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

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.

Disney Infinity (E 10+)

Disney Infinity is an action-adventure videogame focused around many of the popular Disney characters that kids know from their animated movies.  The books recommended are specifically focused around Disney and around the magical aspect that Disney brings to everything they create.  These are just a few examples, many bookstores and libraries will carry storybook versions of the Disney movies; all you need to do is ask for your favorite!  If you like the toys-to-life model, check out our list of books for fans of Skylanders!
Disney After Dark (Kingdom Keepers series) by Ridley Pearson
Five young teens work as Holographic hosts at Walt Disney World when they all begin feeling the effects of this new technology.  Soon they are fighting Disney villains to save not only Walt Disney World, but the rest of the world as well in this fantasy thriller for middle grade readers. 

Disney/Pixar Character Encyclopedia by Steve Bynghall

Not a book you necessarily need to read cover-to-cover, the Disney/Pixar Character Encyclopedia has almost every character you ever wanted to learn about.  With information about almost 200 characters and pictures from the movies, you couldn’t ask for more for a Disney fan! 

Isle of the Lost (The Descendants series) by Melissa de la Cruz

Marketed as a prequel to the Disney Channel movie, Descendants, Isle of the Lost is about the children of the Disney characters (aka the descendants) both the good and bad.  And when the villain’s children go on a quest to find the magic that was stolen from them, nothing good can come of it. 

Who Was Walt Disney? by Whitney Stewart  

Part of the extremely popular “bobble head biographies” these biographies are easily accessible for young readers who want to learn more about how Mickey Mouse and Disney World came to be.  A great introduction for readers in upper elementary school and middle school. 

The Wishing Spell (The Land of Stories series) by Chris Colfer

Not a Disney book, The Wishing Spell is the first in a series about twins, Alex and Conner, who fall into the Land of Stories through a book of fairy tales they used to read with their dad.  After encountering the characters they grew up listening about, they may find it harder to get home than they originally thought in this adventure story for middle grade readers.

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