Last Gamer Standing

Ready Player One meets the action of battleroyale video games in this middle-grade sci-fi perfect for fans ofFortnite.To twelve-year-old Reyna Cheng, gaming is everything, so she’sthrilled to have the opportunity to attend a gaming summercamp courtesy of Dayhold – the world’s biggest VR battleroyale game.Reyna is an up-and-coming junior amateur gamer but despite herrising popularity and skills online, no one knows that behind hermale avatar is a twelve-year-old Chinese American girl. Gamingis still a boys' club and to protect her true identity against trollsand their harassment, she plays as the mysterious TheRuiNar.When Reyna qualifies for the Dayhold Junior Tournament, she knowsshe's got what it takes to win the championship title and the$10,000 prize. It's a chance to make a step forward towards herprofessional esports dreams and to help her family with the costsof her mother's hospital bills.But when she's blackmailed and her identity is threatened to berevealed by an anonymous troll, Reyna has to confront the toxicgaming community head-on.With her dreams and the cash prize on the line, it's game on! Gaming has never been more popular with the tournament in thebook reflecting real tournaments such as the Fortnite World CupFantastic representation of a Chinese-American character froman own voices author Exhilirating, heartracing experience - Reyna's perspective letsyou feel like you're playing the game yourself!  REVIEWS OF LAST GAMER STANDINGEmotional depth and nuanced representation level up this action-packed,futuristic page-turner. - Kirkus ReviewsCombining ruthless online rivalry and real-life dilemmas, Zhao(How We Fall Apart) pushes her inspirational heroine tothe limit in the pursuit of success, validation, and financial security.An insular-feeling first-person narration underlines howReyna's intense focus in the high-pressure environment can leaveher feeling isolated. - Publishers WeeklyA fantastic and relevant addition to children's literature, ina world where e-sports is just as popular as traditional sports,younger readers and gamers everywhere will love this gem of a book.- The Quiet Pond