Level Up by Gene Luen Yang - OPTIONAL

Yang, Gene Luen  Level Up, 160 pgs.  Illustrated by Thien Pham First Second, 2016 (Roaring Press).  $19.99  GRAPHIC NOVEL  Content: Language: PG-13 (12 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13.  

Dennis’ parents have high expectations for him, but he loves video games.  When Dennis’s father passes away Dennis feels obligated to go to medical school because that’s what his dad wanted him to do.  He is unhappy and grossed out by all the procedures that he is learning at school and leaves medical school to go back to gaming (in which he is good enough he can make money).  When he realizes that he saves people for real instead of pretend through medicine he decides to go back.   

This book was interesting.  It seems to be aimed at college age kids best.  Dennis is studying to be a gastroenterologist and there are some very graphic disgusting things pictured and discussed.  There are a couple of violent moments referenced as back story and a crude sexual comment.  I like the main character and I cared what happened to him throughout.  It’s interesting and has a good moral, but it isn’t as fun and light as the cover looks.   

HS – OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.