About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like an underdog or is struggling with self-doubt on the sports field or in the classroom. It is a perfect fit for the 'reluctant reader' who would rather be playing video games than picking up a book, as it uses a high-stakes digital world to explore very real human emotions. The story follows Liam, a boy who feels like a failure at baseball, as he is magically transported into a zombie-infested video game world where he must find his inner strength to survive. While the premise is action-packed and full of gaming tropes, the heart of the story focuses on Liam's growth from a boy who doubts his abilities to a hero who understands the value of perseverance. It tackles themes of bullying and loss in a way that feels accessible for the 8 to 12 age range. Parents will appreciate how the 'leveling up' mechanic serves as a metaphor for building real-world confidence and resilience through practice and teamwork.
