BOOK MARKED
an unusual arcade game token that takes
them time traveling all over the globe.

During these magical adventures, they
learn a lot about history, geography and
themselves ... but someone else is after
that token. For older readers ready to
move up from “The Magic Tree House,”
these four books provide plenty of action,
humor and heart. Start with “Arcade and
the Triple T Token.”
MIDDLE GRADE
“Level 13”: A Slacker Novel
Written by Gordon Korman
Steer Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”
fans in this direction — they will delight in
the escapades of slacker Cameron Boxer,
who thinks he can become an internet
sensation by gaming online with Elvis, a
rescued beaver. Hilarity ensues as Cam
gains followers while risking his reputation
as a slacker in order to attain the game’s
mythical highest level.

SPAXIAX / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
“The Gauntlet”
and “The Battle”
Written by Karuna Riazi
These companion novels pit the Mirza
family against an evil game architect. In
“The Gauntlet,” Farah’s aunt sends her
a beautiful box containing a dangerous
game where players can easily become
trapped. Four years later, in “The Battle,”
her younger brother Ahmad must foil a
dastardly plot that freezes time when the
game is unboxed. Evocative of Chris Van
Allsburg’s “Jumanji,” these thrillers are
notable for their exquisite writing.

“Glitch” Written and illustrated
by Sarah Graley
Like many girls, Izzy enjoys playing a
good video game. Unlike those girls, Izzy
can actually enter her game! But as Izzy
becomes enmeshed in her secret life, she
alienates her best friend, Eric, and tensions
escalate when Izzy loses a “life” in the
game. This vibrant graphic novel will draw
upper-elementary readers into a deliciously
gruesome virtual universe.

Coin Slot Chronicles series
Written by Rashad Jennings
Arcade Livingston and his sister Zoe have
“Get Coding 2: Build Five
Computer Games Using HTML
and Javascript”
Written by David Whitney,
illustrated by Duncan Beedie
For kids tired of playing the same old
games, this manual provides detailed
steps to design and build personalized
games of their own, including graphics and
animation. Best for ages 9 to 12.

YOUNG ADULT
“Girl Gone Viral”
Written by Arvin Ahmadi
Teen tech-prodigy Opal risks her future
and her friends to discover the fate of her
missing father. It starts with one simple
hack, then another and another, until Opal
is entangled in a world of deception and,
possibly, murder. Best for older teens due
to mature themes and language.

“Ready Player Two”
Written by Ernest Cline
In a world addicted to virtual reality,
the “Ready Player One” sequel takes VR
questing to a dangerous level, packed with
action and peppered with romance. For an
enhanced experience, listen to the audio
version expertly narrated by Wil Wheaton
of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” a
renowned master gamer in all formats,
from video and tabletop to arcade. For
mature readers.

“Don’t Read the Comments”
Written by Eric Smith
Divya is a popular sponsored-gamer,
but her followers have no inkling of her
grim home life. Aaron faces different
challenges, but they become virtual
friends. When online trolls incite real-life
violence, the two must combine forces to
keep themselves and their families safe.

Older teens will identify with the angst of
college looming. T
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