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INTERMEDIATE FICTION
Johnson, Varian

Playing the Cards You're Dealt

320 pp. | Scholastic | October, 2021 | Trade ISBN 978-1-338-34853-8 $16.99
(2) 4-6 After his first attempt at winning his neighborhood's annual spades tournament ended in disqualification, Anthony Joplin felt as small as his nickname--Ant. Born into a long line of card sharks, Ant aims to prove to his father that he has what it takes to win. But the game requires a trustworthy partner, and Ant has conflicting feelings about both his best friend (who was recently suspended from school and probably can't play anyway) and the new kid in his fifth-grade class (a girl--not that he thinks there's anything wrong with that). His trust is also waning in his father, who has been acting strangely lately, especially when it comes to betting and drinking. As family secrets come to light, the stakes are raised for Ant, and he makes some hard decisions that he feels will help him win the tournament--and his family back. The story and its characters are compelling, as is the omniscient narrator, who becomes increasingly involved in the tale. Themes of addiction and consent are addressed honestly and compassionately, and more than enough tips are given to spark the interest of "youngbloods" in the game of spades.
Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2022

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