By Dustin Brady Jesse Brady
A virtual mountain trek where gaming skills and personal integrity are the ultimate power-ups.
Dustin Brady kicks off the Adventures in a Video Game series with a story that reads like a playable mission. This action-adventure tale centers on gaming culture to grab the attention of readers who usually find traditional novels a chore. The book spans 192 pages, offering a substantial but manageable goal for middle-grade readers. With two books in the collection so far, educators have a ready-made follow-up to maintain interest once the first level is cleared.
This series is an excellent tool for the classroom because it pairs straightforward prose with topics that many current day students enjoy: video games. The content is culturally current, making it an easy sell for gamers and reluctant readers who need an immediate hook to stay focused. While it doesn’t provide the heavy visual support of a graphic novel, the clear writing helps English Language Learners follow the action without getting lost. Beyond the excitement, the plot offers natural openings to discuss media literacy, integrity, and critical thinking. Relying on a series helps students grow their skills because they get used to the author’s voice and the recurring themes. This familiarity takes the intimidation out of starting a new book and helps students feel like capable readers before they even finish the first chapter.
**Total Books in Series:** 2
**Best Starting Point:** Adventures in a Video Game: Don’t Climb This Mountain
