Power Up (A Power Up Graphic Novel), written by by Sam Nisson and Darnell Johnson, reviewed by Todd Erickson

Summary:  Miles and Rhys go to the same school, but they are not friends IRL. But they unknowingly game together as Gryphon and Backslash. Online, they make quite a team, but in school Rhys is known as the new kid who's kind of strange.Rhys is bullied, and they stop gaming together.  Mile's parents think he spends too much time gaming and require him to find some new hobbies - such as dirt biking. When a Battle Con Gaming Tournament comes to town, Mile's parents let him participate, and Rhy's identity is revealed.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This a great story with almost two simultaneous stories going on. One IRL and one online in the gaming world. Simon does a good job of keeping the story moving in both reality and virtual gaming world. There are a lot of issues that are brought up, without being preachy or heavy handed. Bullying, screentime, and school-life balance are all addressed. Miles and his diverse group of friends are pretty typical. This book will certainly find an audience as it is entertaining and does a great job of balancing real life with virtual gaming world. There are lessons to be learned from each.