Reading Metrics
Description
Jesse Rigsby hates video games, but when he and his friend Eric are sucked into the new sci-fi shooter Full Blast, he finds himself dodging giant mantises and zipping around by jet pack. A strange figure starts following them through the game, and they quickly discover they can't log out. To avoid being trapped forever, Jesse must figure out what's really happening inside the digital world.
Quick Summary
If your kid loves video games, this is basically a love letter to gaming culture with all the inside jokes and references they'll get. Jesse wakes up trapped inside his favorite game and has to figure out how to beat it from the inside, which is a concept that's equal parts thrilling and relatable for anyone who's ever wanted to know what it would actually be like to live inside a game. There's a mystery element involving his friend Eric that adds some intrigue without being too heavy, and the whole thing moves at a pace that feels like level after level of a game. It's funny in the way kids find funny silly game glitches, ridiculous situations, and plenty of moments where they'll recognize themselves or their own gaming habits. The book is pretty short (around 16,000 words), so it's a great option for reluctant readers who want something fast-paced and don't want to commit to a massive story, yet it still leaves them wanting to know what happens next. Parents will appreciate that it captures the excitement of gaming without any concerning content just good old-fashioned adventure and problem-solving. If your kiddevours this, the good news is it's the first book in a series, so there's more to dive into.