Playing the cards you're dealt - Varian Johnson

"With a deft hand, Johnson shows us there's no such thing
as too young when it comes to questioning big ideas like manhood,
or even family." - Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling
author of Look Both Ways and Stamped

Secrets are always a gamble.

Ten-year-old Anthony Joplin has made it to double digits! Which
means he's finally old enough to play in the spades tournament
every Joplin Man before him seems to have won.

So while Ant's friends are stressing about fifth grade homework
and girls, Ant only has one thing on his mind: how he'll measure
up to his father's expectations at the card table.

Then Ant's best friend gets grounded, and he's forced to find
another spades partner.

And Shirley, the new girl in his class, isn't exactly who he has
in mind. She talks a whole lot of trash - way more than his old
partner.

Plus, he's not sure that his father wants him playing with a girl.

But she's smart and tough and pretty, and knows every card trick
in the book. So Ant decides to join forces with Shirley - and
keep his plans a secret.

Only it turns out secrets are another Joplin Man tradition. And
his father is hiding one so big it may tear their family apart...

Award-winning author Varian Johnson explores themes of
toxic masculinity and family legacy in this heartfelt, hopeful
story of one boy discovering what it really means to be a man.

• Perfect for young fans of Angie Thomas, Jason
  Reynolds and Malorie Blackman
  


• A brilliant text to start conversations about
  cultural norms and identity


• Varian Johnson is the award-winning author of
  The Parker Inheritance, The Great Greene Heist
  and Twins