About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler feels like an outsider or relies heavily on gaming and fantasy to navigate social anxiety. It is a perfect fit for the child who feels more confident in a virtual or imagined world than in the school hallways. Mercer is an eighth grader who uses a role-playing game to feel powerful, but his life changes when he is approached by four actual wizards who believe his gaming skills can save them. The story masterfully balances middle school realism with a touch of the supernatural. It explores themes of empathy, the pressure to fit in, and the courage required to be your true self. While the wizards provide a fantastical hook, the heart of the book is about a boy discovering his own worth in the real world. It is highly appropriate for ages 10 to 14, especially those who enjoy humor and subverted tropes.
