Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Boy faces his paternal legacy in heart-tugging tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When PLAYING THE CARDS YOU'RE DEALT begins, Ant, a rising fifth-grader, is preparing for a cards tournament in which his elder brother, father, and grandfather have all been champions. He lost the previous competition, and this time he's determined to live up to the family reputation. There's trouble at Ant's home, starting with trouble in his father's business. Ant's partner, Jamal, is having family turmoil too, so Ant teams up with a girl named Shirley.
Is It Any Good?
This layered coming-of-age story tugs at the heart strings. In Playing the Cards You're Dealt, the lovable, earnest Ant is on the cusp of losing his innocence. He's beginning to understand that his father's drinking and gambling are serious problems. His parents' relationship is on the rocks. For the first time, his affection and loyalty are torn between his best guy friend and a girl. He's sorting out the distinction between his own ambitions and the wishes of his father. His mother has decided he's old enough to be let in on the family secret she's been protecting him from. Ant's plight is relatable, and he demonstrates sturdy character as he faces his challenges.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of second chances in Playing the Cards You're Dealt. Has anyone ever given you a second chance?
Who is telling the story in Playing the Cards You're Dealt? What makes this narrator's point of view important?
How can family secrets protect people's feelings? How can they cause harm?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : October 5, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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