Luke and his parents disagree about how much time he can spend playing his favorite video game Smashtown. From this somewhat ordinary beginning blossoms an engaging story where Luke befriends an elderly black man, competes in a national tournament, reconciles with a bully, and becomes and inadvertently becomes an internet sensation. Through it all, Luke learns about friendship, the importance of taking a stand, and the price that sometimes comes with it. The ending does drag a little, with page after page of detailed gameplay description, but gaming enthusiasts won't mind.

Parents tell the kids they need less screen time. Kids tell parents they don't understand. Lucas is caught in the age-old battle of wills. When he and his friends win a place in a local tournament for Smashtown, Lucas has to balance time without screens and practice sessions with his friends. Lucas gains new friends and a new understanding of what friendship means.

Kids who play Hyrule, Super Smash Brothers, and Fortnite will enjoy the in-depth gameplay as well as the love of video gamer personalities. Perfect for reluctant readers and highly relatable. As a grown-up, the step by step battle sequences were a little much, but I could see kids getting really into it.

Lucas lives and breaths video games. His parents aren't thrilled with that. But when he and his friends hear about an upcoming tournament for their favorite game, his parents relent a little. Only a little, though--Lucas still needs to commit to some volunteer work and balance his time. His volunteer job is visiting an elderly man (Isaac) and helping him with small tasks, like cleaning litterboxes and washing dishes. Isaac has had a fascinating life, and while he and Lucas don't have a lot of shared interests, they form a tight bond. Meanwhile, the Smashtown Frenzy tournament is drawing closer, and his team is fracturing.

A great, action-packed read for gamers, but also for readers who like to see more character growth and change. Lucas has a real character arc, changing for the better and growing up a lot. His friends are a little light on their own development--not Central Casting, but not as richly developed as Lucas or Isaac.

This will be in my middle school collection in the fall.

3.5/4 stars out of 5.

Gamers young and young at heart will appreciate this story dedicated to the love of the online gaming community.

An emotional rollercoaster with a true growth of character, Lucas is endearing and relatable. There is a very important under current to this story, centering on the positives and negatives to any online community, not just the gaming one.

If I had anything negative to say is that unfortunately the vast majority of the other characters were just lacking on the whole. I wanted more from his friendships and interactions on the whole.

But all in all a fantastic middle grade book, that will keep readers rooting for Lukezilla every step of the way.

The kids loved this book. I thought it was a cute story with a good message and lessons about friendship in this modern age.