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

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.

Destiny (Teen)

Destiny is a first-person shooter set in a science fiction setting where the player becomes a Guardian to protect Earth’s last safe city where they yield the Light power to protects the city’s residents against a variety of alien races.  Books chosen for this video game include stories based in post apocalyptic settings where aliens are not uncommon and survival is key.  The books listed below are for teen readers and filled with action and adventure if a futuristic setting.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Cassie has survived the first four waves as the beings who look human kill anyone they come across.  The name of the game is survival and Cassie knows that in order to survive she must trust no one.  But when her brother is taken from her, Cassie must choose to find him herself or to trust Evan Walker who may just be able to help.  And she needs to decide soon, because the 5th wave is coming…

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

15-year-old Daisy is sent to visit her aunt and four cousins in England, but soon after she arrives, her aunt must go away on business and the next day a bomb is dropped on London.  Soon, the farm on which Daisy is staying with her cousins becomes a place more isolated as the world comes to terms with an unnamed enemy.  Without any adults, Daisy and her cousins must make tough choices in order to survive – stay on the farm or leave?

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Todd is run out of town – a town in which all the women have been killed and your thoughts are broadcast out loud for all the hear.  The cacophony of sound is almost overwhelming, but Todd knows that the town holds a secret.  Soon he is on the run with only his loyal dog (and the dog’s thoughts) to keep him company, until he comes across a silent girl.  Does she hold the key to find the answer to the secret Todd’s been searching for?

Icons by Margaret Stohl

Dol is one of four teenagers that survived The Day and are immune to the Icons powers.  The day the Icons came to Earth many people died, the power stopped and somehow Dol survived.  Soon the four realize they have more in common than they thought and their intense emotions which once got them into trouble are now a strength they need to survive.

Under the Dome by Stephen King

On a regular day in Chester’s Mill, Maine an invisible force field surrounds the town and separates it from the world.  Planes are crashing, people are separated from their families and no one knows what is happening.  A few unexpected townspeople bond together against a politician who will stop at nothing to hold onto his power in the town.  But the situation is dire because time is running out.  This book has also been adapted to television on the CBS network.

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