librarianlayla's review against another edition
4.0
I received an eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/4 stars out of 5.
Gamers young and young at heart will appreciate this story dedicated to the love of the online gaming community.
An emotional rollercoaster with a true growth of character, Lucas is endearing and relatable. There is a very important under current to this story, centering on the positives and negatives to any online community, not just the gaming one.
If I had anything negative to say is that unfortunately the vast majority of the other characters were just lacking on the whole. I wanted more from his friendships and interactions on the whole.
But all in all a fantastic middle grade book, that will keep readers rooting for Lukezilla every step of the way.
3.5/4 stars out of 5.
Gamers young and young at heart will appreciate this story dedicated to the love of the online gaming community.
An emotional rollercoaster with a true growth of character, Lucas is endearing and relatable. There is a very important under current to this story, centering on the positives and negatives to any online community, not just the gaming one.
If I had anything negative to say is that unfortunately the vast majority of the other characters were just lacking on the whole. I wanted more from his friendships and interactions on the whole.
But all in all a fantastic middle grade book, that will keep readers rooting for Lukezilla every step of the way.
kverity's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I actually ended up enjoying this book, despite my own lack of knowledge about anything video gaming. Even though descriptions of the game take up a good chunk of this book, I really appreciated how the book also dealt with online harassment and meme culture, as well as portraying a positive relationship between middle schoolers and the elderly. Definitely will recommend this to middle schoolers!
library_brandy's review against another edition
4.0
Lucas lives and breaths video games. His parents aren't thrilled with that. But when he and his friends hear about an upcoming tournament for their favorite game, his parents relent a little. Only a little, though--Lucas still needs to commit to some volunteer work and balance his time. His volunteer job is visiting an elderly man (Isaac) and helping him with small tasks, like cleaning litterboxes and washing dishes. Isaac has had a fascinating life, and while he and Lucas don't have a lot of shared interests, they form a tight bond. Meanwhile, the Smashtown Frenzy tournament is drawing closer, and his team is fracturing.
A great, action-packed read for gamers, but also for readers who like to see more character growth and change. Lucas has a real character arc, changing for the better and growing up a lot. His friends are a little light on their own development--not Central Casting, but not as richly developed as Lucas or Isaac.
This will be in my middle school collection in the fall. (Assuming schools have reopened by then, sigh.)
A great, action-packed read for gamers, but also for readers who like to see more character growth and change. Lucas has a real character arc, changing for the better and growing up a lot. His friends are a little light on their own development--not Central Casting, but not as richly developed as Lucas or Isaac.
This will be in my middle school collection in the fall. (Assuming schools have reopened by then, sigh.)
jes77librarian's review
4.0
Parents tell the kids they need less screen time. Kids tell parents they don't understand. Lucas is caught in the age-old battle of wills. When he and his friends win a place in a local tournament for Smashtown, Lucas has to balance time without screens and practice sessions with his friends. Lucas gains new friends and a new understanding of what friendship means.
Kids who play Hyrule, Super Smash Brothers, and Fortnite will enjoy the in-depth gameplay as well as the love of video gamer personalities. Perfect for reluctant readers and highly relatable. As a grown-up, the step by step battle sequences were a little much, but I could see kids getting really into it.
Kids who play Hyrule, Super Smash Brothers, and Fortnite will enjoy the in-depth gameplay as well as the love of video gamer personalities. Perfect for reluctant readers and highly relatable. As a grown-up, the step by step battle sequences were a little much, but I could see kids getting really into it.
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