Level Up: Pairing Video Games with Children’s and YA Books (Assassin's Creed)

Each Thursday this summer, I’ll be posting a video game and corresponding book list.  This is just a fun, personal project that was actually the brainchild of my boyfriend who thought that A) it sounded awesome and B) that there are a lot of parents who would love to have some resources for those kids who would rather be in front of a screen than a book.  I’m hoping these titles will appeal to both boys and girls who love gaming and who do love storytelling; they just need the right book to make them readers. Each list will include the Entertainment Software Rating Board’s (ESRB) rating for the game.  I know that every family is different, but want to make sure this information is provided as I’ll be offering lists for games for younger kids as well as teens.

Assassin’s Creed (Teen – Mature)

Assassin’s Creed is an open-world, action adventure game set in a fictional history of real world events. Players must choose how to navigate terrain, accomplish missions and battle the Knights Templar whose mission it is to control the world in order to create peace. There are a number of Assassin’s Creed games available set throughout history and gamers may choose the setting they wish to play in. The books that I selected for this video game include survival stories, which are set in a historical time period similar to Assassin’s Creed.
Code Named Verity by Elizabeth Wein
A plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France during World War II and inside are a pilot and spy, who are best friends. When Verity is taken prisoner by the Gestapo she tells her story of joining the Resistance to prevent her own execution. A survival story at its finest, you’ll understand just how far friends will go to save each other.
Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers
Seventeen year old, Ismae, escapes an arranged marriage and finds herself in the St. Mortain convent where she trains as an assassin and spy. It is Ismae’s destiny to protect the Duchess of Brittany and save her country. The first in a trilogy of fast-paced, action novels set in medieval France.
The Killer Angels by Jeff Shaara
A historical fiction book that takes a close up look at the Battle of Gettysburg with a focus on the people who fought for both sides including the heroic Col. Joshua Chamberlain who led the charge at Little Round Top. A three-day battle that consequently was a turning point in the Civil War.
Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen
Samuel, 13, is growing up on the frontier land, far from Boston and the fighting that has broken out between the Loyalists and the Patriots. Samuel’s parents are taken as prisoners in an attack and it is up to him to rescue them as he confronts enemies and friends alike in this realistic look into the Revolutionary War by acclaimed author Gary Paulsen.
The Wreckers by Iain Lawrence
The wreckers are a small village on the coast of England who lure ships to crash on the rocks. They use the pillaged loot to clothe themselves, to decorate their homes and more, but what happens when a 14-year-old crew member survives the wreck? Will he also survive the wreckers?

Video Game Booklists:

• Assassin’s Creed
• Call of Duty
• Destiny
• Disney Infinity
• Fallout
• Grand Theft Auto
• Halo
• Just Dance
• The Legend of Zelda
• Lego Games
• Mario Brothers
• Minecraft
• Pokémon Go
• Skylanders
• Sports Games