Does your child love Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite or spending time exploring virtual worlds? If getting them to pick up a book feels like a bigger challenge than completing the final level of a video game, the secret could be finding books that match their interests!
For children aged 9–12, there are some fantastic fiction and non-fiction books that bring gaming adventures, characters and challenges to life. Whether they enjoy action-packed stories, solving puzzles or learning how games are created, there is something to inspire every young gamer.
Fiction: Get lost in a gaming adventure
For children who love gaming, fiction books can offer all the excitement of their favourite games, with added imagination and storytelling.
Here are some great chapter books to try:
- Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior by Cube Kid – Perfect for Minecraft fans! Follow Runt, a young villager who dreams of becoming a warrior. Told in a diary format, with illustrations and plenty of humour, this series is ideal for children who enjoy Minecraft adventures.
- Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady – What happens when you get sucked into a video game? Jesse and his friend find themselves caught up in a mysterious virtual world filled with challenges, enemies and unexpected twists. A brilliant choice for readers who enjoy fast-paced adventures.
- Only You Can Save Mankind by Terry Pratchett – A fantastic adventure about Johnny, a boy who loves computer games. When the aliens in his favourite game start communicating with him, he discovers that the game is much more than entertainment.
- Mia and the Lightcasters by Janelle McCurdy – An exciting fantasy adventure featuring magical worlds, friendship and plenty of action. Inspired by video games, it is perfect for children who enjoy immersive worlds and epic quests.
- The Last Life of Lori Mills by Max Boucherat - Left home alone and gaming Lori must use her wits to defeat the baddies who come out of her screen. Thrilling adventure with an equally engaging sequel - One Thousand Dreams of Shoelace.
- Emmy Levels Up by Helen Harvey - A powerful book about friendship and bullying with a focus on gaming
- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline- Older readers will adore this YA novel set in a futuristic world where life in-game is a much friendlier place than reality.
Non-fiction: Learn more about the gaming world
Not every gaming enthusiast wants to read a fictional adventure. Some children love discovering how games work, learning new skills and finding out more about their favourite gaming worlds.
Try these non-fiction titles:
- Code Your Own Games! 20 Games to Create with Scratch by Max Wainewright – An excellent introduction to coding, encouraging children to develop their own games and explore programming.
- Minecraft Official Guides by Mojang – These guides cover building, survival, creativity and game mechanics. They are ideal for children who want to improve their Minecraft skills.
- 100% Unofficial Fortnite 100 Top Plays – A fun illustrated book celebrating Fortnite gameplay, with tips and interesting content for fans of the game.
Turn gaming enthusiasm into a love of reading
The best way to encourage children to read is to start with what they already love. Gaming-themed books can build confidence, develop vocabulary, encourage creativity and introduce children to exciting new stories.
So, whether your child wants to become a Minecraft master, create their own video game or escape into a virtual adventure, there is a book waiting for them.
Ready, player one? It's time to turn the next page!
