Don't Hate the Player
By Amanda Nojadera,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Heartfelt tale tackles toxic side of the gaming industry.
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What's the Story?
In DON'T HATE THE PLAYER, Emilia Romero is an all-star student-athlete doing everything she can to live up to her family's high expectations. But her friends and parents don't know that she's also the only female member of a highly competitive and well-known eSports team. Emilia's excited about participating in a major eSports tournament, so long as her identity remains a secret. But what happens when Jake Hooper, a competitive gamer from a rival team, recognizes her at the tournament? Will Emilia be able to keep her two gaming and non-gaming identities separate?
Is It Any Good?
Alexis Nedd's heartfelt novel doesn't shy away from the toxic side of the gaming industry. Nedd seamlessly incorporates diverse characters -- gender, race, sexuality -- and their experiences with harassment online and IRL into Don't Hate the Player. Told from Emilia and Jake's perspectives, readers will love how their supportive friendship turns into a swoon-worthy relationship. As the story progresses and Emilia tries to keep her identity a secret, teens will see the importance of practicing good digital habits plus the power of friendship, communication, and perseverance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how gaming is portrayed in Don't Hate the Player. How important have online games become in pop culture? Why are they so popular?
Emilia spends a lot of time hiding her location and true identity. How do her precautions compare to the strategies you use to work and play online safely? Why is privacy and internet safety, important? What's the best way to deal with cyberbullies and online trolls?
How do the characters demonstrate communication and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author: Alexis Nedd
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
- Publication date: June 15, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 384
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: August 6, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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