The company
Meet the company. Discover their world.
Checkered Crown brings history, imagination and chess together through an original cast of characters. Our adventures follow surprising moments from the past and the people whose choices shaped them. We invite kids and families to notice the clues, ask questions and discover what happens next.
Meet the cast
Get to know the cast.
Rook, Knight, Bishop, Pawn, King and Queen take on new roles in each adventure. Like a company of actors, they change costumes and bring a different part of the story to life.
Rook
Sturdy and determined. Rook takes on roles where courage, care and a steady hand matter.
Knight
Always ready to go somewhere new. Knight brings energy and daring to the adventure.
Bishop
A careful reader of letters, clues and people. Bishop helps us notice the details.
Pawns
The everyday people at the heart of each story. Small actions can make a big difference.
King
A crown brings responsibility. King’s roles explore leadership and the choices that come with it.
Part of the cast
Queen
At the center of a changing world. Queen’s roles bring another perspective to the story.
Part of the castFor families
Stories that leave room for questions.
- Curiosity comes first. A clue, a question or an unexpected choice opens the door to each adventure.
- Every person matters. We follow the messengers, travelers and everyday people whose actions help shape the story.
- More than one perspective. Characters have different aims. Families can explore what they notice and why a choice matters.
- Adventure with care. History includes danger and conflict. Our stories use suspense and discovery without showing graphic violence.
- History inspires the tales. Real events provide the setting. Our original characters and dramatized dialogue help bring them to life.
- Explore at your own pace. Enjoy a story, talk about a character or try a chess idea together. There is more than one way in.
Something for every curious mind
Discover what you love.
Start with a mysterious letter, a favorite character or an interesting move. Checkered Crown connects stories with opportunities to read, create, play and think together.
Explore the stories and upcoming collections here. For families ready to learn from their own chess games, Coach has a separate household signup.
Every character has a part to play. Every adventure has something to discover.
Waitlist
Come along for the adventure.
Hear when new stories and collections are ready. Email updates are for ages 13+. Parents can sign up for younger readers.