A Kid's Guide to Tabletop Rpgs: Exploring Dice, Game Systems, Roleplaying, and More

Gr 3-5--Game on! Readers will be ready to take on tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) with confidence after venturing through this fine tome. Filled with charming illustrations and plain-language explanations, it lays an excellent foundation, starting by describing the necessities for tabletop gaming, like the different types of dice needed, the importance of finding a keen narrator (or DM/dungeon master), and creating a playable character with great stats and fun lore. Of course, not every game is an RPG. Hicks runs through the different types of games readers can explore and even provides a handy flowchart that offers suggestions for games based on a player's interests, like superheroes, monsters, or sci-fi. Hicks also goes into detail about how readers can get into character and build their own RPG! Perhaps the most invaluable reminders throughout the guidebook are the oft-repeated reminders about respectful gaming. As Hicks rightfully points out, "At the end of the day, it's just a game." It's only fun if everyone's having a good time and after reading this, novice gamers will never forget that lesson. VERDICT A wonderful addition to all libraries as RPGs are rising in popularity.--Abby Bussen