Review By: Anonymous
Published: 2024
Genres: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction
Audience: Grades 4–8
Number of Stars: ★★★★ (4/5)
Goodreads Link: Gamerville
Content Warnings: Bullying, peer conflict, social isolation, online harassment, and competitive behavior.
Publisher’s Summary
Max Lightning is howling at the moon—he’s finally qualified for Gamerville, a championship where players compete to be top dog in the multiplayer video game Lone Wolf of Calamity Bay. But his dreams of domination are doomed when his parents send him to Camp Refresh.
Gone are the long nights of downing energy drinks and getting copious amounts of screen time. They’ve been replaced with fresh air and group activities under the hot sun—a shock to the system for a “lone wolf” like Max. Can Max escape Camp Refresh and level up at Gamerville, or has he finally played his last match? Gamerville is a timely and vulnerable exploration of the importance of human connection and what it means to run in a pack.
Full Review
Gamerville by Johnnie Christmas was a very pleasant surprise. I had previously read his graphic novel Swim Team and really enjoyed it, but I hadn’t planned on reading Gamerville until many of my students—and my son—selected it for Battle of the Books. As someone who is not a gamer, I initially didn’t expect this book to interest me very much; however, I ended up appreciating the fresh and thoughtful perspective it offered.
As both a parent and a teacher, I am constantly trying to limit the amount of time children spend on their devices. This often turns into an ongoing battle and can lead to unhealthy habits such as relying on energy drinks, getting very little sleep, and becoming socially iso3lated. This story does an excellent job of showing kids that stepping outside of their comfort zone—whether by choice or by circumstance—can be a p4ositive and rewarding experience that leads to personal growth, new friendships, and fun opportunities they may not have expected.
The illustrations are engaging and colorful and truly help bring the story to life. I especially enjoyed Max’s time at Camp Refresh, as it highlighted the importance of disconnecting and building relationships in the real world. At the same time, I appreciated his determination and problem-solving as he worked to find a way to reach the video game championship, showing balance rather than an all-or-nothing approach.
Overall, I believe the majority of students would enjoy this book. I think their initial attraction would be the title itself, which clearly implies a gaming theme—something many children enjoy, value, and immediately connect with—making it an effective gateway to a story with deeper messages.
📖 Curricular Connection: Digital Citizenship & SEL
This graphic novel is an excellent resource for discussing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Digital Citizenship:
- The “All-or-Nothing” Trap: Teachers can use Max’s journey to discuss why a “digital detox” (like Camp Refresh) doesn’t have to mean giving up gaming forever, but rather finding a sustainable balance.
- Social Isolation: Discuss how online gaming can feel like community while still leading to physical isolation, and how to bridge that gap.
- Problem Solving: Analyze how Max uses his “gamer logic” (determination and strategy) to navigate real-world challenges at camp.
