My Video Game Ate My Homework

My Video Game Ate My Homework

Dustin Hansen

DC, 2020 unpaged

Grades 2-5

Graphic Novel

Dewey needs an A+ on his science project or he will have to attend summer school. Since his learning disability makes writing papers near impossible, he has created a super-cool volcano sure to "wow" the judges. There is even more on the line. The best project will win a chance to try out the brand new virtual reality game that has yet to be released, yet is already generating a lot of buzz. In a humorous series of events, Dewy's friend, Ferg, gets his hands on the game and it ends up sucking in the volcano. Of course Dewey, his twin Beatrice, Ferg, and other buddy Katherine all hop in to save the project. Once in the game the kids are all given special powers. Ironically, Dewey's is a book, which guides him through the game as challenges arise. The team encounters all kinds of strange and dangerous creatures that they must conquer to move through the game. They must use their special skills and ingenuity to advance without losing their cyber-lives. In the end it takes teamwork to save the day, although it does't all work out quite as planned.

I had to buy this new graphic novel for my library. I knew that reluctant readers would take this book out based solely on then title and the cover, and I was not wrong. Video game lovers are the natural audience and they will not be disappointed. The action never stops and the story and illustrations read much like an actual video game. Hansen has experience with animation and toy design and is a lover of graphic novels. In an author's note he explains that he also struggled with a learning disability and fell into graphic novels because the visual clues helped him to decipher the words. Kids with simular troubles will also be guided by the pictures and find inspiration in Dewey's journey. The panels in the story scan well and all new characters are clearly introduced, so that the reader can easily determine who everyone is. The illustrations are in full color and will attract the target audience. This book will be an easy sell to kids to get them reading, even if they think it's hard and boring. It can serve as a bridge to illustrated chapter books and give struggling readers confidence and joy in the written word.