Game Over, Pete Watson

Some things are just guilty pleasures. As a person that’s grown up with video games, you have to admit they’ve become part of our culture. Author Joe Schreiber takes that idea and spins it into a fun story involving a kid, an old gaming console, and a secret plot to hack the CIA and every computer on the planet. Game Over, Pete Watson knows how to have fun.

For starters, Pete is a pretty average kid who loves video games. He’s been saving up money for the latest release of his favorite game franchise, but things go wrong and get him into trouble. First he sells his dad’s old gaming console. Then he finds out it’s a CIA device for spies. Next thing you know, terrorists are trying to use the secret CIA device to hack every computer in the world. It’s a heck of a day for Pete.

Throughout the book, there are illustrations by Andy Rash that add to the enjoyment of the story. Sometimes they simply help bring to life certain characters or images. However, more often than not, they add to the humor of the book. From pictures of the President speaking gibberish on live tv to a robotic shark dog, there’s a huge variety of illustrations. It’s a nice touch that young readers are sure to enjoy.

For those who fall outside the targeted age range of the book, you might not want to dismiss this one. Personally, I’m a big fan of Joe Schreiber’s work, so I wanted to check it out. I’m always a little leery when reading young adult books, and this one is actually for middle grade readers. But I’ve come to find that a good author can make a story fit a younger reading audience without sacrificing a good story. With Game Over, Pete Watson, Joe Schreiber does just that. The book is what you might call a safe read, but it has tons of humor and is always entertaining as the story takes unexpected turns. Plus the characters are enjoyable. As an added bonus, the vibe of the book reminded me of my own childhood. Magic like that is hard to come by and well worth the trip.

Readers in the 9 to 12 year old range, and who like video games, are in for some fun and laughs. Author Joe Schreiber does a great job of keeping the story moving, making the characters relatable, and packing in a ton of fun. Yet his skill at storytelling presents a story that even adults can enjoy. If you’re a fan of Joe Schreiber, this is a book worth checking out. It’s a quick, fun read that just might help you feel like a kid again. I give it a five out of five.

Reviewed By: Skuldren for Roqoo Depot.