In just a few weeks, A Minecraft Movie will be playing in theaters. My patrons are super excited to see one of their favorite games come to life on the big screen. And what better way to celebrate a new movie than with a fantastic book? If your patrons also love all things Minecraft, here are some books to help them get ready for the new film.
Insert Coin to Continue by John David Anderson
What if one day you woke up to discover your life had become a video game? That’s exactly what happens to Billy. Suddenly, his clothes come with power ups, and standing up to a bully takes on a new level of difficulty. But as the challenges he needs to complete keep increasing in difficulty, can he a find a way to get his life back to normal? This book is perfect for readers looking for a fast-paced read.
Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady
Playing video games is fun. Being stuck in one with your best friend while a mysterious figure is chasing you? Less fun. After Jesse and his friend Eric get trapped inside a new video game, they need to find their way out without getting destroyed. There are five books in this series, all based around different styles of video games. Readers who are looking for a new series to start will find this series impossible to put down.
Minecraft: The Island by Max Brooks
Of course no A Minecraft Movie book list would be complete without the official Minecraft novels. In this novel, Brooks puts the reader directly in the middle of the action. It matches the tone and feel of playing Minecraft exactly. For fans who want to relive their favorite video game, recommend this title.
Slacker by Gordon Korman
Playing video games all day long is a dream come true… until your parents pull the plug. When Cameron’s parents tell him he needs to find another hobby, he starts a fake club at school to fool them. But when the plan goes a little too well and actual students start joining the club, can Cameron find a way to survive being a club president? This book is perfect for readers looking for a laugh-out-loud funny book.
Last Gamer Standing by Jake Maddox
No one expected Thema Turner to become a gamer – least of all Thema herself! But Thema loves to read, so when she discovers a game that reminds her of her favorite trilogy, she can’t stop playing! Can this new gamer find a way to win it all? Readers who are fans of Jake Maddox’s sport stories will love his take on competing in esports.
Sadiq and the Gamers by Siman Nuurali
Sadiq is a proud member of his school’s video gaming club. Together, the club plays video games and has a great time. But after the club members realize their club needs a service component, Sadiq finds a way to combine video games and service at the local retirement home. This is a great recommendation for readers who are members of video gaming clubs, or those who love giving back to their communities.
Camila the Gaming Star by Alicia Salazar
Future superstar Camila needs new video equipment. How can she become the huge star she was always meant to be without it? But new equipment costs money, and Camila doesn’t have any. Then, her brother comes up with a genius plan: win the money in a video game tournament! One small problem: Camila doesn’t play video games. Can she practice enough to win the competition that’s just one month away? This is the perfect book for patrons who not only love gaming, but also love gaming influencers and watching gamers on social media.
These titles would be great in a Minecraft book display. They could also be featured in a larger Minecraft program. You can host a Minecraft game at your library, or make Minecraft characters with LEGOs! You can even use building detailed Minecraft universes as a launching point for a creative writing program.
When it comes to Minecraft programs, just like building in Minecraft, the possibilities are endless. What books and programs does your library offer for Minecraft fans?
Ann Baillie (she/her/hers) is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at the Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library in Alsip, Illinois. She is a past-manager of the Illinois Library Association’s Youth Services Forum. Her main interests are the connection between Readers’ Advisory and technology, and how libraries can use technology to better reach patrons.
This post addresses ALSC Core Competencies II. Reference and User Services and III. Programming Skills.