Power Up by Darnell Johnson, Sam Nisson
Published by Etch/Clarion Books on February 23, 2021
ISBN: 035832565X
Pages: 224
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

This gaming-intensive graphic novel for middle schoolers might appeal to reluctant readers who love video games. Miles and Rhys are two 11 year olds who unknowingly attend the same school by day and join forces to fight as giant robots (and best friends) after school. There is some bullying drama and the novel lightly touches upon exclusion and behavioral issues, but for the most part, it’s all about the video game sequences. The two main characters and their families are likable and the story is engaging, even if you’re not a gamer.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath