Middle school is hard enough, but when her older brother Devin goes off to college in California to learn to design video games, Riley is left in Florida with her mother to navigate things without his support. Her mother works long hours, since her father is not always reliable with his child support, and Devin has always driven her to school and helped her with homework. After a disastrous first day riding the school bus, Riley does manage to meet another girl who lives in the same apartment building she does, and despite her mortification, starts up a friendship with Lucy. Devin and Riley often played Dungeons and Dragons, and Riley and Lucy are soon developing a game. They also include Hannah, who also lives in the building and finds them playing in the creepy basement laundry room, and Jen, who is devoted to her schoolwork and thoroughly researches the game and her character. The campaigns are fun, but when Riley tells Devin about them, he scoffs at their relaxed attitude towards the rules and canon of D&D. Riley, who has learned to do laundry, make snacks, and help out her mother with the assistance of her friends, doesn't appreciate his comments, and also worries about his progress in college. The other girls have problems of their own; Lucy lives with her father and uncle, and her mother is too busy with her new boyfriend to make much time for her; Hannah struggles academically, and her parents feel she is taking too much time playing D&D; Jen's parents are also worried she's spending too much time away from her school work, but their concern is that she isn't spending her time working on activities that will look good on college applications. When Devin comes home at Thanksgiving and surprises Riley and her mother with the fact that he is staying home and applying to community college, Riley begins to realize that she has flourished without her brother and that they both need to be more independent. She secretly releases a video game Devin is working on so that he can see how good it is and have the confidence to return to college, but will he be able to get over the anger at her betrayal to move on?
Strengths: Even though students will be drawn to this because of the D&D details (and there are many), I loved the depiction of family life. Riley has to come home by herself once Devin goes to college, get her own snacks, and even do laundry. There's not enough of this kind of activity in middle grade books, and it's a time in real students' lives when they have more and more responsibilities. The fact that Riley's father isn't in the picture is also reflective of what life if like for many students. I appreciated that she was understanding of her mother's struggles and tried to help out. Devin's reaction is a bit more extreme, but also understable considering his struggles in college, which is also not often something that is depicted. Her new friendships are supportive but not without a touch of drama, and Riley navigates them well. D&D players will love the creation of characters (including Lucy's father's cupcakes for their "birthdays"), the designing of campaigns, and the details about following the rules or deciding to break them in order for the game to be more fun. I probably should buy two copies, because I forsee high demand for this new title.
Weaknesses: The last third of the book was slow; it concentrated more on Devin and his return home because of his own issues and his worries for Riley and his mother when what I really wanted to read was more about Riley and her group of friends.
What I really think: As someone who is D&D adjacent (I've had friends who play, as does my daughter), I can appreciate all of the creative work that goes into a D&D campaign, as well as the friendship that it engenders. There has been quite an uptick in the number of students who voice an interest in the game, and they will adore this book. This is a geat addition to D&D related books like Mancusi's 2008 Gamer Girl, Anderson's The Dungeoneers, O'Donnell's Homerooms and Hallpasses, and Markell's The Gamemasters of Garden Place.

I stayed up almost all night finishing this sweet, heartfelt, completely engrossing story of true friendship, proud geekery, and complicated--while still ultimately loving and lovely--families. There are so many good things to say about Riley, a shy sixth-grader struggling to find her feet in the wake of her big brother's move across the country for college who finds comfort, friendship, and unexpected self-confidence when she accidentally starts a D&D group in her apartment complex's basement laundry room with three other girls. I was so impressed by literally every single character--Jaime Formato has an astounding ability for characterization (I'm guessing that her D&D background was the perfect training ground for this!). Her adults and secondary characters are well-rounded, unique, and have their own struggles and worries that make them entirely relatable and real. The family relationships of each of the girls are complex and nuanced and I quickly found myself rooting for Lucy, Jen, and Hannah to triumph in their own distinct narrative arcs alongside Riley and hers. Riley's relationship with her mother and older brother, Devin, has been shaped by their stick-togetherness forged in the wake of an absent dad who can't always be depended upon to come through for the people he left behind. Watching them struggle, stumble, and always come back to loving and supporting each other (with plenty of dry humor along the way) made for a truly lovely read.

I could go on and on but I don't want to spoil the read--to sum up, read this book! You'll be so glad you did.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All feedback and opinions in this review are my own. *

Roll For Initiative tells the story of Riley, a 11 year old whose big brother has recently left for college. Devon had picked up all the slack for Riley and their single-mom, and Riley needs to adjust to life without him

One of Riley and Devon's favorite activities had been playing Dungeons and Dragons so Riley decides to create the perfect campaign to play once he gets back. Upon being exposed at school as a D&D player, Riley is joined by several girls, sets up her own group and starts taking care of her responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Devon drops out of college, ostensibly to take care of Riley and her mom, but really because he doesn't think he can cut it at college.

Great story for perseverance, friendship, explorations of different types of families, responsibilities, role-playing, perfectionism

Will recommend for purchase by elementary and middle school school libraries

4.2/5

I. Loved. This. Book.
I’m a 19 year old, and I knew this book wasn’t directed at me when I picked it up… but there was something about little baby nerds playing DND in a feel good middle grade novel that I couldn’t say no to, and i’m so glad i didn’t!!!
I enjoyed this book right up until the very end, and I fell in love with the characters little party. Riley, Jen, Lucy, and Hannah are relatable and sweet little characters for any nerdy outcast (just like me!)
Maybe I need to pick up some more middle-grade novels because this healed my innerchild so well <3 4.5/5 stars, rounded up <3

Thanks to NetGalley for the E-Arc in exchange for the honest review!

3.5 Stars.

As a Dungeon Master and as a youngest sibling, the concept of this book appealed to me immediately, but I didn't expect how much the story would stick with me. Maybe it's because, I, like Riley, tend to play Dungeons and Dragons in a more loose, collaborative way than rules-follower Devin. Riley's growth as a friend was, in my opinion, the strongest part of this book, as she grows from a shy middle schooler who assumed that anyone who spoke to her at school only did it because they pitied her to taking action on to help her friends when they were in trouble. On the other hand, the plot has Riley invade her brother's privacy repeatedly, and, while it's a well-worn trope, I do not think it fit with her broader growth, nor do I think it's a good takeaway for readers. Books for middle graders do not need to have perfect characters or clear lessons (I love when they don't!) but the fact that Riley was rewarded by the narrative and earned her happy ending in such a dubious way, it left a bad taste in my mouth. However, it didn't sour me on the whole book, and I am still excited to add this title to my library's collection!

Riley Henderson has relied on her older brother, Devin, for pretty much everything. Now, he’s headed to California for college, leaving Riley and their mom in Florida. Suddenly, Riley has to juggle the school bus, laundry, homework, middle school, and friendships on her own.

After a couple of stumbles, she soon hits her stride. Turns out, she’s good at managing her own life, especially with support from her loving mom and the new gang of girlfriends that forms around the Dungeons & Dragons game Riley starts in her apartment building’s laundry room. Each of these characters is well-rounded, varied, and delightful, and it’s so fun to see them add their personal flair to the game. As their friendships develop, naturally, they must also navigate misunderstandings, disagreements, and hurt feelings. But although the group includes a barbarian, a rogue, and a half-orc, there’s not one mean girl.

Meanwhile, high-achiever Devin struggles in his ultra-competitive video-game design program. When he returns home during a break, he’s tempted to stay to take care of his mom and sister. They need him, don’t they?

The situation is messy and complicated, nuanced and paradoxical, just like all the best stuff in life. It’s great to see an empathetic and nurturing young man like Devin. (The last thing he wants is to turn into his absentee dad.) Mom, who works extra cashier shifts to cover the bills and in hopes of being promoted, could use the help at home. But, but, but: Where is the line between care and control? Can empathetic Riley stand up for herself and help Devin see that she and their mom are fine on their own, and, maybe, Devin should face his own fears?

My favorite middle grade novels combine humor and heart, and this one doesn’t disappoint. There is stellar humor here, and Riley’s engaging voice grabbed me from the start. The transformations are well-earned, realistic, and satisfying. Fans of D&D and other role-playing games will adore this story. As someone who’s long been D&D curious but never played, I’m itching to make a character and play a campaign.

Riley Henderson feels lost after her older brother Devin leaves her and her single mom for college. Devin has always been the caretaker of the family, making sure Riley does her homework and their hard-working mom doesn’t get too stressed out, and serving as the Dungeon Master in the siblings’ D&D games. Riley has never really had friends, so her brother’s absence feels devastating. But from loss comes opportunity: Riley makes friends with three girls at school who are all interested in playing D&D with her. Riley is just beginning to appreciate her newfound independence when Devin comes home from college, ready to give up his dreams so he can take care of the family. To her own surprise, Riley isn’t as happy about her brother’s return as she thought she would be.

This book beautifully captures the struggle of a younger sibling trying to break free from what can be an inhibiting influence of a much admired older sibling. Even when Riley understands her brother isn’t the perfect human being she always thought he was, it’s difficult for her to stand up to him. The D&D scenes are easy enough to understand for non-players, and Formato does a great job linking the individual gaming style of each player to their personality. After some missteps, Riley learns a lot about what it means to be a real friend and, in turn, having her friends' support and love helps her figure out how to help her brother. Really loved this book!

Riley Henderson's life in middle school is hard now that her brother has left for college. She begins the school year with no friends and no way to handle all of her new responsibilities now that she is the only one home for most of the day. These problems don't last long though, and soon Riley finds herself heading her own D&D Party of other girls her age who are seeking escapism through their weekly Saturday afternoon games. This book discusses topics of fractured family, academic pressure and academic anxiety through the lens of a girl who would do anything to help her friends. This story is fun, fast-paced and shows young girls that they can be anything they want to be-whether that's a battled-toughened rogue or a wizard made of magic, math, art and tacos. Overall, a delightful tale that has definitely piqued my interest in starting my own girlboss Party for a Dungeons and Dragons sesh.

Roll For Initiative by Jaime Formato follows sixth grader Riley Henderson as she tries to navigate her life being flipped upside down. Living with a single, working mother, Riley has always depended on her big brother, Devin for everything. From taking her to school to making her food to doing her laundry, Devin has always been there to do it. Now Devin is across the country at his dream college and Riley is left trying to figure out how to do everything. Riley feels very lost and alone until she meets Lucy, another nerdy girl that helps Riley come out of her shell. Riley and Lucy decide to start playing Dungeons and Dragons, a game that Riley often played with her brother. When they really get into it and two more girls join their party, Riley finds that she doesn’t need her brother quite as much as she thought. When Devin comes home for a holiday break, Riley begins to see that maybe Devin is the one who needs her.

This book was absolutely amazing. I loved every second of reading it. I love seeing the representation of young girls enjoying Dungeons and Dragons, especially when Riley’s friends started picking characters that are not traditionally played by girls. The connection the girls had to their characters was so perfect and it was so nice to read about a group of kids just having fun together. The problems that show up for Riley and her friends are real issues that sixth graders go through. Whether it is an overbearing parent who expects perfection or an absentee parent that makes promises they can’t fulfill, I think a lot of kids will be able to relate to the struggles this group of girls encounter.

I also loved Riley’s family. Riley’s mom is so relatable to me as someone who was a working mom who had to choose between spending time with family or picking up an extra shift to make more money. The feeling of not being good enough and comparing yourself to other mothers as well really hit home. Riley’s brother Devin, while overbearing at times, was also very relatable. He has spent his whole life being the best at everything and his sense of self is shaken when he goes to college and suddenly is struggling with what is expected of him. I really understood where he was coming from a lot of the time.

I am so glad I picked this book up. It was everything I love in a middle grade story and more. I can’t wait until this book comes out and I can buy a physical copy for my kids to read.

This middle grade novel is the perfect mix between fiction and fantasy and is bound to draw in readers, especially girls who enjoy video games and RPGs! The main character, Riley, is starting grade 6 and adjusting to lots of changes, including being more responsible and independent now that her older brother Devin has gone away to college and her single mom is working extra hours in hopes of being promoted. Riley makes friends with another girl who lives in her building, named Lucy and they share a love of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Even though it is hard to adjust to Devin being gone, she is starting to see that she can handle more and that she can have fun even without her big brother to spend time with. When Devin comes home from college vowing not to return, Riley knows she needs to help her brother realize that everything is fine at home and that he can't give up on his dream so quickly.

This book is made up of about 24 chapters and is 300+ pages in length. There are some black and white illustrations throughout the story, and the text is fairly large and well spaced on the page. While it is a longer middle grade text, it doesn't look too intimidating and is perfect for readers who are ready for slightly longer chapter books.

There are so many great lessons within this book, yet it also has all of the important elements of a middle grade novel: relatively short chapters, some illustrations, an easy to follow storyline and middle grade age-appropriate worries like homework, friendships and mild sibling/family drama. Added to that, there is also the fantasy element of the D&D storylines which will bring in a touch of fantasy while being less necessary for comprehension than the of the rest of the story. As someone who knows very little about D&D and is not a gamer, I was able to follow along just fine. Beyond that, I think that the D&D and video game audience will reach a new group of readers that typical "female main character middle grades" may not reach.

By the end of the story Riley sees herself as a strong, independent and successful 6th grader and is a fabulous role model for middle grade girls, but the growth that she experiences throughout the novel is also important for readers to see. At first, Riley is shy and anxious and it takes a lot of effort for her to reach outside of her comfort zone, but the rewards for being brave and trying new things were clearly pointed out throughout the story. Parents and teachers can't ask for a better protagonist for their middle grade girls to look up to!

I would recommend this book for readers in the grade 3-7 range who are ready for chapter books and slightly more complex storylines, but still benefit from larger, accessible font and illustrations. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

This was so much fun! As a D&D nerd myself, I really loved this book and its message so much. Play like YOU want to play and most importantly: have fun!
A really great book for kids who either are already interested in D&D or like fantasy or gaming in general and want to dip their toes into TTRPG. Riley and her friends were all super fun to read about and I liked their friendship dynamic and the way they handled conflict. I also thought the family relationships portrayed were interesting as well. I think there are lots of great subtle lessons interwoven in the story, but you can definitely also just read it for the fun aspects. I especially loved that we got to see the girls create their badass characters and that they wrote their own fun campaigns.
(Thank you to NetGalley, Jaime Formato and Running Press Kids for providing me with an eARC for this book in exchange for my honest feedback. All opinions in this review are my own.)

This book is not just the book my 12-year-old self wanted, it was the book she NEEDED!

Roll for Initiative is an exciting, emotional, keep-you-wanting-more kind of book that will have you hooked within the first page. Riley & friends are entertaining and relatable, and will leave you wanting to play D&D with a friend group like them! As we watch the characters learn about friendship and how confusing life can be as a 12-year-old, there are countless valuable lessons sprinkled throughout the book that someone of any age could learn from. With so many diverse and well-rounded characters in this book, everyone will be able to find something or someone to relate to. And as much as I wanted to tell Devin off about what a jerk he was being at times, I was glad that there was a happy conclusion to his story that resolved (mostly all— I tend to hold a grudge) all of my frustration with him.

Overall, this book was an extremely fun read that everyone will love. Roll for Initiative will now always and forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am so excited to see where else Formato will take us in her future works.

I WANT TO PLAY DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS NOW!!!!

Okay, so stirring a burning desire to join the D&D community is but one of the myriad of lovely things that you will come out of ROLL FOR INITIATIVE with. I seriously couldn’t put this book down!

Riley is such a fun main character to follow, and I felt so close to the each new friend she made in her journey of becoming a dungeon master like no other. I learned so much from those friend dynamics, but I also gleaned just as much insight from Riley’s relationship with her brother. This book is packed with timeless lessons, and what I love most is that it challenges the notions that some games are not for girls. I found Formato’s debut novel to be empowering, emotional, and ultimately satisfying.

I recommend ROLL FOR INITIATIVE to all readers!!!

Roll for Initiative is a fun middle-grade novel about becoming your own person. The main character starts out sad that her brother left, but quickly finds friends, fun and dragons. When her brother returns, it turns out he's the one who made her feel too small for the world, or not ready for anything, not perfect enough. The struggle the main character has with this is really well written and the way she deals with it is a good storyline. I was a bit sad no one ever actually stood up for her and told the brother what a dick he was being. I was absolutely heartbroken when he started belittling her campaign - those things take time to write, and you put a lot of heart and soul into it. (I also absolutely hate DM's who ignore rule of cool or stay close to the book and ignore fun).

I only saw two tiny mistakes in the book - Riley says that a barbarian has a d12 to attack, which is not a standard thing - your weapon decides what die it is (it is later mentioned the character uses a greataxe, which is indeed a d12) - but this is very nitpicky I know ;). The second one is my ultimate petpeeve in anything - the horned viking helmet. The horns are a myth and I absolutely hate it when a book mentions them. But I can ignore it if I think about the narrators being kids in this instance.

Overall, this is a very fun book - I read it in one evening and couldn't put it down - and the portrayal of playing D&D with a bunch of friends was really well done.