I read the Mirror’s article about Phiona Mutesi, the Queen of Katwe, after I had both read the book and seen the film. Thank you for writing about her as hers is a very compelling story that should teach us compassion and the value of focusing, though that often doesn’t end as her story has.

Since the Federal Way Public Schools superintendent is promoting chess, it was good to have her story in the paper. I was sorry that I did not know Phiona would be in Federal Way as I would like to shake her hand and thank her for working to be a role model.

If she is coming back, I would love to know in advance.

So many terrible things happen, so it is important to read about people who have made a difference in students’ lives and the students they helped, as in the book and the movie. Inspiring.

I hope more people can learn the story and do some good. Maybe she could be persuaded to return to Federal Way

Margaret Nelson, Federal Way