As many of you know, Disney is releasing a Queen of Katwe movie in September. That movie is based off this book (and so you know, I have already seen the movie). That makes this review a little more interesting to do, because I already knew her story.

Queen of Katwe is about Phiano Mutesi's life up till this point. The story starts with her being a little girl (about 9) in Katwe (which is in Africa). Her story is about how she crosses paths with Robert Katende and how her life was changed forever. I know that sounds dramatic, but when you come from a place like Katwe, even having hope changes things. I thought I knew how things in Africa are. I was sadly mistaken. The book tells you exactly how poor these people are (I am talking everyone in Katwe), and it also gives you an understanding of the culture. You learn to understand why Phiona's mother and sister make the decisions they do (which as a woman and a mother make me sad. I'll be honest, I didn't realize how good we have it here in the US).

Katende had a job. He was to teach kids in this village with no hope to play sports. He started with soccer and realized not everyone could play. He then started a chess group and taught these kids – most who didn't go to school — to play chess. (Mad props here because I don't even know how to play chess). He fed the kids a meal to get them in the door and may times this was the only meal the kids got that day. When Phiona came to play, he realized what she could become. By the age of eleven Phiona was her country’s junior champion, and at fifteen, the national champion. Now a Woman Candidate Master—the first female titled player in her country’s history—Phiona dreams of becoming a Grandmaster, the most elite level in chess.

This story if fairly recent and isn't done being told. The book covers pretty much interviews everyone in her life be it friends, family, and even players she has played against. You will find yourself rooting for this girl, because even know, the odds are against her.

I can only recommend Queen of Katwe. This is an amazing girl that you have to know about.