The best books to convince kids to put down the controller

Joy Kita Author Of Fable Nation
By Joy Kita

Who am I?

I am a middle-grade author and mother to four children. I have been an avid reader my entire life. I love fantasy novels and feel that this passion not only makes me a better writer, but an excellent reader. I appreciate well-rounded characters, fun and twisty plots, and intriguing conflict. When I wrote Fable Nation, it was to convince my own children that reading was fun. I had them hooked by page two. A good story has the power to transport readers to new worlds. My goal as a writer is the create such places. My goal as a reader: to find myself blissfully lost in someone else’s world.

I wrote...

Fable Nation

By Joy Kita

Book cover of Fable Nation

What is my book about?

Getting sucked into the latest and greatest video game, Fable Nation, isn't the worst of Mitch's problems. Realizing there's no way out until he beats all the levels might be. Battling Montezuma in a Mexican jungle isn't hard when you're doing it from your bedroom, but inside the game is a different story. Mitch better think fast as he teams up with a new sidekick and killer pet.

They'll have to work together to defeat headless spirits, ginormous spiders, and even creepy viruses that may also be trying to escape the game. Log in and join their mission, where reality and gaming collide!

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The Books I Picked & Why

The Wee Free Men

By Terry Pratchett

Book cover of The Wee Free Men

Why this book?

This is an excellent book full of laugh-out-loud moments and unforgettable characters. The author has built an incredible world. The main character learns as much as she teaches, about inner strength. Like Fable Nation, this book will show you that you can overcome fears and insecurities by believing in yourself. The little blue folk that help our heroine discover her true potential are mischievous, hellions that not many authors have the courage to create. They are, without a doubt, some of the funniest characters I have ever read.

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My Side of the Mountain

By Jean Craighead George

Book cover of My Side of the Mountain

Why this book?

This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in adventure and survival. The best part about this book is that there are very few adults! Our young hero runs away to live on his own. He encounters many dangers and difficulties but manages to learn from them all. He makes mistakes and he carries on. This story will fuel your inner adventurer to try new things. This book is not for the faint of heart. Readers will connect with the hero and worry for his safety as well as his determination not to quit.

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Skulduggery Pleasant

By Derek Landy

Book cover of Skulduggery Pleasant

Why this book?

I loved this book, and all the ones that came after. Author Derek Landy knows how to write complicated characters. No one wants the protagonist to be perfect. Where’s the fun in that? This series is full of dark humor and twisty plots that keep the adrenaline pumping. I love odd and different characters. My job as a fantasy writer is to create characters that are real and unforgettable. Derek Landy has done this to perfection. If you like fantasy, adventure, and intrigue this book cannot be missed.

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The Strangers

By Margaret Peterson Haddix

Book cover of The Strangers

Why this book?

When a book comes along with a great mystery it is hard to resist. When a book combines mystery and adventure with plot twists, it should be a best seller! The Strangers has it all. When you pick up this book you will not be able to put it down easily. The secret rooms, alternate realities with delight even the most reluctant reader! Only the best kind of authors know how to engage their readers past their bedtimes. Margaret Peterson Haddix knows all the tricks.

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Warriors: Into the Wild

By Erin Hunter

Book cover of Warriors: Into the Wild

Why this book?

Only a few books can engross a reader so fully they forget to play video games. This first book in the Warrior series is so captivating it will cause the most reluctant reader to spend hours turning pages. This book focuses on clans of wild cats.  It is full of heroism and adventure. As a writer, I am always searching for characters to keep my readers engaged. Erin Hunters has done a masterful job with each and every one of her many feline characters. Is this book all about cats? Yes. It is fun and engaging? Absolutely.

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