On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with author Kyla Zhao about her newest middle grade novel: May the Best Player Win.

This book is about a Bay Area chess player who makes a bet with her sexist rival that girls are as good as guys at the game. That brings all sorts of emotional ups and downs and changes within her friendships and within herself too.

Come listen as we talk about Kyla’s two adult novels and her journey to children’s literature. We’ll take a deep dive into May the Best Player Win and talk about chess, stereotypes, anxiety, friendship, passions and more. 

Here are the books mentioned in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

May the Best Player Win by Kyla Zhao (Amazon / Bookshop)

The Fraud Squad by Kyla Zhao (Amazon / Bookshop)

Valley Verified by Kyla Zhao (Amazon / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Kyla online:

Website: https://kylazhao.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylajzhao/ 

Twitter / X: https://x.com/kylazhao_ 

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!