A Beginner's Guide to Leveling Up

This heartfelt graphic novel follows Lexie as she begins sixth grade, grappling with the recent loss of her beloved grandfather and the complexities of shifting friendships. Her world takes an unexpected turn when she finds her grandfather's mysterious journal, filled with notes for an unfinished video game, Warrior's Quest. Lexie and her older sister, Eunice, are then transported into this pixelated game world, where they must confront fantastical monsters and work together to "level up." The story beautifully blends realistic themes of grief, growing up, and sisterhood with an exciting fantasy adventure, offering a relatable journey for young readers navigating their own challenges. It's an excellent choice for children aged 8-12 who enjoy video games, fantasy, and stories with emotional depth.

TRON meets sixth grade in this heartfelt and fantastical graphic novel where a pixelated quest helps one girl navigate grief, friendship, and the wilds of middle school. Starting sixth grade is Lexie’s toughest mission yet. This was supposed to be the year of joining clubs, claiming the perfect lunch spot, and gaming after school with her best friends. But shifting friendships—and the grief of losing her beloved grandfather—make middle school feel more like a battlefield than a fresh start. Then Lexie discovers a mysterious journal tucked inside her grandfather’s things. It’s filled with cryptic notes and cheat codes from an unfinished video game he was creating: Warrior’s Quest. When Lexie and her older sister Eunice are suddenly transported into the game’s pixelated world, the lines between reality and fantasy start to blur. Can Lexie and her sister level up and face the monsters in the game—and in real life—or is it game over for good? Brimming with laughter, heart, and epic battles, A Beginner's Guide to Leveling Up is an adventure-filled graphic novel about grief, growing up, and sisterhood.