Battle Squad (The Stream Team #1)

Disaster looms when content from popular new battle royale video game Battle Squad bleeds into the real world, turning its users into rage-filled, zombie-like Glitched. Thanks to an experimental game patch sent to him by his aunt, a computer science teacher, 13-year-old Canadian Lebanese streamer Teddy “TedSh0t” Habib not only proves immune to the Glitched effect but also gains superpowers. He’s recruited for his gaming expertise by the mysterious Special Division to help stop the crisis, but as things worsen, Teddy must take on a more active role in squashing the Glitched infection. He gathers other recipients of the patch: his Black best friend Max “Stackz” Warren from Brooklyn, Argentinian Tina “TeenyTerrorPlays” Torres, and Yuri “Keke_Klutch” Song from South Korea. Armed with their gaming skills and newfound powers, they must face the evil Battle Squad forces online and IRL. Fortnite streamer NickEh30, making his debut, and Myers (Roman Holiday) offer a fast-paced, energetic, and good-natured start to this adventure series that promotes the virtues of teamwork and friendship while evoking the same sense of chaos and danger as the battle royale games it emulates. Ages 8–12. (Mar.)