Table Titans Club

January 8, 2024
Kurtz delivers a passionate ode to tabletop RPGs in this lively debut, adapted from a webcomic. Attending a new school after her mother changes jobs, 11-year-old Valeria “Val” Winters, rendered with pale skin, escapes into her favorite fantasy world, hoping it will give her the strength to brave her strange new school’s halls and even stranger classmates. Her daydreaming nets her an invite to the Table Titans Club’s next Dungeons and Dragons campaign—and puts her at odds with popular Kate, who finds Val’s propensity to relate everything back to D&D annoying. In short order, Val’s real life becomes as jumbled as a dungeon master’s puzzle, with no dice in sight to help her navigate how complicated she seems to make things just by being herself. Leaning into Val’s penchant for daydreaming, Kurtz depicts her imaginings as high-fantasy sequences, overlapping her everyday occurrences with her internal fantasy world and presenting a delightful juxtaposition that enhances Val’s strengthening friendships, especially as others are brought in on her fun. The creator’s palpable enthusiasm makes this an excellent read for young gamers or anyone hoping to share their love for D&D with the kids in their lives. Ages 8–12.

February 1, 2024
Grades 4-8 *Starred Review* Val doesn't know how to be anyone but herself, and so far, it's only ever gotten her into trouble. Maybe this year at a new school will be different? With an overactive imagination and a quick temper to match, Val hasn't always had an easy time at school. But when she ends up as the newest member of the Table Titans and discovers the world of Dungeons & Dragons, things start to finally turn around. Kurtz, the creative force behind the beloved webcomic PvP, crafts a narrative that seamlessly blends wit, endearment, and adventure. The Dungeons & Dragons world becomes a celebration of embracing one's unique, magical self, offering a rallying point for readers of all backgrounds. Kurtz's distinctive art style, characterized by its goofy, fantastical, and endearing qualities, adds an enchanting layer to the narrative, blurring the lines between imagination and reality. This is not just a story but an exploration of the profound impact of genuine friendship, and Val's experiences unfold in a way that echoes the transformative spirit and charm of Stranger Things. Ideal for upper-elementary and middle-school readers seeking a heartfelt and magical journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the celebration of embracing your authentic self.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from January 15, 2024
Valeria Winters approaches starting yet another new school by picturing herself as a bold fantasy character with a quest. Maybe this time she won't get into fights? Predictably, Val's first day is horrible. Fortunately, it's brightened by an invitation to join the all-boys Table Titans Dungeons & Dragons gaming club. Though Val's excited, the invitation invokes the sneering disdain of popular Kate, who secretly wishes to join, too. Val realizes she loves D&D, and if hardcore gamer Alan isn't thrilled with her, the other Titans are welcoming. When the club needs a new faculty sponsor, Val bags the wrestling coach by joining his team. But Kate remains jealous and dismissive, leading to a fight that jeopardizes both the club and Val's place on the wrestling team. (Her wrestling prowess despite having no formal training is a minor point of disbelief.) Val is a delightful character: spirited, smart, imaginative, self-confident without conceit, and firmly lawful good. Other characters are also distinctive and believable, including the sympathetic adults who mete out fair consequences. Gamers will appreciate the unapologetic love of D&D. School-story fans will welcome the mild social drama mixed with themes of friendship and teamwork. Most main characters appear white; gamer Darius reads Black. Though the colorful, cartoony drawings suit the story, the stylized face- and ear-shapes used for multiple characters, including Val and Darius, render them somewhat apelike, and an Asian American teacher has an unnaturally yellow skin tone. Roll initiative and pick this one up. (Graphic fiction. 9-12)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2024

Gr 4-7-Valeria's starting at a new middle school and is already struggling; her penchant for daydreaming and flair for the dramatic set her apart from her peers. Happily, some of them are intrigued, and the school's Dungeons & Dragons club-the Table Titans-want her to join their illustrious, albeit dorky ranks. There are a few obstacles to surmount: for one, they've never had a girl in their group before, and there's some discord over her inclusion; and for another, their coach is leaving and they need a replacement ASAP. The wrestling coach agrees, but only if Valeria will join the wrestling squad as well. And that's not all! Kate, an unassuming, relatively normal kid, has long desired to join the role-playing crew and is openly sour about Valeria's immediate acceptance. The heart of the group's story is truly rewarding, and readers see the adolescents struggling with social dynamics discover that tabletop gaming functions as a communal and accepting outlet for self-expression. The story delves into the world of the game itself at points (characters become pirates, bandits, and elves in their game), and Kurtz's enthusiasm for the subject helps both the real and created worlds blend smoothly and humorously into one another. The cartooning is efficient and animationlike, with easily distinguishable characters expressing broad, often comedic, emotions. VERDICT A high-spirited middle grade graphic adventure with appeal for fantasy fans and those ready to whet their appetites for imaginative pursuits.-Emilia Packard

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2024
Valeria has struggled with fitting in and fighting in the past, but she is moving to a new middle school -- again -- and hoping for a fresh start. After some boys in her class observe her obstreperous behavior on the first day, one of them invites Val to join the Table Titans, their tabletop gaming club. Val doesn't know anything about Dungeons & Dragons, but she is a fast learner and excitedly joins them mid-campaign. When the team unexpectedly needs a new club advisor, the only teacher available makes them a deal: he will serve in the role if one of the kids fills an open spot on the wrestling team he coaches. Val makes the cut and discovers both D&D and wrestling to be empowering outlets for her outsized imagination, energy, and emotions. This graphic novel's clearly delineated visual narrative effectively moves between scenes from Val's real, everyday life and moments of make-believe. Simple backgrounds spotlight characters and their actions (both real and imagined). D&D vocabulary and concepts are naturally embedded in the narrative, offering context for readers unfamiliar with the gaming world. Themes of nonconformity and being true to oneself will resonate with the audience, and the characters' interactions with one another -- both humorous and awkward -- are realistically portrayed. An unapologetic celebration of growing up and finding one's passions. Elisa Gall

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2024
Color by Steve Hamaker. Valeria has struggled with fitting in and fighting in the past, but she is moving to a new middle school -- again -- and hoping for a fresh start. After some boys in her class observe her obstreperous behavior on the first day, one of them invites Val to join the Table Titans, their tabletop gaming club. Val doesn't know anything about Dungeons & Dragons, but she is a fast learner and excitedly joins them mid-campaign. When the team unexpectedly needs a new club advisor, the only teacher available makes them a deal: he will serve in the role if one of the kids fills an open spot on the wrestling team he coaches. Val makes the cut and discovers both D&D and wrestling to be empowering outlets for her outsized imagination, energy, and emotions. This graphic novel's clearly delineated visual narrative effectively moves between scenes from Val's real, everyday life and moments of make-believe. Simple backgrounds spotlight characters and their actions (both real and imagined). D&D vocabulary and concepts are naturally embedded in the narrative, offering context for readers unfamiliar with the gaming world. Themes of nonconformity and being true to oneself will resonate with the audience, and the characters' interactions with one another -- both humorous and awkward -- are realistically portrayed. An unapologetic celebration of growing up and finding one's passions.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)