10 brilliant books for children who love video games

Mia and the Lightcasters author Janelle McCurdy has always loved video games – and they were a big influence on her book. Here, she recommends more great reads for young gamers…

Gaming was one of the main driving forces behind the creation of Mia and the Lightcasters. In my book, I wanted to capture that magic of immersing yourself in the action, heart and adventure.

Pokémon, Final Fantasy and many other games inspired Mia and the Lightcasters and I have ten FANTASTIC book recommendations for young gamers to read and enjoy.

  • Mia and the Lightcasters

    by Janelle McCurdy, illustrated by Ana Latese 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy
    • Science fiction
    • Dystopia

    12 year-old Mia lives with her young brother Lucas and mum and dad in the city of Nubis, under the light of the forever moon and permanently starlit skies. She has always dreamed of being umbra tamer, but a terrifying encounter with a red eyed umbra out on the Nightmare Plains three years ago frightened her into staying within the city walls. Now Mia’s parents have been captured and caged she must face her fears and get help.

Amari and the Night Brothers by BB Alston

Amari is filled with wonderful and downright epic Black girl magic. It’s Men in Black meets Artemis Fowl.

At first glance, it’s about a girl trying to find her missing brother, but it’s so much more. There are so many twists and turns! It’s action-packed and definitely not one to miss.

  • Amari and the Night Brothers

    by B B Alston 

    2021 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy

    Amari is a scholarship student at a supernatural summer school, investigating magical crimes as she tries to solve the mystery of her brother’s disappearance. 

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tọlá Okogwu

A breathtaking book you will not want to put down about a girl with magical hair, who is sent to a magic school in Nigeria to train and enhance her powers with other children. However, Onyeka and her friends soon find their powers put to the test.

An action-packed superhero story with so much heart and a celebration of Black hair that makes it extra special. One of my favourite books ever.

  • Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun

    by Tọlá Okogwu 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Around the world
    • Coming-of-age
    • Fantasy

    Onyeka has always hated her hair so it’s ironic that it should turn out to be the source of a spectacular superpower.

Spirited Away: The Picture Book Special by Hayao Miyazaki

Adapted into book form from the famous Studio Ghibli movie, you can’t go wrong with Spirited Away. It’s a powerful journey about adventure and a girl finding an inner strength, when she is lost in a world filled with spirits, beasts, witches and more.

It’s a race against time to rescue her parents who have been turned into pigs, but a mysterious boy appears to help… Another must-read!

Shadow Weaver by MarcyKate Connolly

A tastefully dark book about a girl who has the ability to morph and shape shadows around her. She is accompanied everywhere by her own magical shadow partner called Dar, who has been with her since birth, and Dar will do anything to keep Emmeline safe…

Emmy Levels Up by Helen Harvey

A beautiful book that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. With a focus on bullying, friendship and of course gaming, this powerful book is a fantastic read.

  • Emmy Levels Up

    by Helen Harvey 

    2021 9 to 12 years 

    • Coming-of-age

    Emmy lives some of the best bits of her life online and in her own head. A hard-hitting yet empowering story of bullying, friendship and finding the confidence and courage to be yourself.

Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell

This book focuses on the trickster god, Loki of Asgard. It’s full of giggles and mischievous tactics that I’m sure gamers will enjoy. If you’re a fan of Diary of a Wimpy Kid then this is definitely for you! Loki must learn how to deal with going to a human school, and you can only imagine how that goes!

  • Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good

    by Louie Stowell 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books
    • Diaries and journals
    • Fantasy
    • Funny
    • Myths and legends

    After playing one trick too many, Loki, Norse god of mischief, is sent by Odin to live on earth as an 11-year-old boy for one month to mend his ways. Furious that he must suffer indignities such as attending school and doing chores, Loki struggles to be good.

Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi

This is one of the first manga books I read when I was a kid. Inuyasha is a feudal tale set in Japan in a world with demons, priestesses, monks and beasts.

It centres around a girl called Kagome who lives in the present day, but one day falls into a well that takes her to feudal Japan. There she meets a half human, half dog demon called Inuyasha and her world is turned upside down when she finds herself stuck in the past!

Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo

A new manga book that is jam-packed with action you’d find in so many games. It’s got spies, secret assassins, a little girl with secret psychic powers and a lot of funny moments.

It centres on Loid Forger who is a spy and must create a fake family in order to complete his mission, but it’s a lot harder than he thought!

One Piece by Eiichiro Oda

A heartwarming and at times VERY emotional action-packed adventure about creating strong friendships and chasing your dreams.

It centres on a teenager called Monkey D Luffy who wants to be the pirate king and find the legendary treasure left behind by the old king: Gol D Roger.

Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto

A legendary manga and anime – I’m sure many of you have heard of Naruto. It is about the world of ninjas. It’s got danger, fun and special heartwarming (and heart-wrenching) moments. It’s also got multiple games too!

So, naturally it had to be on the list, and I highly recommend playing the games as well, although they do contain spoilers so best to read the manga first or watch the anime!