Kindle
$3.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$11.29
Paperback
$7.67
Buy new:
-34% $11.29
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$11.29 with 34 percent savings
List Price: $16.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Only 4 left in stock (more on the way).
$$11.29 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$11.29
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$8.47
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
This item shows wear including some highlighting or writing. This item shows wear including some highlighting or writing. See less
$6.99 delivery Tuesday, May 21
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$11.29 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$11.29
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Alysa Wishingrad
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Verdigris Pawn Hardcover – July 13, 2021

by Alysa Wishingrad (Author)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 87 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$11.29","priceAmount":11.29,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"11","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"29","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"rYIQ2pJQw7k7TyyfeislTG0hU%2Fkl5HexxSCj93bf19meF734aqiVvHhoXFgtTkfdMgtXOgh7BDtTJY6r%2BnnFVgBoaoknDDaz7I0TEPUC%2BSKdvycwVP37FZqvFGv%2BKzXYnoaIwZ4AlsNXDwC3Ovt08Q%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$8.47","priceAmount":8.47,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"47","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"rYIQ2pJQw7k7TyyfeislTG0hU%2Fkl5HexgFDwjzapYRvPfl4%2BYZcieIPstIN9uTHtfCkhaLZ8qs6oswD88byP8t8bz7cU56Pl2cGopD32jrj9lg4iWVZcDmd6WwR0Y5BRzoRAqqOFPnMkWgk2IcMRqd8k7yO%2FIUdT%2BxRPLSiIc9r%2B%2FhmhYMB73MdEs%2BDuMtTK","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION! 

A boy who underestimates his power . . .

A girl with a gift long thought lost . . .

A Land ready for revolution . . .

The heir to the Land should be strong. Fierce. Ruthless. At least, that’s what Beau’s father has been telling him his whole life, since Beau is the exact opposite of what the heir should be. With little control over his future, Beau is kept locked away, just another pawn in his father’s quest for ultimate power.

That is, until Beau meets a girl who shows him the secrets his father has kept hidden. For the first time, Beau begins to question everything he’s ever been told and sets off in search of a rebel who might hold the key to setting things right. 

Teaming up with a fiery runaway boy, their mission quickly turns into something far greater as sinister forces long lurking in the shadows prepare to make their final move—no matter what the cost. But it just might be Beau who wields the power he seeks . . . if he can go from pawn to player before the Land tears itself apart.


Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    10 - 12 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    368 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1.17 x 8.25 inches
  6. Publisher
    HarperCollins
  7. Publication date
    July 13, 2021
  8. ISBN-10
    0062908057
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0062908056
  10. See all details
Next page
Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Editorial Reviews

Review

A rich, inventive, captivating story of big injustices and small heroes, The Verdigris Pawn nods to classic fantasy while asking questions deeply relevant to our world. A magical adventure that readers will adore. — Anne Ursu, author of The Lost Girl

Heartfelt, hopeful, and charming, The Verdigris Pawn is a deftly crafted tale that weaves adventure with purpose, beautifully illustrating how kids can change the world. — Heather Kassner, author of The Plentiful Darkness

The Verdigris Pawn is a wonderful escape, a tale of truth, trust, and doing what’s right. Readers will delight in this fast-paced fantasy in which mistakes can be opportunities, power is not what it seems, and the seemingly helpless can have the greatest impact of all. A perfect debut for our times. — Diane Magras, award-winning author of The Mad Wolf's Daughter

With vibrant characters readers can’t help but cheer for, Wishingrad’s debut is a tribute to the beauty of both language and story. Filled with magic, suspense, and a shifting landscape of who is friend and who is foe, The Verdigris Pawn expertly explores the double-edged swords of power, loyalty and righteousness. A gorgeous and unforgettable book. — Rebecca K.S. Ansari, author of The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly and The In-Between

About the Author

Alysa Wishingrad writes fantastical stories for young readers, tales that ask: Is the truth really true? Her favorite stories are those that meld the historical with the fantastic and that find ways to shine a light on both the things that divide and unite us all. The Verdigris Pawn, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, was her debut novel. Alysa lives in the Hudson Valley with her family and two demanding rescue dogs. You can find her at alysawishingrad.com or on Twitter at @awishingrad or Instagram at @alysawishingradwrites.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins (July 13, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062908057
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062908056
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 - 12 years, from customers
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.17 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 87 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Alysa Wishingrad

Alysa Wishingrad

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Alysa Wishingrad writes fantastical stories for young readers, tales that ask;

is the truth really true? Her favorite stories are those that meld the

historical with the fantastic, and that find ways to shine a light on both the

things that divide and unite us all.

She is the author of Between Monsters and Marvels, a 2024 Golden Kite Finalist, and The Verdigris Pawn, which

was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.

Alysa lives in the Hudson Valley with her family and two demanding rescue dogs,

who are either monsters or marvels, depending on the day.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
87 global ratings
A magical tale with a bright quest for justice
5 Stars
A magical tale with a bright quest for justice
Two boys, one the heir to the Manor and one aspiring for freedom;One girl with a magical gift;They must try to change the terrible things that happened in the land.Beau, the heir to the manor that ruled the land, has always tried to be everything his father wants him to be but always wounds up as a disappointment to his father. One day, Beau meets a girl named Cressi, who changes his life forever. Cressi shows Beau Mastery House, a cruel home for children to learn a trade, which is one of the many representations of Beau's father's many mistakes in his reign. Things go downhill when Beau, Cressi, and Barger (Beau's father's chamberlain) discover that Cressi is a charmer gifted with extraordinary magical powers. So, Beau is forced to escape from the Manor and makes friends with a friend of Cressi's, Nate, to find Doone, who could be their ace to save Cressi and the land.As soon as I began reading this book, I was hooked. I love that it's like a historical fantasy with an intriguing chess-like game! This book takes place in a medieval world with a pinch of magic: A revolution being plotted, a deadly fever, betrayals, etc.There's a game in this story that's like chess called Fist, whose rules are tricky to follow. You have to be able to think multiple moves ahead.Cressi is a charmer gifted with extraordinary magical powers. Cressi's healing powers and affinity with plants are incredible.The story was well done, and I had read Between Monsters and Marvels by this author, so I have to say, I prefer this one to the other book.Beau is an intelligent and crafty character. He's also wanted to stay true to himself and his friends. Beau's father wasn't nice. Cressi is a kind girl, and she and Beau were my favorites. Barger was a very sly character. Nate was very impulsive.The message of this book shows us the importance of teamwork, loyalty, friendship, and doing what is right.Give this book to anyone who loves a magical tale with a bright quest for justice.Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚♟
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Elizabeth
5.0 out of 5 stars A New Classic Upper MG Fantasy!
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book had been on my TBR for months because I'd heard such good things about it, but I put it off because I sometimes struggle to "get into" traditional high fantasy. However, within a a couple of chapters, I was hooked! (As with any genre, when done well, it shines.) In fact, The Verdigris Pawn remains one of my top MG reads this year.

The quality of the writing, the unfolding of the layered story, the quest, the characters, the themes of justice and friendship -- everything came together to create a story at once familiar yet new; a classic!

I will recommend (and have recommended) this book to young readers at the library where I work, and I'm looking forward to having my son (12) read it, since it is a true upper MG book -- I wish there were more!

I would be happy to read more of Beau's adventures if there were a sequel, and I also look forward to seeing what debut author Alysa Wishingrad writes next!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Kasee B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely riveting!
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2021
Verified Purchase
I had been anticipating reading THE VERDIGRIS PAWN for a long time and it did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my every expectation! It really is a timeless story, and one I'm definitely going to be re-reading, and reading with my children for years to come.

THE VERDIGRIS PAWN follows Beau, heir to the throne of a kingdom he learns he knows little about. Determined not to be another pawn in his father's quest for ultimate power, Beau meets and teams up with Cressi, a girl with a hidden power. The two team up with runaway Nate to right the Land's wrongs and liberate their people.

The world Alysa creates is engaging and vivid and immersive, and it's easy (and enjoyable) to get lost in the lush prose and intriguing quests and heartfelt characters. Embedded in the mystery and magic and adventure are powerful themes of inequality and class, justice and power, truth and trust. It's smart and absolutely unforgettable. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
Helpful
 Report
tate weeberg
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't stop reading it
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
Both my 12 year old daughter and I read the book The Verdigris Pawn, and both of us were captivated by the world created by Wishingrad. The story took us on a journey that was rich in description and intrigue. I feel like the book was just challenging enough of a read for my 12 year old. The story kept her captivated so that when there was a word that was slightly out of her reach, she wanted to find out the meaning so as to be able to stay connected to the story. I find that she will skim over words if she isn't as involved in what she is reading, and this was not the case here. Beautifully written, I highly recommend for the avid reader in your house.
Helpful
 Report
LISA SCHMID
5.0 out of 5 stars Instant Classic!
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
The Verdigris Pawn is a magical tale of full gripping twists and turns and imaginative world-building that kept me turning the page well into the night. I highly recommend this book to every middle-grader who loves fantasy and adventure.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
JB
5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning fantasy adventure that reads like a classic!
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2021
Verified Purchase
I absolutely loved Alysa Wishingrad's debut The Verdigris Pawn. With intricate world building, lyrical prose, and a thoughtful examination of power, privilege, and truth this fantasy adventure is at once timely and timeless. I found the complexity of the characters and their friendships particularly engaging as well as the magical Chess like game expertly threaded through the story. This book is action-packed, full of humor and heart with a dash of magic, and is a thrill from beginning to end. I was very lucky to have read an advanced copy and can't wait to buy this book when it comes out this summer!
Helpful
 Report
vickiholm
5.0 out of 5 stars It was hard to put the book down!
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
I was so excited to receive my copy of THE VERDIGRIS PAWN, by Alysa Wishingrad. While reading the book I felt like I was reading a classic that has been around for years.

THE VERDIGRIS PAWN had me immersed in mystery, magic, humor and adventure. The chess game theme was intriguing throughout the story.

I also purchased the audible book also I could listen while traveling. I look forward to sharing my copy of THE VERDIGRIS PAWN with my nephew Wyatt, and seeing his review.

I expect THE VERDIGRIS PAWN to become a classic in the years to come. I look forward to reading more from Alysa.
Helpful
 Report
Noah K.
5.0 out of 5 stars A great fantasy story for all
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
A fabulous fantasy story for all ages.

The character building was excellent. Beau, Cressi and Nate should be relatable to many. The storyline was unique with fun twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The game of fist was so intriguing, a cross between chess and stratego. I really thought the book could have easily go on into a series. Perhaps in the future.

Five star and kudos to the author.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Judy Jerome
4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful, magical, and inspiring!
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2022
I loved this book. I read it very quickly, was hard to put it down. I handed it down to my 12 year old niece to read next, and she is loving it too. Great for children and adults of all ages!
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Priscilla
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute gem of a book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
The Verdigris Pawn is a beautifully written historically fantasy full of heart, hope and adventure which brilliantly conveys bold messages on issues such as power, privilege and injustice. It very cleverly shows how even those who prima facie, seek change can be easily corrupted by love of power - be careful who you choose as your heroes. Very important and relevant message for the present day.
Report