Level Up: Pairing Video Games with Children’s and YA Books (Skylanders)

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.

Skylanders (Everyone – Everyone 10+)

Skylanders is a toys-to-life videogame similar to Disney Infinity.  The Skylanders characters live in a magical realm where they defend their worlds from a variety of threats.  The books chosen for this videogame include toys coming to life, the magical realm, and time travel.  These stories are perfect for boys and girls who like adventure with a little bit of fantasy thrown in for good measure.
The Doll People by Ann M. Martin
The Doll Family has lived together being passed down from generation to generation and nothing much has changed except for Auntie Sarah Doll going missing and the plastic Funcraft family moving in next door.  Annabelle Doll with the help of her new friend is going to find out what happened to Auntie Sarah at any costs.
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
Ten-year-old William has done the unthinkable – he has shrunken his nanny to the same size as his toy knight who lives in a castle handed down through the generations.  William now must shrink himself and go on a quest in order to save his nanny.  A coming-of-age story with just a bit of fantasy.
Knights of the Kitchen Table (The Time Warp Trio series) by Jon Scieszka
With a little help from “The Book” Joe, Fred and Sam are transported to King Arthur’s Britain and are mistaken for heroes when they defeat the Black Knight and trick a giant to fight a dragon.  Filled with humor that’s perfect for the age group this is a great series for early chapter book readers.
The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles series) by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Jared, Simon and Mallory come across an old field guide in the mansion they’ve just moved into and realize that the magical realm is a very real place filled with creatures they have only ever dreamed about.
Zombiekins by Kevin Bolger
Stanley buys cute and cuddly Zombiekins at a neighbor’s yard sale, but doesn’t realize what he’s done until it’s too late!  When Zombiekins is exposed to moonlight he becomes a fearsome zombie-monster turning Stanley’s classmates into zombies as well.  Can Stanley find a way to save the day before he turns into a zombie himself?

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