Gamer Army

In this action-packed middle grade adventure, five top American gamers are chosen to participate in an elite tournament as part of a new reality show hosted by one of the world’s most powerful corporations. Rogan Webber, 12, is determined to win the competition and be crowned Laser Viper Grand Champion, all to prove himself to his workaholic parents. To succeed, Rogan and the other competitors must work as a team, tackling special Laser Viper missions. One gamer is voted out after every round, and as the contestants are winnowed down, they begin to suspect there’s more to the game than they first thought. Pop culture references fly fast and furious as the characters quip, argue, and form unexpected friendships amid constant danger and excitement. Readers will undoubtedly predict some of the tournament’s major twists, and Reedy (If You’re Reading This) folds in a heavy-handed message about the dangers of virtual reality as a substitute for real life. Still, Reedy offers a diverse cast and an over-the-top sense of excitement. Ages 8–12. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. (Nov.)