60 pages • 2 hours read
Not an Easy Win
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary and Study Guide
Overview
Not an Easy Win (2023) is a middle grade novel by Chrystal D. Giles. It tells the story of 12-year-old Lawrence, who is expelled from his mostly white middle school for fighting. With his mother working overnight shifts, his father in prison after a questionable traffic stop, and his grandmother trying to keep his family together, Lawrence starts going to the local rec center with their neighbor. There, he learns how to play chess, which teaches him about patience, forethought, and planning his moves instead of reacting. Through Lawrence’s family, new friendships, and personal growth, Giles explores themes of Empathy and Compassion, Blame Versus Accountability, and The Importance of Friendship.
This guide refers to the 2024 Yearling paperback first edition.
Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss racism and enslavement.
Plot Summary
Twelve-year-old Lawrence is expelled from seventh grade for getting into another fight—one of many over the last few months. He tries to explain to the principal, his mother (“Ma”), and his grandmother (“Granny”) that it is not his fault, as the other kids constantly bully him for being one of the only Black children in the school.
Unlock all 60 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
