Losing hit points

Gr 10 Up--The latest two additions to this collection will appeal to readers of queer romance and anyone interested in smart, realistic romantic fiction. One book is about Dungeons and Dragons players from across the gender spectrum. Another is about a young lesbian struggling with her weight while she works in a lingerie store. Her challenges at the mall will feel all too real to anyone who has worked retail. Writing quality for both books is phenomenal; relatable references and nuanced characters populate the layered text. Themes include anxiety management, finding community, the freedom of vulnerability within the safe confines of role-play. Both books have a happily-ever-after ending for their queer protagonists. Losing Hit Points has back matter about Dungeons and Dragons. Occasional details, like a visit to Tim Horton's, obliquely remind readers of the series Canadian origins. VERDICT These books will find interested readers even beyond those looking for hi-lo titles.

A Dungeons & Dragons game puts Journey in close quarters with former friend Rumour. It's Journey's cousin Hamish's first time as Dungeon Master for the D & D game held at their Guelph, Ontario, workplace, Limited Series. With its eclectic mix of comics, memorabilia, and tabletop games and a cafe menu full of nerdy references and jokes, Limited Series is "Nerd Heaven" for Journey. Joining the cousins are Greta and Nathan, Hamish's roommates (and regular players). Journey's surprised, however, by Rumour's sudden appearance. The pair's painful history causes tension, but Journey is hopeful for a reconciliation. In the meantime, their D & D character has crab monsters to defeat and a recipe book to retrieve for a mysterious stranger met, in true D & D fashion, at a tavern. The interactions between Journey and Rumour form a solid backbone for the story while also allowing space for other characters to develop fully. Mielke showcases a broad range of player archetypes, from enthusiastic newcomer Ian to mold-breaking Greta and problem player Nathan, a divisive personality who's unkind toward newbie Ian. This accessibly written title will draw in reluctant readers and appeal especially to gamers. Journey and their friends come across as true-to-life nerds rather than the all-too-common caricatures. The cast is predominantly cued white; Greta is Korean. Many characters are queer, including Hamish and Rumour, who are trans, and Journey, who's nonbinary and bisexual. Will engage readers, leaving them alternately cheering and screaming at the cast. (author's note, game notes, character sheets) (Fiction. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.