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Game Over, ShrinkWithers!
Who stole our summer? We didn't ask to be chosen to defeat ruthless, terrifying, part-human forces who manipulate climate change to destroy our planet. Jenny knows she has some magical powers, but they are quite quirky. Branch knows he has lots of tech smarts, but he's just a kid, and this is a treacherous game simulation. Jenny's jokes and Branch's boasts help them battle for balance as they fight to save their parents. Are they already too late? Who should they trust? What will their score be? Will this be Earth's final round?
154 pages, Paperback
Published October 26, 2021
2 people are currently reading
1043 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Ray Schwarcz
2 books17 followersSarah Schwarcz thrives on keeping it real with a touch of magic and fantasy, making connections with people and ideas, and building community with writers and readers. She always keeps her eyes and ears open and her heart full of page-turners for her life and writing. Sarah's favorite place is a classroom, sharing ideas with the greatest minds—children! Having encouraged so many students in grades four through nine to believe in their abilities and exercise their imaginations, she now takes her own advice to leap into writing a book a year. She had great fun writing this adventure filled with humor and quirky magic. Game Over, ShrinkWithers is on a mission to raise middle graders' awareness of the need to speed up our care and conservation of the world's resources. Family plays a major role in the novel's events. A group of young beta readers, ages 8-12 already report the story is “cool and relatable, with cliffhanger chapters." Let’s hope our Earth wins!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 25, 2021
I can see why kids would have difficulty putting down this fast-paced book. We follow siblings Jenny and Branch through an adventure that starts, as the author states, “where normal life stopped, and fantasy magic began.” The two children take part in practical survival competitions designed to help save the planet. They have to think fast and think on their feet as things happen all around them, especially when they find they have to rescue their parents. Throughout all this, although the children are working on saving the environment, we also see Jenny and Branch’s relationship strengthen as they work as a team and discover quite a bit about each other.
May 23, 2022
What a fun and entertaining book.
This book will definitely entertain readers of all ages. Jenny was like any other kid, excited for her summer vacation to start, when her dad tells her plans have changed. She will have to participate in a very important but also dangerous trial in order to save the earth's environment.
After her mom and dad are kidnapped, she and her brother Branch, will have to venture into dangerous territory to survive. Not only is Jenny smart, but she has special powers and Branch is super tech savvy. It seems the enemy called ShrinkWithers, and they have a very evil agenda for planet earth.
This book will definitely entertain readers of all ages. Jenny was like any other kid, excited for her summer vacation to start, when her dad tells her plans have changed. She will have to participate in a very important but also dangerous trial in order to save the earth's environment.
After her mom and dad are kidnapped, she and her brother Branch, will have to venture into dangerous territory to survive. Not only is Jenny smart, but she has special powers and Branch is super tech savvy. It seems the enemy called ShrinkWithers, and they have a very evil agenda for planet earth.
October 26, 2021
An exciting and fast-paced book that was a perfect family read aloud. My children kept saying, "Just one more chapter!" The family in the story demonstrates love and respect for each other as they navigate the TriTopTechRun Games...but something is wrong this year with the games. The games are more dangerous and pull the family apart. This book has both a spy and "Hunger Games" feel. Twelve-year-old Jenny and her younger brother, Branch, work together to problem solve and find their parents. This book has the perfect about of magic, creativity and problem solving that is perfect for young readers and listeners. I feel that this may be the perfect book for a reluctant middle grade reader. The chapters take turns between characters, are short and end with perfect cliff hangers that leave you wanting to read "just one more chapter."
October 17, 2021
**I received an ARC for my honest review.
If you take the games for chosen children to play (minus the violence, of course) from "The Hunger Games"…
Add in super spy tech and support from Bond movies…
Drop in some fantastical scenarios from "A Wrinkle In Time"…
Then sprinkle in some magic from "Harry Potter"…
You’d end up with "Game Over, ShrinkWithers"
This book follows a family of four, mostly Jenny and her brother Branch, as they get sucked into a high risk game. We’re also introduced to two opposing companies: TTTR and ShrinkWithers. One out for saving the world from climate change as well as the other company, who is out for world domination. TTTR introduces games for genius children to play to make things a little more interesting while also bringing fresh ideas to the company. But what happens when it gets too difficult to tell if you’re in the game or not? What happens when ShrinkWithers makes their final move on TTTR? Can Jenny, Branch, and their family figure it all out?
Children will enjoy this action packed book, where each chapter leaves you wanting more. They’ll be transported right alongside Jenny and Branch, maybe even try to problem solve with them too! Check this book out for the child in your life who likes mystery books, action books, spy books, fantasy books…any kind of book!
If you take the games for chosen children to play (minus the violence, of course) from "The Hunger Games"…
Add in super spy tech and support from Bond movies…
Drop in some fantastical scenarios from "A Wrinkle In Time"…
Then sprinkle in some magic from "Harry Potter"…
You’d end up with "Game Over, ShrinkWithers"
This book follows a family of four, mostly Jenny and her brother Branch, as they get sucked into a high risk game. We’re also introduced to two opposing companies: TTTR and ShrinkWithers. One out for saving the world from climate change as well as the other company, who is out for world domination. TTTR introduces games for genius children to play to make things a little more interesting while also bringing fresh ideas to the company. But what happens when it gets too difficult to tell if you’re in the game or not? What happens when ShrinkWithers makes their final move on TTTR? Can Jenny, Branch, and their family figure it all out?
Children will enjoy this action packed book, where each chapter leaves you wanting more. They’ll be transported right alongside Jenny and Branch, maybe even try to problem solve with them too! Check this book out for the child in your life who likes mystery books, action books, spy books, fantasy books…any kind of book!
November 5, 2021
Although this book is geared for middle school readers, and I am years older than that audience, I wanted to read it because I was so impressed with the author's memoir, Pearls and Knots. Nevertheless, I can easily see how children would be enthralled by this action-packed story in which two siblings, Jenny and Branch, battle against evil forces aimed at destroying the planet.
At first, Jenny and Branch think they are part of a survival game, but soon understand that they and their kidnapped parents are in danger. Along the way, they are helped by Olivia, a gigantic red octopus, a massive and protective plastic bubble, and the ability to breathe underwater. As they struggle to find their parents, Jenny hones her magical powers and Branch his technical ones. She realizes that her clever younger brother perhaps isn't so young anymore, and the sister-brother bond deepens.
In addition to the book's message about the race to protect and preserve the earth's natural resources against impending environmental disasters, it emphasizes respect for all creation, even one's enemies. This makes for a meaningful family read, one that young and old will find fast-paced and suspenseful. Well done, Ms. Schwarcz!
At first, Jenny and Branch think they are part of a survival game, but soon understand that they and their kidnapped parents are in danger. Along the way, they are helped by Olivia, a gigantic red octopus, a massive and protective plastic bubble, and the ability to breathe underwater. As they struggle to find their parents, Jenny hones her magical powers and Branch his technical ones. She realizes that her clever younger brother perhaps isn't so young anymore, and the sister-brother bond deepens.
In addition to the book's message about the race to protect and preserve the earth's natural resources against impending environmental disasters, it emphasizes respect for all creation, even one's enemies. This makes for a meaningful family read, one that young and old will find fast-paced and suspenseful. Well done, Ms. Schwarcz!
November 1, 2021
This is a fast paced, fun and creative story about a young girl (Jennifer) who has been selected to compete in the training ‘TriTopTechRunGames’. Her family are all invited along and are sworn to silence, this is not the only rule they must abide by!
The author doesn’t waste any time in getting into the story, we literally jump straight into the vortex! Jennifer isn’t thrilled about having to take part in these games but she tries very hard to control her anger and disappointment. She soon realises that there is a very good reason for her being chosen, a magical reason!
The chapters are relatively short and this keeps the story moving at a fast pace, I found myself getting through this pretty quickly as there was always something interesting happening. The characters were developed well and I liked Jennifer’s feisty nature.
I enjoyed the story and think it would be great for any child or adult who has an interest in computer games.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Love Books Tours, views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
The author doesn’t waste any time in getting into the story, we literally jump straight into the vortex! Jennifer isn’t thrilled about having to take part in these games but she tries very hard to control her anger and disappointment. She soon realises that there is a very good reason for her being chosen, a magical reason!
The chapters are relatively short and this keeps the story moving at a fast pace, I found myself getting through this pretty quickly as there was always something interesting happening. The characters were developed well and I liked Jennifer’s feisty nature.
I enjoyed the story and think it would be great for any child or adult who has an interest in computer games.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Love Books Tours, views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
November 5, 2021
A brilliant YA read that gets you instantly thinking about the games before they’ve even begun. You immediately get a huge insight into who the family are who Jenny is even the doggo. You feel a bit sad for the kids getting their summer of just wanting to do fun things taken over by the tech competitions.
For me the sci fi element was brilliant on top of being all around climate change. I’ve not read any books like this so it was a fresh plot for me. The additional magical powers was a lovely touch. I adored the connection Jenny and Branch had as siblings and the quest that began to save their parents.
This book really brings out the feeling of excitement with the adventure your taken on. Each chapter was short and sweet making it perfect for young ones to enjoy before bed. Everything with this really gets everyone to figure out what’s going to happen next. I know I’ll definitely read this with my son Joshua. I think he will find this as addictive as I did.
If you like YA reads or want a short book just to get you into reading again this is definitely the book for you.
For me the sci fi element was brilliant on top of being all around climate change. I’ve not read any books like this so it was a fresh plot for me. The additional magical powers was a lovely touch. I adored the connection Jenny and Branch had as siblings and the quest that began to save their parents.
This book really brings out the feeling of excitement with the adventure your taken on. Each chapter was short and sweet making it perfect for young ones to enjoy before bed. Everything with this really gets everyone to figure out what’s going to happen next. I know I’ll definitely read this with my son Joshua. I think he will find this as addictive as I did.
If you like YA reads or want a short book just to get you into reading again this is definitely the book for you.
October 21, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an EARC of this novel. The free copy did not influence my review.
This is a good adventure story about a girl who has to save her family. Jenny is shocked when her parents tell her that she is going to go to a summer camp to train to fight for her planet. She is so surprised that she doesn't even realize that her brother never came home from soccer practice. Her house is invaded the next day by men wearing suits, and she is captured. However, she manages to escape and has to help her parents go free too. She goes on a journey while playing a game where multiple enemies are at play.
This was very fast paced and a good adventure story. I did like the concept, but do feel that the novel could have been better written. I did like the alternating chapters, but they did make the story very confusing. And I also wish that there was more backstory. However, I am not in the target age range, so young kids might not care.
Ages 9+
This is a good adventure story about a girl who has to save her family. Jenny is shocked when her parents tell her that she is going to go to a summer camp to train to fight for her planet. She is so surprised that she doesn't even realize that her brother never came home from soccer practice. Her house is invaded the next day by men wearing suits, and she is captured. However, she manages to escape and has to help her parents go free too. She goes on a journey while playing a game where multiple enemies are at play.
This was very fast paced and a good adventure story. I did like the concept, but do feel that the novel could have been better written. I did like the alternating chapters, but they did make the story very confusing. And I also wish that there was more backstory. However, I am not in the target age range, so young kids might not care.
Ages 9+
October 31, 2021
Game Over, ShrinkWithers! is a fast-paced book centered around Jenny, who has special and magical powers, and her little brother Branch who is quite tech savvy and skilled at problem solving. They are training for and competing in Practical Survival Competitions, games for Genius Kids, to help save our planet.
When the games become a bit too real, when they aren't sure if this is still a game or if it's the emergency they've been training for, they have to rely on themselves and each other to save themselves, to save their parents, and to save the planet.
When I finished I didn't know much about ShrinkWithers, just that they were the enemy and had to be prevented from taking over. This made it a little tough to follow, but the action, the bravery, skills, caring, and problem solving shown by the two main characters was not hard to understand nor was it hard to admire.
I look forward to more adventures of Jenny and Branch as they develop their skills and their ability to work together.
When the games become a bit too real, when they aren't sure if this is still a game or if it's the emergency they've been training for, they have to rely on themselves and each other to save themselves, to save their parents, and to save the planet.
When I finished I didn't know much about ShrinkWithers, just that they were the enemy and had to be prevented from taking over. This made it a little tough to follow, but the action, the bravery, skills, caring, and problem solving shown by the two main characters was not hard to understand nor was it hard to admire.
I look forward to more adventures of Jenny and Branch as they develop their skills and their ability to work together.
November 2, 2021
This was a really enjoyable quick read (about 154 pages) . It is aimed at younger audiences but I think readers of any age will be able to find lots to enjoy it in!
In this book we meet Jenny and Branch , these are two wonderful characters to read about and I find them rather endearing, they are chosen to defeat the part human forces that are trying to manipulate climate change in order to destroy the earth. They are absolutely the right pairing for the job although they are young ! Jenny knows she has magical powers and Branch has the tech knowledge to help.
The book is full of action to keep the reader interested in it , the relationship between Jenny and Branch is great and I think a lot of kids will be able to relate to them, especially if they also have siblings . It is written in a fast pace that is easy to follow , very well written and one that I think kids will easily enjoy !
In this book we meet Jenny and Branch , these are two wonderful characters to read about and I find them rather endearing, they are chosen to defeat the part human forces that are trying to manipulate climate change in order to destroy the earth. They are absolutely the right pairing for the job although they are young ! Jenny knows she has magical powers and Branch has the tech knowledge to help.
The book is full of action to keep the reader interested in it , the relationship between Jenny and Branch is great and I think a lot of kids will be able to relate to them, especially if they also have siblings . It is written in a fast pace that is easy to follow , very well written and one that I think kids will easily enjoy !
October 27, 2021
This is a quick read with plenty action and adventure.
It's like The Hunger Games without the killing of people!
I'm obviously a bit older than the target audience so things that I didn't enjoy are going to be much different to what younger children will so I think that there is definitely a willing audience for this book.
Short chapters which I always enjoy, loved the cover animation, I think its great and is what initially attracted me to it.
I like the family relationship between the 4 main characters, particularly when Jenny realises Branch is a reliable and dependable partner in crime rather than just an annoying little brother.
I found the ending a little abrupt. I think this could have been more enjoyable for older audiences had it been a bit of a longer story, more history to the games, a more thorough explanation of Branch's role and a fuller conclusion.
It's like The Hunger Games without the killing of people!
I'm obviously a bit older than the target audience so things that I didn't enjoy are going to be much different to what younger children will so I think that there is definitely a willing audience for this book.
Short chapters which I always enjoy, loved the cover animation, I think its great and is what initially attracted me to it.
I like the family relationship between the 4 main characters, particularly when Jenny realises Branch is a reliable and dependable partner in crime rather than just an annoying little brother.
I found the ending a little abrupt. I think this could have been more enjoyable for older audiences had it been a bit of a longer story, more history to the games, a more thorough explanation of Branch's role and a fuller conclusion.
October 24, 2021
This was an interesting concept. I have never heard of such a book before. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The book is about a family that have joined a powerful company to fight against the rapid loss of earth’s resources and another company that wants those resources to disappear. We follow Jenny or Jen, Branch, Meg/Mom and Dave/Dad. We see the story unfold through their eyes. Each chapter is from a different perspective. It is a lot of fun and is very easy to follow the story even when we jump from the kids in one place to the parents in another. This book would be a great one to have in a classroom library. It teaches teamwork and that we need to take care of the earth and ads a little bit of magic in to it too.
October 27, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Children will love this fun, exciting and fast-paced book which takes siblings Jenny and Branch on an action packed adventure to help save the environment. The story has a Hunger Games feel but of course without the violence. This is a wonderful tool to motivate children to help find creative ways to save the environment and the importance of teamwork and family values. I strongly recommend this book.
October 29, 2021
Action packed and so much fun! This is a really creative story about a family who is in training games (or is it the real deal?) to save the world from the evil ShrinkWithers- who are trying to destroy the planet. My 9-year-old daughter and I read this book together and we enjoyed it so much! Each chapter ended leaving us wanting to know what would happen next! The characters were great, and the book is full of magic and surprises. I recommend!
October 31, 2021
This was a nice fast paced adventure story! I can see why the kids would have a hard time putting this book down! The problem solving was a great addition for the kids! But also to see Jenny & Branch’s relationship as siblings grow! The love & respect shown in the family was nice to see as well! Overall it would be a great book for any young kids that like fantasy adventure books! Happy reading everyone!
November 9, 2021
This is written as though it were the second book in a series. I haven’t found that it actually is, but the way it referenced things in the past made it seem as though I had missed something. As an adult, I could figure out what was going on, but it could be confusing for someone in the target age range.
This is a very fast paced book with short chapters that definitely kept the plot moving forward. I think fans of video games will enjoy the idea of getting to compete inside a video game world to save the planet.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a very fast paced book with short chapters that definitely kept the plot moving forward. I think fans of video games will enjoy the idea of getting to compete inside a video game world to save the planet.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews