Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cute fake-dating story tackles friendship and family.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DUNGEONS AND DRAMA, Riley is grounded and forced to work at her dad's gaming store—the last place she wants to be. Add her strained relationship with her dad, her annoying co-worker Nathan, and the cancellation of the spring play into the mix, and it seems all Riley's life holds is drama and disappointment. But she's not one to let things go. Riley decides to take on the school board and find a way to make the play happen. But when she finds herself pretending to date her co-worker Nathan just to make her ex-boyfriend jealous, she finds that for once, she just might be over her head.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet, fun teen romance is perfect for fans of tabletop gaming and Dungeons and Dragons, as well as anyone who loves show tunes. Dungeons and Drama is a cute, funny, light read that captures the fun of role-playing games while deepening the story with important moments of family and friend dynamics. The plot is romance-focused, but with a light touch, making it as much a story of character growth as it is of high school dating. The fake-dating trope is fun and works well in this story, adding a layer of complexity that reinforces some of Riley's journey. The author's love for games and theater really comes through, adding to the enjoyment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teamwork in Dungeons and Drama. How does the friendship that Riley and her friends share in their Dungeons and Dragons game translate to real-world teamwork?
What do you think about the fake-dating storyline? Does this feel realistic? Do you know of anyone in real life that has faked dating for any reason?
Dungeons and Dragons has grown more mainstream in recent years, but still has a stigma for being "uncool." Why do you think this is? Can you think of other hobbies that carry a similar stigma?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Single Parents ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : January 9, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : July 23, 2026
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