I grew up with board games. Long sessions of Monopoly were interspersed with shorter sessions of Sorry, Clue, and Operation. With the popularity of online gaming, one would suspect games where you interact with other players around a board are a thing of the past. Not the case at all.
This new book by Angie Smibert (Author of the GHOST OF ORDINARY OBJECTS MG fiction series) features six chapters covering the past, present, and future of games.
- CHAPTER 1 Even Pharaohs Loved Board Games
- CHAPTER 2 Modern Game Changers
- CHAPTER 3 Your Brain on Games
- CHAPTER 4 Game Design
- CHAPTER 5 Game Development and Beyond
- CHAPTER 6 The Future of Games
Each of the chapters begins with an essential question, encouraging kids to develop both their critical and creative thinking skills. Like other books in the BUILD IT YOURSELF series, QR codes take you to primary sources and a frequent WORDS TO KNOW box defines challenging vocabulary.
Along the way, activities encourage readers to create their own game just like the industries experts. You’ll learn how to make it challenging, fun, and addictive. I’d rather write stories than create games, but the process is surprisingly similar.
After my initial reading of the 122 pages, I was motivated to search for some of the modern board games covered here like TICKET TO RIDE. For young readers, the ideas and projects are perfect to keep those Summer brains churning. The volume would also work well in the classroom this Fall.
Don’t bother rolling the dice because GAME LOGIC is available now for all game lovers.
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Coming up next Monday is another MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot on the walkway, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Always in the Middle... 
I loved playing games as child and with my daughter. But, things changed in the 80s. Such a great social activity. Have not heard of or seen The Ticket to Ride board game. Glad to know they are updating it. I bought my great grandson and great niece, “Yeti in My Spaghetti.” Very similar to Jenga, but with spaghetti noodles. A college store clerk introduced me to the game, and said he and his college room mates have a blast playing the game — really for younger kids. Couldn’t believe his enthusiasm, as I think he’d played every board game in the store. I like that kids can still interact, have fun and learn strategies while they play.
Agree. I have a nephew in college and they still get together for a weekend board game gathering.
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