The Game Masters of Garden Place

Gr 4–6—Ralph and his best friends have been playing the tabletop role-playing game, Reign of Dragons, for years. They all enjoy it but none so much as Ralph, who as the GM (Game Master) takes pride in each and every one of their quests. As the friends enter into sixth grade, outside interests begin to take a toll on their weekly get-togethers. Ralph is desperate to keep it going and has even won a spot in a Reign of Dragons convention. At perhaps their last game night ever, he uses his special 20-sided die, which turns out to be magical; it brings the characters from the game to life. An epic adventure begins and the friends need to utilize their gaming skills to help the characters return home. Amusing misunderstandings abound as the tweens try to orient the group of barbarians, thieves, and wizards to 21st-century Brooklyn. Markell (Click Here to Start) also throws in a fair amount of social commentary on gay rights, homelessness, and gender identity. Too much backstory leading up to the action may lose some readers early on.