Review: Roll for Initiative

Roll for Initiative
By Jaime Formato
Philadelphia : Running Press Kids, 2022. Fiction. 314 pgs.

After her brother, Devin, moves away to college, twelve-year-old Riley feels lost and alone until she meets Lucy, another girl who likes nerdy things. Riley begins planning her own Dungeons & Dragons game/campaign as the Dungeons Master, and Lucy, Hannah, and Jen join the party. Riley learns to be independent, a leader, and prepares for the upcoming Winter-Con. When Devin returns home from college, Riley, her mom, and Devin must each face their own fears and work together.

If you like D&D, gaming, or any type of role-playing games, you'll love this book. If you haven't played Dungeons & Dragons before, you'll still love this book! Riley and her friends are funny, unique, and strong. With heartfelt lessons interwoven throughout, this story teaches each of us the importance of family, friends, and being ourselves. I loved the relationship between Riley and each character, and I especially appreciated how each character was well-rounded and three dimensional. This is a great middle school read for boys and girls alike.

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