“A must read for parents who are serious about their children’s success in school, college and life.”

-Verne Harnish, Founder Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and author of Scaling Up (Rockefeller Habits 2.0)

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A Pawn’s Journey tells the uplifting story of April, a disheartened teen who is introduced to the game of chess and mentored by a school counselor. Her mindset changes as she learns invaluable life lessons through the game of chess. In this self-help tale based on a true story, readers will learn how to transform their lives one move at a time

Over 60 Five Star Reviews on Amazon

Available wherever books are sold:

What People Are Saying About A Pawn’s Journey:

Your book was such an eye opener for someone who never really knew chess. I truly believe it made me understand the possibilities and life skills i never knew came with chess. You really need a next book on what they do with it and then another how she will implement it with her kids when she gets married!!! You made it so interesting I want to know more. My 7yr old wants to know more!! After we finished she asked “Mom! What does she do?!” My answer she goes to college and helps others was not sufficient enough at all! Haha We both would love to see another book or two!! I also think for any kid or adult that is just starting it is a must read!!! I tell everyone I see and meet! Wish I had this with my older two kids!! - Nicole (Arizona) 1/26/22
— Nicole (Arizona) 1/26/22
Change your mindset—change your life! Through April and her story, Elliott Neff engagingly shares winning thinking that students, parents, teachers, and leaders will find works everywhere.”
— Dan Sullivan, Founder of The Strategic Coach, Inc.
“Delightful. Engaging. A must-read to understand why learning chess is vital in today’s world!”
— Varuzhan Akobian, International Grandmaster, 2013 World Open Chess Champion
“…A Pawn’s Journey is an entertaining and engrossing story of how one discovers the path to their full potential. It is an easy read with lots of useful “tactics” for reaching one’s goals wrapped around a heroine who is easy to cheer on. No knowledge of chess is required…”
— Richard Pisani, MD

Partnering to Help At-Risk Kids

For the first year of book sales, a portion of the proceeds for the book went towards The Robert Katende Initiative. Robert Katende is the coach to Phiona Mutesi, whose story is shared in Disney's movie Queen of Katwe. The Robert Katende Initiative uses the game of chess to positively impact children from Ugandan slums.