My Name Is Tani . . . and I Believe in Miracles Young Readers Edition

by Tanitoluwa Adewumi, Craig Borlase (Contributor)

At eight years old, Tani Adewumi, a Nigerian refugee, won the 2019 New York State Chess Championship after playing the game for only a year--and while homeless. His story is full of miracles and hope.

Tani and his family's amazing story began amid Boko Haram's reign of terror in their native country of Nigeria. They fled their home to the United States, where they lived in a New York City homeless shelter as they waited to be granted religious asylum. Tani began attending PS 116, where his classmates were unaware that he and his family had no home. So when Tani asked his parents if he could join the chess program at school, which required a fee, it seemed unlikely. But his mother wrote to the coach, who offered Tani a scholarship.

This adaptation will focus on the portions of Tani's story that will most interest young readers. The struggle of leaving his comfortable home and moving to a new country with nothing. Living in America as a homeless family. Having no TV, no games, no money. Wanting a place for his mom to cook meals and a refrigerator where he could get a snack whenever he was hungry. Going to a new school. Meeting a teacher who taught him the game of chess, which allowed him to learn, compete, and experience the pressures of the game and the ultimate joy of winning.

Tani's story will inspire you to believe in the power of the human spirit to triumph over the greatest adversities. And his family's faith will inspire you to believe in miracles.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Childrens

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2020

Reviews

[NJB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of “The Queen’s Gambit” & “Searching for Bobby Fisher” will love this book. Its also the story of The American Dream. With all the bad news in the world, it’s a lovely to remember that there are good people, good stories of triumph still all around.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story! I'm so sad that the only version available for check-out from my library audiobooks was the young readers edition. I would probably like to go back and read the original version! I love that this little champion did not give up, learned to keep trying, think deep, and to give thanks and gratitude for the many blessings that he and his family had!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging story of a young chess player, who learned chess in a NY City while his family lived in a homeless shelter as religious refugees from Nigeria. Tani's voice is clearly mediated -- he has a co-writer, and although his perceptions are those of a child the narrator knows the wider context. I like how he focuses on his family and their values and is still authentic. Also, I like reading about chess.

I needed a bit more cues about his age -- it wasn't always clear how much time had gone by. Luckily by the final tournament (he wins the New York state championship) he comes out as 8 years old. Wow. Good thing my kid didn't meet him at nationals.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Christians persecuted by the Boko Haram in Nigeria, Tani, his brother Austin, and their parents immigrated to the United States. They eventually lived in a homeless shelter and then a hotel in New York City, while waiting for asylum. Life here wasn't at all what they had hoped for, but people who cared, a church, teachers, and organizations in Manhattan, stepped up to provide necessities and hope. Teachers saw his potential, encouraged him, provided for him, and Tani took seriously the wisdom of others, worked hard, persevered. At eight years old, he won the 2019 NY State Chess Championship. In the midst of both life and competition struggles, Tani saw miracles and knew they were gifts from God.

The provisions and successes sometimes seemed to come too easily, but Tani would always come around to vulnerably sharing his emotional stresses and uncertainties and reliance on God. Precious.

[Teresa Forsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tani and his family move to the US after his father becomes a target of the Boko Haram. Though they started in Texas, they soon moved to New York City, where they live in a shelter in a hotel. At school, Tani joins the chess club and after only a year of playing, Tani wins the New York State Championship for his age. It was fun to read about a sport I know little about.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable first person narrative by an 8-year-old Nigerian refugee-turned-chess-champ. I loved it. Tani is utterly hopeful without being saccharine, and there is a definite plot arc and character development. Tani's Christian faith may be a stumbling block for some; for me, I loved it.

[Mary Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good --every sentence interesting! What an amazing kid and admirable family --so glad they got into the US and people have been so generous! I'd like to see photos of the family, but haven't' found online so far.

Hope to get the adult version too.

Audio overdrive @ 1.25

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought it for my grandson

Graduation gift for my grandson. I read it so we can discuss it. He is 11 years old. It is a positive story, hopefully it will inspire him to always just do his best. There are many good life lessons in Tani’s story.

[Halana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tani's optimism and hard work is inspiring. His story of being a refugee and living in a hotel is relatable for many students in our city. This book is a great one to share as a windows and mirrors kind of text.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bibliography is a great story. Many people do not believe on miracles but this story has many true miracles. It is amazing that a boy who can not play chess in a few months later can be a world champion.

[Stephanie Stinemetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talent is universal, but opportunity is not.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, uplifting book about a boy from Nigeria and his rise in the chess world. Heart-warming!! Linda's book club choice for March 2021

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio. Such a great reminder of all we have to be grateful for. Good life lessons.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably aimed more ages 9+, but content is appropriate still for my 6 yo with some discussion about world cultures etc

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting. Thoughtful. Heartfelt.

[Jemima · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨3✨
School read. Would never come back to it of my own accord.

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story of triumph and success in spite of hardships. This little boy is thankful for every blessing in his life and works hard because of them. I want to be like Tani.

[Deja Roden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet novel for my young reader. Excellent lessons on humility, hard work and gratitude. Tani’s story is why millions of people from all over the world come to this great country. Tani and his family started at the bottom, and through hard work, support of the Church and God’s Grace, they were able to become citizens and find a home in NYC. Not only that, once they succeeded, they turned around and built a foundation for others to succeed as well. Fantastic young reader novel!

[SassafrasfromAmazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌠

[Wendgard11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many jumps

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply told for younger readers. :-)

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: My name is Tani…and I Believe in Miracles
Author: Tani Adewumi
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: 4 out of 5

I enjoyed this story a lot—from the terror in Nigeria to finding hope in New York. I’ve never learned how to play chess, and the idea of an eight-year-old being so good at it is mind-boggling to me. What I found even more inspiring, though, was the family’s faith and positive outlook, no matter how desperate their circumstances. Truly an inspiring read!

(Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.)

More reviews at Tomorrow is Another Day