in equal measure. Caroline Zina's whimsical illustrations and the adventurous story can be enjoyed by the whole family, regardless of whether you have prior knowledge or interest in chess." - Reedsy Discovery

"The perfect introduction to chess for children and the young at heart!" - Saint Louis Chess Club

"Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey receives four stars. The story is well-told and the illustrations are absolutely beautifully done... For anyone wanting to teach chess to a young child or grand child, this is a good little book." - American Chess Magazine

"Across the Battlefield is a captivating tale and guide that could help young players learn and enjoy chess." - Kirkus Reviews

"Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey is a lovely story, beautifully written and enchantingly illustrated, that will appeal to many children - especially, but not only, girls - aged from about 6 or 7 upwards...many children will, understandably, fall in love with the book." - British Chess News

"Across the Battlefield combines chess themes with a story crafted for emerging chess beginners and non-chess players. Readers will learn important life lessons through an engaging adventure about how even a tiny pawn can make a colossal difference. Jonathan Ferry's book illustrates the importance of seeing the larger picture in life, that all of us contribute to society regardless of our background. Simply a pleasant read, with amazing art." - Jarred Tetzlaff - Texas Chess Center

"Across the Battlefield is a truly unique book for many reasons, but the fact that it tackles chess both as a moral journey and a subject of study is distinctive. With practical details on the application of technique in relation to the plot on each page, this story has all the information needed for someone ready to begin their own journey into chess. In Across the Battlefield, Ferry and Zina have created a whimsical, sparkling story that conveys the beauty of chess in all respects." - Adaa Rahul, Her Move Next

"Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey is entertaining and instructional. Vivid illustrations contribute to the story's appeal to young players. They are mesmerizing and help tell a convincing story about being timid but brave when facing what appears to be overwhelming obstacles... It's a heartwarming story that young readers will want to read again and again." - Ray Linville - Chess.com