From Coretta Scott King Honor author Varian Johnson comes Playing the Cards You’re Dealt, a heartfelt and witty middle-grade novel about family, friendship, and self-discovery.
 
Anthony “Ant” Joplin is proud to come from a family of spades champions, and this year he’s determined to win the junior tournament with his best friend, Jamal. But when Jamal lets him down, Ant is forced to team up with a new partner—Shante, a girl who challenges Ant’s views on competition, masculinity, and what it means to really win.
 
Filled with humor, heart, and powerful themes, Playing the Cards You’re Dealt is a moving story about tradition, identity, and finding your own path. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Jacqueline Woodson, it’s a must-read for classrooms and young readers alike.
 
⭐ Why You’ll Love It
Combines family legacy, competition, and self-discovery in a relatable way.
Features Black cultural traditions with spades at the heart of the story.
Strong themes of friendship, masculinity, and respect.
Written by Varian Johnson, acclaimed author of The Parker Inheritance.
 
🎯 Perfect For
Middle-grade readers ages 8–12.
Educators and librarians looking for diverse, culturally rich stories.
Fans of Jason Reynolds, Kwame Alexander, or Jacqueline Woodson.
Book clubs and classrooms seeking discussion around family, tradition, and identity.
 
📚 Why Educators Will Love It
 
This engaging novel not only celebrates the Black cultural tradition of spades but also tackles timely issues of gender roles, family expectations, peer pressure, and resilience. It’s a highly teachable text that fosters social-emotional learning (SEL) and meaningful classroom discussion.
 
Highlights African American cultural traditions (spades as a legacy and community connection).
Engages students with accessible humor, relatable characters, and authentic dialogue.
Sparks discussion about gender expectations, identity, and healthy friendships.
Strong alignment with SEL and culturally responsive teaching practices.
A great companion to Varian Johnson’s The Parker Inheritance in a classroom library.
🎯 Perfect For
ELA classrooms (grades 4–7) looking for diverse, contemporary fiction.
Literature circles and small group discussions on identity and tradition.
Social Studies connections to African American cultural traditions.
SEL-focused lessons on peer pressure, masculinity, and resilience.
After-school book clubs and school library collections.
🗝️ Key Themes for Discussion & Curriculum Connections
Cultural heritage & tradition: importance of spades in Black communities.
Masculinity & gender roles: challenging stereotypes and expectations.
Friendship & peer pressure: making choices and standing up for what’s right.
Family & legacy: honoring traditions while forging your own path.
Resilience & self-discovery: learning to adapt and grow.