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Roll for Initiative
Perfect for fans of Dungeons & Dragons, Raina Telgemeier, and Jessica Kim, a heartfelt coming-of-age middle grade novel about finding your voice and believing in your best geeky self.
Riley Henderson has never taken a bus to school in her entire life. Or made an afterschool snack, or finished her homework on her own, or—ewww—done her own laundry. That’s what her older brother Devin was for.
But now Devin’s gone. He’s off in California attending a fancy college gaming program while Riley is stuck alone in Florida with her mom. That is, until a cool nerd named Lucy gives Riley no choice but to get over her shyness and fear of rejection and become friends. The best part is . . . both girls are into Dungeons & Dragons. In fact, playing D&D was something Riley and Devin used to do together, with Devin as the dungeon master, guiding Riley through his intricately planned campaigns. So, of course, Riley is more than a little nervous when Lucy suggests that she run a campaign for them. For the chance at a friend, though, she’s willing to give it a shot. Soon, their party grows and with the help of her new D&D friends, Riley discovers that not only can she function without Devin, she kind of likes it. She figures out that bus thing, totes the clothes down to the laundry room and sets up her D&D campaigns right there on the slightly suspect folding table, makes her own snacks and dinner— the whole deal. But when Devin runs into trouble with his program and returns home, it's pretty clear, even to Riley, that since he can’t navigate his own life, he’s going to live Riley’s for her. Now she has to help Devin go back to college and prove to her mom that she can take care of herself . . . all before the upcoming Winter-Con.
It's time to Roll for Initiative.
Riley Henderson has never taken a bus to school in her entire life. Or made an afterschool snack, or finished her homework on her own, or—ewww—done her own laundry. That’s what her older brother Devin was for.
But now Devin’s gone. He’s off in California attending a fancy college gaming program while Riley is stuck alone in Florida with her mom. That is, until a cool nerd named Lucy gives Riley no choice but to get over her shyness and fear of rejection and become friends. The best part is . . . both girls are into Dungeons & Dragons. In fact, playing D&D was something Riley and Devin used to do together, with Devin as the dungeon master, guiding Riley through his intricately planned campaigns. So, of course, Riley is more than a little nervous when Lucy suggests that she run a campaign for them. For the chance at a friend, though, she’s willing to give it a shot. Soon, their party grows and with the help of her new D&D friends, Riley discovers that not only can she function without Devin, she kind of likes it. She figures out that bus thing, totes the clothes down to the laundry room and sets up her D&D campaigns right there on the slightly suspect folding table, makes her own snacks and dinner— the whole deal. But when Devin runs into trouble with his program and returns home, it's pretty clear, even to Riley, that since he can’t navigate his own life, he’s going to live Riley’s for her. Now she has to help Devin go back to college and prove to her mom that she can take care of herself . . . all before the upcoming Winter-Con.
It's time to Roll for Initiative.
314 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2022
27 people are currently reading
2934 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Formato
2 books33 followersJaime Formato is a writer, elementary school teacher, and tiefling rogue from northern Florida. Her days are spent hanging out with kids and reading, and the nights are for D&D, hockey, and writing. She lives in a little house by the woods with her amazing husband, their beautiful children, two cats that don’t love her enough, two dogs that love her too much, and a whole lotta nature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 27, 2022
Jaime Formato I really enjoyed this book. You are a great author. A really great book for kids or adults who either are already interested in D&D or like fantasy or gaming in general and want to dip their toes into TTRPG. I also thought the family relationships portrayed were interesting as well. I think there are lots of great subtle lessons interwoven in the story. Riley and her friends were all super fun to read about and I liked their friendship dynamic and the way they handled conflict. This was so much fun. I really loved this book and its message so much. Play like you want to play and most importantly have fun. You are never too old to start playing computer games. I am sixty five years old and have been playing for a couple of years. Highly recommend
September 2, 2022
I. Loved. This. Book.
I’m a 19 year old, and I knew this book wasn’t directed at me when I picked it up… but there was something about little baby nerds playing DND in a feel good middle grade novel that I couldn’t say no to, and i’m so glad i didn’t!!!
I enjoyed this book right up until the very end, and I fell in love with the characters little party. Riley, Jen, Lucy, and Hannah are relatable and sweet little characters for any nerdy outcast (just like me!)
Maybe I need to pick up some more middle-grade novels because this healed my innerchild so well <3 4.5/5 stars, rounded up <3
I’m a 19 year old, and I knew this book wasn’t directed at me when I picked it up… but there was something about little baby nerds playing DND in a feel good middle grade novel that I couldn’t say no to, and i’m so glad i didn’t!!!
I enjoyed this book right up until the very end, and I fell in love with the characters little party. Riley, Jen, Lucy, and Hannah are relatable and sweet little characters for any nerdy outcast (just like me!)
Maybe I need to pick up some more middle-grade novels because this healed my innerchild so well <3 4.5/5 stars, rounded up <3
August 13, 2022
Roll For Initiative by Jaime Formato follows sixth grader Riley Henderson as she tries to navigate her life being flipped upside down. Living with a single, working mother, Riley has always depended on her big brother, Devin for everything. From taking her to school to making her food to doing her laundry, Devin has always been there to do it. Now Devin is across the country at his dream college and Riley is left trying to figure out how to do everything. Riley feels very lost and alone until she meets Lucy, another nerdy girl that helps Riley come out of her shell. Riley and Lucy decide to start playing Dungeons and Dragons, a game that Riley often played with her brother. When they really get into it and two more girls join their party, Riley finds that she doesn’t need her brother quite as much as she thought. When Devin comes home for a holiday break, Riley begins to see that maybe Devin is the one who needs her.
This book was absolutely amazing. I loved every second of reading it. I love seeing the representation of young girls enjoying Dungeons and Dragons, especially when Riley’s friends started picking characters that are not traditionally played by girls. The connection the girls had to their characters was so perfect and it was so nice to read about a group of kids just having fun together. The problems that show up for Riley and her friends are real issues that sixth graders go through. Whether it is an overbearing parent who expects perfection or an absentee parent that makes promises they can’t fulfill, I think a lot of kids will be able to relate to the struggles this group of girls encounter.
I also loved Riley’s family. Riley’s mom is so relatable to me as someone who was a working mom who had to choose between spending time with family or picking up an extra shift to make more money. The feeling of not being good enough and comparing yourself to other mothers as well really hit home. Riley’s brother Devin, while overbearing at times, was also very relatable. He has spent his whole life being the best at everything and his sense of self is shaken when he goes to college and suddenly is struggling with what is expected of him. I really understood where he was coming from a lot of the time.
I am so glad I picked this book up. It was everything I love in a middle grade story and more. I can’t wait until this book comes out and I can buy a physical copy for my kids to read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of its release. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was absolutely amazing. I loved every second of reading it. I love seeing the representation of young girls enjoying Dungeons and Dragons, especially when Riley’s friends started picking characters that are not traditionally played by girls. The connection the girls had to their characters was so perfect and it was so nice to read about a group of kids just having fun together. The problems that show up for Riley and her friends are real issues that sixth graders go through. Whether it is an overbearing parent who expects perfection or an absentee parent that makes promises they can’t fulfill, I think a lot of kids will be able to relate to the struggles this group of girls encounter.
I also loved Riley’s family. Riley’s mom is so relatable to me as someone who was a working mom who had to choose between spending time with family or picking up an extra shift to make more money. The feeling of not being good enough and comparing yourself to other mothers as well really hit home. Riley’s brother Devin, while overbearing at times, was also very relatable. He has spent his whole life being the best at everything and his sense of self is shaken when he goes to college and suddenly is struggling with what is expected of him. I really understood where he was coming from a lot of the time.
I am so glad I picked this book up. It was everything I love in a middle grade story and more. I can’t wait until this book comes out and I can buy a physical copy for my kids to read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of its release. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 12, 2022
This middle grade novel is the perfect mix between fiction and fantasy and is bound to draw in readers, especially girls who enjoy video games and RPGs! The main character, Riley, is starting grade 6 and adjusting to lots of changes, including being more responsible and independent now that her older brother Devin has gone away to college and her single mom is working extra hours in hopes of being promoted. Riley makes friends with another girl who lives in her building, named Lucy and they share a love of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Even though it is hard to adjust to Devin being gone, she is starting to see that she can handle more and that she can have fun even without her big brother to spend time with. When Devin comes home from college vowing not to return, Riley knows she needs to help her brother realize that everything is fine at home and that he can't give up on his dream so quickly.
This book is made up of about 24 chapters and is 300+ pages in length. There are some black and white illustrations throughout the story, and the text is fairly large and well spaced on the page. While it is a longer middle grade text, it doesn't look too intimidating and is perfect for readers who are ready for slightly longer chapter books.
There are so many great lessons within this book, yet it also has all of the important elements of a middle grade novel: relatively short chapters, some illustrations, an easy to follow storyline and middle grade age-appropriate worries like homework, friendships and mild sibling/family drama. Added to that, there is also the fantasy element of the D&D storylines which will bring in a touch of fantasy while being less necessary for comprehension than the of the rest of the story. As someone who knows very little about D&D and is not a gamer, I was able to follow along just fine. Beyond that, I think that the D&D and video game audience will reach a new group of readers that typical "female main character middle grades" may not reach.
By the end of the story Riley sees herself as a strong, independent and successful 6th grader and is a fabulous role model for middle grade girls, but the growth that she experiences throughout the novel is also important for readers to see. At first, Riley is shy and anxious and it takes a lot of effort for her to reach outside of her comfort zone, but the rewards for being brave and trying new things were clearly pointed out throughout the story. Parents and teachers can't ask for a better protagonist for their middle grade girls to look up to!
I would recommend this book for readers in the grade 3-7 range who are ready for chapter books and slightly more complex storylines, but still benefit from larger, accessible font and illustrations. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
This book is made up of about 24 chapters and is 300+ pages in length. There are some black and white illustrations throughout the story, and the text is fairly large and well spaced on the page. While it is a longer middle grade text, it doesn't look too intimidating and is perfect for readers who are ready for slightly longer chapter books.
There are so many great lessons within this book, yet it also has all of the important elements of a middle grade novel: relatively short chapters, some illustrations, an easy to follow storyline and middle grade age-appropriate worries like homework, friendships and mild sibling/family drama. Added to that, there is also the fantasy element of the D&D storylines which will bring in a touch of fantasy while being less necessary for comprehension than the of the rest of the story. As someone who knows very little about D&D and is not a gamer, I was able to follow along just fine. Beyond that, I think that the D&D and video game audience will reach a new group of readers that typical "female main character middle grades" may not reach.
By the end of the story Riley sees herself as a strong, independent and successful 6th grader and is a fabulous role model for middle grade girls, but the growth that she experiences throughout the novel is also important for readers to see. At first, Riley is shy and anxious and it takes a lot of effort for her to reach outside of her comfort zone, but the rewards for being brave and trying new things were clearly pointed out throughout the story. Parents and teachers can't ask for a better protagonist for their middle grade girls to look up to!
I would recommend this book for readers in the grade 3-7 range who are ready for chapter books and slightly more complex storylines, but still benefit from larger, accessible font and illustrations. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
February 18, 2023
This was super cute! I liked that it focused on a unique family dynamic: a sibling in a parent role, and what happens when they go off to college. I laughed out loud at lots of points because Riley's narration was so witty, which is always good. A kid recommended this to me, and I'm glad they did!
September 2, 2022
A warm, witty and delightful hug of a book. I encourage you to read it even if you've never played D&D before; actually, almost especially if you've never played before- be warned, you will want to even before the book is finished. Riley, Lucy, Hannah and Jen will teach you everything you need to know, and probably also a few important life lessons some of us olds might have forgotten.
August 12, 2022
This was so much fun! As a D&D nerd myself, I really loved this book and its message so much. Play like YOU want to play and most importantly: have fun!
A really great book for kids who either are already interested in D&D or like fantasy or gaming in general and want to dip their toes into TTRPG. Riley and her friends were all super fun to read about and I liked their friendship dynamic and the way they handled conflict. I also thought the family relationships portrayed were interesting as well. I think there are lots of great subtle lessons interwoven in the story, but you can definitely also just read it for the fun aspects. I especially loved that we got to see the girls create their badass characters and that they wrote their own fun campaigns.
(Thank you to NetGalley, Jaime Formato and Running Press Kids for providing me with an eARC for this book in exchange for my honest feedback. All opinions in this review are my own.)
A really great book for kids who either are already interested in D&D or like fantasy or gaming in general and want to dip their toes into TTRPG. Riley and her friends were all super fun to read about and I liked their friendship dynamic and the way they handled conflict. I also thought the family relationships portrayed were interesting as well. I think there are lots of great subtle lessons interwoven in the story, but you can definitely also just read it for the fun aspects. I especially loved that we got to see the girls create their badass characters and that they wrote their own fun campaigns.
(Thank you to NetGalley, Jaime Formato and Running Press Kids for providing me with an eARC for this book in exchange for my honest feedback. All opinions in this review are my own.)
September 9, 2022
I stayed up almost all night finishing this sweet, heartfelt, completely engrossing story of true friendship, proud geekery, and complicated--while still ultimately loving and lovely--families. There are so many good things to say about Riley, a shy sixth-grader struggling to find her feet in the wake of her big brother's move across the country for college who finds comfort, friendship, and unexpected self-confidence when she accidentally starts a D&D group in her apartment complex's basement laundry room with three other girls. I was so impressed by literally every single character--Jaime Formato has an astounding ability for characterization (I'm guessing that her D&D background was the perfect training ground for this!). Her adults and secondary characters are well-rounded, unique, and have their own struggles and worries that make them entirely relatable and real. The family relationships of each of the girls are complex and nuanced and I quickly found myself rooting for Lucy, Jen, and Hannah to triumph in their own distinct narrative arcs alongside Riley and hers. Riley's relationship with her mother and older brother, Devin, has been shaped by their stick-togetherness forged in the wake of an absent dad who can't always be depended upon to come through for the people he left behind. Watching them struggle, stumble, and always come back to loving and supporting each other (with plenty of dry humor along the way) made for a truly lovely read.
I could go on and on but I don't want to spoil the read--to sum up, read this book! You'll be so glad you did.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All feedback and opinions in this review are my own. *
I could go on and on but I don't want to spoil the read--to sum up, read this book! You'll be so glad you did.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All feedback and opinions in this review are my own. *
May 9, 2023
Adorbs! But making it’s just because I live in a dorky, D&D filled house!
August 29, 2022
Riley Henderson has relied on her older brother, Devin, for pretty much everything. Now, he’s headed to California for college, leaving Riley and their mom in Florida. Suddenly, Riley has to juggle the school bus, laundry, homework, middle school, and friendships on her own.
After a couple of stumbles, she soon hits her stride. Turns out, she’s good at managing her own life, especially with support from her loving mom and the new gang of girlfriends that forms around the Dungeons & Dragons game Riley starts in her apartment building’s laundry room. Each of these characters is well-rounded, varied, and delightful, and it’s so fun to see them add their personal flair to the game. As their friendships develop, naturally, they must also navigate misunderstandings, disagreements, and hurt feelings. But although the group includes a barbarian, a rogue, and a half-orc, there’s not one mean girl.
Meanwhile, high-achiever Devin struggles in his ultra-competitive video-game design program. When he returns home during a break, he’s tempted to stay to take care of his mom and sister. They need him, don’t they?
The situation is messy and complicated, nuanced and paradoxical, just like all the best stuff in life. It’s great to see an empathetic and nurturing young man like Devin. (The last thing he wants is to turn into his absentee dad.) Mom, who works extra cashier shifts to cover the bills and in hopes of being promoted, could use the help at home. But, but, but: Where is the line between care and control? Can empathetic Riley stand up for herself and help Devin see that she and their mom are fine on their own, and, maybe, Devin should face his own fears?
My favorite middle grade novels combine humor and heart, and this one doesn’t disappoint. There is stellar humor here, and Riley’s engaging voice grabbed me from the start. The transformations are well-earned, realistic, and satisfying. Fans of D&D and other role-playing games will adore this story. As someone who’s long been D&D curious but never played, I’m itching to make a character and play a campaign.
After a couple of stumbles, she soon hits her stride. Turns out, she’s good at managing her own life, especially with support from her loving mom and the new gang of girlfriends that forms around the Dungeons & Dragons game Riley starts in her apartment building’s laundry room. Each of these characters is well-rounded, varied, and delightful, and it’s so fun to see them add their personal flair to the game. As their friendships develop, naturally, they must also navigate misunderstandings, disagreements, and hurt feelings. But although the group includes a barbarian, a rogue, and a half-orc, there’s not one mean girl.
Meanwhile, high-achiever Devin struggles in his ultra-competitive video-game design program. When he returns home during a break, he’s tempted to stay to take care of his mom and sister. They need him, don’t they?
The situation is messy and complicated, nuanced and paradoxical, just like all the best stuff in life. It’s great to see an empathetic and nurturing young man like Devin. (The last thing he wants is to turn into his absentee dad.) Mom, who works extra cashier shifts to cover the bills and in hopes of being promoted, could use the help at home. But, but, but: Where is the line between care and control? Can empathetic Riley stand up for herself and help Devin see that she and their mom are fine on their own, and, maybe, Devin should face his own fears?
My favorite middle grade novels combine humor and heart, and this one doesn’t disappoint. There is stellar humor here, and Riley’s engaging voice grabbed me from the start. The transformations are well-earned, realistic, and satisfying. Fans of D&D and other role-playing games will adore this story. As someone who’s long been D&D curious but never played, I’m itching to make a character and play a campaign.
August 12, 2022
This book is not just the book my 12-year-old self wanted, it was the book she NEEDED!
Roll for Initiative is an exciting, emotional, keep-you-wanting-more kind of book that will have you hooked within the first page. Riley & friends are entertaining and relatable, and will leave you wanting to play D&D with a friend group like them! As we watch the characters learn about friendship and how confusing life can be as a 12-year-old, there are countless valuable lessons sprinkled throughout the book that someone of any age could learn from. With so many diverse and well-rounded characters in this book, everyone will be able to find something or someone to relate to. And as much as I wanted to tell Devin off about what a jerk he was being at times, I was glad that there was a happy conclusion to his story that resolved (mostly all- I tend to hold a grudge) all of my frustration with him.
Overall, this book was an extremely fun read that everyone will love. Roll for Initiative will now always and forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am so excited to see where else Formato will take us in her future works.
Roll for Initiative is an exciting, emotional, keep-you-wanting-more kind of book that will have you hooked within the first page. Riley & friends are entertaining and relatable, and will leave you wanting to play D&D with a friend group like them! As we watch the characters learn about friendship and how confusing life can be as a 12-year-old, there are countless valuable lessons sprinkled throughout the book that someone of any age could learn from. With so many diverse and well-rounded characters in this book, everyone will be able to find something or someone to relate to. And as much as I wanted to tell Devin off about what a jerk he was being at times, I was glad that there was a happy conclusion to his story that resolved (mostly all- I tend to hold a grudge) all of my frustration with him.
Overall, this book was an extremely fun read that everyone will love. Roll for Initiative will now always and forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am so excited to see where else Formato will take us in her future works.
August 8, 2022
I WANT TO PLAY DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS NOW!!!!
Okay, so stirring a burning desire to join the D&D community is but one of the myriad of lovely things that you will come out of ROLL FOR INITIATIVE with. I seriously couldn’t put this book down!
Riley is such a fun main character to follow, and I felt so close to the each new friend she made in her journey of becoming a dungeon master like no other. I learned so much from those friend dynamics, but I also gleaned just as much insight from Riley’s relationship with her brother. This book is packed with timeless lessons, and what I love most is that it challenges the notions that some games are not for girls. I found Formato’s debut novel to be empowering, emotional, and ultimately satisfying.
I recommend ROLL FOR INITIATIVE to all readers!!!
Okay, so stirring a burning desire to join the D&D community is but one of the myriad of lovely things that you will come out of ROLL FOR INITIATIVE with. I seriously couldn’t put this book down!
Riley is such a fun main character to follow, and I felt so close to the each new friend she made in her journey of becoming a dungeon master like no other. I learned so much from those friend dynamics, but I also gleaned just as much insight from Riley’s relationship with her brother. This book is packed with timeless lessons, and what I love most is that it challenges the notions that some games are not for girls. I found Formato’s debut novel to be empowering, emotional, and ultimately satisfying.
I recommend ROLL FOR INITIATIVE to all readers!!!
July 30, 2022
Can't wait to get a copy of this book, my daughters going to love it.
Currently reading
June 22, 2022So excited to read this!!!!!
May 13, 2023
I'm at a 4.5 on this book because, while I didn't love all of it, I ordered a copy for each of my libraries and have people in mind to recommend it to.
This book starts a bit slow, but once the adventure in gaming actually starts, I had trouble putting it down. There are such wonderful female relationships - friendships and mother-daughter - in this book! Riley's mom gets *involved* in the plot, and she's such also such a complex, well-rounded, *engaged* character. And once the group of gamer-girls forms, oh my goodness. If you need something to read or recommend that has girls supporting girls, here you go!
Best side character is Lucy, hands down.
Worst side character is Devin, the brother and plot device. He is a perfectionist and rather controlling/over-protective of Riley, and there were times I wanted to yeet him into the sunset.
I also recognize the traits of so many of my male friends from college and even more recently, in Devin, and I had to deal with that in reading this. There's a point in his story line that really reminded me of my ex and ... well, maybe this book was good for a little healing over that, but on the other hand, my ex could have really used a little sister like Riley to kick his sorry butt into being all he could be.
Blah! Enough about me!
The climax and resolution were a little predictable, but still enjoyable.
And I could live in Riley's world all day and enjoy her D&D games with her gal pals. So much of it hit home with me; the author has clearly had experiences to draw from in real games.
In sum, horray for girl gamers and the power of friendship.
This book starts a bit slow, but once the adventure in gaming actually starts, I had trouble putting it down. There are such wonderful female relationships - friendships and mother-daughter - in this book! Riley's mom gets *involved* in the plot, and she's such also such a complex, well-rounded, *engaged* character. And once the group of gamer-girls forms, oh my goodness. If you need something to read or recommend that has girls supporting girls, here you go!
Best side character is Lucy, hands down.
Worst side character is Devin, the brother and plot device. He is a perfectionist and rather controlling/over-protective of Riley, and there were times I wanted to yeet him into the sunset.
I also recognize the traits of so many of my male friends from college and even more recently, in Devin, and I had to deal with that in reading this. There's a point in his story line that really reminded me of my ex and ... well, maybe this book was good for a little healing over that, but on the other hand, my ex could have really used a little sister like Riley to kick his sorry butt into being all he could be.
Blah! Enough about me!
The climax and resolution were a little predictable, but still enjoyable.
And I could live in Riley's world all day and enjoy her D&D games with her gal pals. So much of it hit home with me; the author has clearly had experiences to draw from in real games.
In sum, horray for girl gamers and the power of friendship.
October 8, 2022
Riley's older brother Devin has always been in charge. When he heads off to California for college, Riley is left adrift until she makes a new, nerdy friend. Through playing D&D with her new friends, Riley begins to thrive. At Thanksgiving, Devin unexpectedly comes back and throws a wrench into everything Riley had been working on. Can Riley figure out a way to fix things?
This was a really cute book and exactly why I have grown to love middle grades books. Riley and her friends were completely believable and relatable. They were there to support each other when there were problems and talked through conflict- a great example for anyone. I loved how Riley adapted to change and always wanted to help the people around her. I see some of myself in her with the wanting to help and things sometimes not working out how she intended. The only character I didn't particularly care for was Devin. While realistic, he seemed a little too controlling which made me uncomfortable. It was evident that he loved Riley and their mom but he just took things too far.
Overall, great representation of girls in gaming (and diversity in general). While it would be more enjoyable for gamers, non-gamers would like it too. It may even serve as a gateway for non-gamers to venture into gaming.
Thanks to Running Press Kids and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really cute book and exactly why I have grown to love middle grades books. Riley and her friends were completely believable and relatable. They were there to support each other when there were problems and talked through conflict- a great example for anyone. I loved how Riley adapted to change and always wanted to help the people around her. I see some of myself in her with the wanting to help and things sometimes not working out how she intended. The only character I didn't particularly care for was Devin. While realistic, he seemed a little too controlling which made me uncomfortable. It was evident that he loved Riley and their mom but he just took things too far.
Overall, great representation of girls in gaming (and diversity in general). While it would be more enjoyable for gamers, non-gamers would like it too. It may even serve as a gateway for non-gamers to venture into gaming.
Thanks to Running Press Kids and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2023
Olivia picked this out for me for my birthday this year when she saw dice and characters playing DnD "just like Dad!" We've been reading it bit by bit as a bedtime story for a few months now.
She loved it, and I really enjoyed reading it to her. She was very interested in the relationships between the middle-school aged hero and her friends and brother, and she asked me a lot of questions about why characters were doing or saying something, showing she was thinking deeply about it. She's younger than the main characters, so I appreciated that for the most part they were setting a really good example of communicating to each other, working through problems and helping each other out--without it ever getting cheesy!
I'll be on the lookout for more books with protagonists like this: smart, fun girls learning to stand up for themselves as they go through the sometimes-painful process of growing up.
(Oh, and the book even made an important point about running a DnD game: only follow the rules as strictly as needed to help your group have fun!)
She loved it, and I really enjoyed reading it to her. She was very interested in the relationships between the middle-school aged hero and her friends and brother, and she asked me a lot of questions about why characters were doing or saying something, showing she was thinking deeply about it. She's younger than the main characters, so I appreciated that for the most part they were setting a really good example of communicating to each other, working through problems and helping each other out--without it ever getting cheesy!
I'll be on the lookout for more books with protagonists like this: smart, fun girls learning to stand up for themselves as they go through the sometimes-painful process of growing up.
(Oh, and the book even made an important point about running a DnD game: only follow the rules as strictly as needed to help your group have fun!)
September 27, 2022
Riley is bummed that her brother has gone away to college, and she has no one to play DnD with. However, she soon finds fellow players, and friends, in her apartment building and school. Although there are ups and downs, the friendship they forge while playing DnD is a true one. Even when Riley's brother unexpectedly comes home, she finds herself more drawn to playing with her friends, where she can truly be herself.
This book started a bit slow for me but then it got so cute! As a fellow DnD nerd, I appreciated all the references and how the game brought the friends together. There were also so many good topics covered well in this book.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book started a bit slow for me but then it got so cute! As a fellow DnD nerd, I appreciated all the references and how the game brought the friends together. There were also so many good topics covered well in this book.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2022
What an adorably fun contemporary middle grade novel with DND gameplay! It was so refreshing to read about some of the young we generation playing a game that so many people enjoy. Much like in stranger things, we follow a group of kids who get together and play DND but who each have their fair share of familiar trouble as well as timing issues.
The family issues in this were definitely some almost tearjerkers because we are able to see the perspective from a kids point of view when their parents are struggling. It’s so often shown one sided from the adults POV. And seeing the DND play from people so young and full of fun idea and breaking the rules in a world where rules are everywhere was so enjoyable.
Definitely add this to your reads.
The family issues in this were definitely some almost tearjerkers because we are able to see the perspective from a kids point of view when their parents are struggling. It’s so often shown one sided from the adults POV. And seeing the DND play from people so young and full of fun idea and breaking the rules in a world where rules are everywhere was so enjoyable.
Definitely add this to your reads.
March 24, 2025
I had a friend recommend reading middle grade as a palette cleanser and antidote to life more generally. It’s not something I had previously considered, but when this book popped up in my recommendations a few times I thought I’d give it a whirl. To be clear, I’m a (physically, but definitely not mentally) grown ass adult. I am not this book’s target audience and yet I enjoyed the heck out of it! It was compulsively readable. The characters were engaging, endearing, and authentic. I knew these kids, each one of them. They, and their unique challenges, were portrayed with honesty and sensitivity. I’m not sure I could have enjoyed this more.
October 11, 2022
Roll for Initiative by Jaime Formato is a delightful and fun novel.
While the book is geared to a younger audience, I still had a lot of fun reading it and the characters were quirky and amusing enough to keep the pages breezing by--
While the book is listed as being about the relationship of Riley and her brother Devin it is actually in the relationships of Riley and her friends, Lucy, Hannah, and Jen that the book really sparkles. As a gamer it was fun to see the characters make the game their own and I have to think that there may have been a little of the author creeping in at points. :)
Thank you #Netgalley, #Running Press, and Jaime Formato for this much needed breath of fresh air--#RollforInitiative.
While the book is geared to a younger audience, I still had a lot of fun reading it and the characters were quirky and amusing enough to keep the pages breezing by--
While the book is listed as being about the relationship of Riley and her brother Devin it is actually in the relationships of Riley and her friends, Lucy, Hannah, and Jen that the book really sparkles. As a gamer it was fun to see the characters make the game their own and I have to think that there may have been a little of the author creeping in at points. :)
Thank you #Netgalley, #Running Press, and Jaime Formato for this much needed breath of fresh air--#RollforInitiative.
October 21, 2022
How could I not love a middle grade novel about a group of girls that discover their friendship, independence, and love of adventure by starting their very own D&D club? This is the type of book that I wish I could go back in time and plop into the hands of my middle school self because she would have loved it. Heck, I still do. 10/10 recommend for anyone who loves dungeons, dragons, and heartfelt stories about friends, siblings, and family and who doesn’t mind a little dice rolling 🎲
March 6, 2023
Adorable and wholesome! Riley's story made my little D&D loving heart sing. I love how the author showed how D&D was more than just a game and how it created community and friendship for these kids and helped them grow. My partner and I are running a campaign for our nieces and nephew who are around this age (and they love it!), so I bought them this book. I can't wait to give it to them at our next game night!
March 7, 2023
Read out loud to my kids. We all loved it.
December 31, 2023
Fun, cute, and breezy.
February 12, 2024
This was such a fun read! I loved the character and how relatable all of the characters were.
Read the full review on my blog!
Read the full review on my blog!
August 31, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for the E-Arc in exchange for the honest review!
3.5 Stars.
As a Dungeon Master and as a youngest sibling, the concept of this book appealed to me immediately, but I didn't expect how much the story would stick with me. Maybe it's because, I, like Riley, tend to play Dungeons and Dragons in a more loose, collaborative way than rules-follower Devin. Riley's growth as a friend was, in my opinion, the strongest part of this book, as she grows from a shy middle schooler who assumed that anyone who spoke to her at school only did it because they pitied her to taking action on to help her friends when they were in trouble. On the other hand, the plot has Riley invade her brother's privacy repeatedly, and, while it's a well-worn trope, I do not think it fit with her broader growth, nor do I think it's a good takeaway for readers. Books for middle graders do not need to have perfect characters or clear lessons (I love when they don't!) but the fact that Riley was rewarded by the narrative and earned her happy ending in such a dubious way, it left a bad taste in my mouth. However, it didn't sour me on the whole book, and I am still excited to add this title to my library's collection!
3.5 Stars.
As a Dungeon Master and as a youngest sibling, the concept of this book appealed to me immediately, but I didn't expect how much the story would stick with me. Maybe it's because, I, like Riley, tend to play Dungeons and Dragons in a more loose, collaborative way than rules-follower Devin. Riley's growth as a friend was, in my opinion, the strongest part of this book, as she grows from a shy middle schooler who assumed that anyone who spoke to her at school only did it because they pitied her to taking action on to help her friends when they were in trouble. On the other hand, the plot has Riley invade her brother's privacy repeatedly, and, while it's a well-worn trope, I do not think it fit with her broader growth, nor do I think it's a good takeaway for readers. Books for middle graders do not need to have perfect characters or clear lessons (I love when they don't!) but the fact that Riley was rewarded by the narrative and earned her happy ending in such a dubious way, it left a bad taste in my mouth. However, it didn't sour me on the whole book, and I am still excited to add this title to my library's collection!
November 11, 2022
this was a really cute middle grade read! makes me want to learn d&d
March 16, 2026
Errors:
Page 65: "Pew! Pew!(" - missing ending quotation mark)
Page 105: "With a groan and a stream-filled (should be steam, not STREAM, since this is a fire dragon) sigh, Scorchtongue falls to the cold, hard ground in defeat."
Rescued from my previously-local Pickens County Library monthly book sale for $1. I hope to donate it to my current-local Spruce Pine Library, contingent on condition standards.
Oh yeah, only three "heckin"s were used in the book. That's the filthiest words. You're welcome.
I will happily join the multitudes in their chorus of praises for this work. Grounded, sincere, heartfelt, and honest to the middle schooler experience. This book does several things incredibly well: exploring varieties of peer home lives, personhood development in various peer settings, and navigating how insecurity can manifest in different ways which cultivate compassion and empathy in the reader.
Also, I am beyond relieved there wasn't any gender or sexual identity politicking in a book intended for minors, especially when the intended reading audience is from eight to twelve years old. This could be credited to the author being a school teacher and intentionally creating a drama-free space for her narrative, which is solely conjecture on my part.
Apart from the time travel back to sixth grade insecurities, a lot of peer home lives mirror ones I was familiar with either personally or tangentally, growing up in Upstate South Carolina (even if that was almost 30 years ago). Kids whose parent valued new lives over their current children's needs mirrored in Lucy (and the family tag-teaming required to properly care for her needs), the collective home child rearing of Hannah's twin-bearing experience, the over-achieving-via-Mom Jen, and Riley's struggles to understand her father's neglect while supporting her mom's very distinct flavor of megacorporation retail slavery (I know, because I remember that dress code and especially the Black Thursday shenanigans I was subjected to in the 2010s; all of it made respectfully tangible in this coming-of-age story..
Formato is also incredibly intuitive; how she has utilized her profession as a means to front-row research social maturation and developmental personhood is genius. Having worked at GameStop as well, I could relate to Cat, the owner of The Natural 20. I fielded several pre-pubescent callers over eight years, usually enjoying the conversations despite how pranky they may have intended to be. It was also fun surprising young customers by engaging them in things they purchased relative to their interests. It reminds you sometimes just how starved kids are to be seen by their elders, much less be regarded as an equal in conversation. The moment their confidence is stoked by an adult's openness, you get a glimpse into the adult these tweens are evolving to become. Making sure you are a good, non-blood-relative example of how to treat others is paramount.
Also, seeing how Jen, Hannah, and Lucy concede and restrain themselves from insulting Devin, and cue Riley to yield when she very clearly wants to correct his attitude was inspiring. It's an apt example how tact isn't a sign of weakness, and recognizing bad behavior without directly playing into it doesn''t condone it either, but allows opportunity for correction when emotions aren't directly bound to the opinion. Forgiveness and correction is most effective in hindsight; it's both enlightening and relieving to see youth portrayed in a way they are very well capable. It's a healthy reminder for adults like me who might read a book like this: being ostentatious isn't charming, and it's better to be part of a peaceful consensus than an outlier.
Having grown up with an older sibling that participated in my raising until I was in middle school, attempting to interpret young adult and parent feelings was often a challenge. Getting to see real-time navigation of family member insecurities in a healthy, reasonable context, with fluid boundaries made more fixed as the Hendersons adjust to the life changes transpiring, was effectively analogous to my own experiences in sixth grade, too.
Also, something cultural I've noticed about Floridians is their likelihood of being nerds or weeaboos. At the turn of the millennium, the friends I made online that introduced me to anime were ALL from Florida. TheRightStuf dot com was one of the very first Sears-like mail order anime catalogs and it was based out of Florida. When I looked up anime and gaming conventions, so many happened in Florida! Florida, apart from the expectantly Asian influences in California or New York, seemed the closest locality to me in the Foothills of Appalachia to find friends with similar interests. Today, anime, Dungeons and Dragons, and various assorted geekery is as commonplace as anywhere with a library where most youth programs include these same interests. When I was a kid, only three stores might have anime products: Suncoast Motion Picture Company, FYE and Hot Topic. Now, there are more chains integrating what-were-once fringe interests in Spencer's, BoxLunch, Claire's, GameStop, and PopCult, with industrious smaller businesses springing up throughout communities. What was once niche has become so widely mainstream that it's normalized in fiction like Roll For Initiative.
For that, I couldn't be happier.
Page 65: "Pew! Pew!(" - missing ending quotation mark)
Page 105: "With a groan and a stream-filled (should be steam, not STREAM, since this is a fire dragon) sigh, Scorchtongue falls to the cold, hard ground in defeat."
Rescued from my previously-local Pickens County Library monthly book sale for $1. I hope to donate it to my current-local Spruce Pine Library, contingent on condition standards.
Oh yeah, only three "heckin"s were used in the book. That's the filthiest words. You're welcome.
I will happily join the multitudes in their chorus of praises for this work. Grounded, sincere, heartfelt, and honest to the middle schooler experience. This book does several things incredibly well: exploring varieties of peer home lives, personhood development in various peer settings, and navigating how insecurity can manifest in different ways which cultivate compassion and empathy in the reader.
Also, I am beyond relieved there wasn't any gender or sexual identity politicking in a book intended for minors, especially when the intended reading audience is from eight to twelve years old. This could be credited to the author being a school teacher and intentionally creating a drama-free space for her narrative, which is solely conjecture on my part.
Apart from the time travel back to sixth grade insecurities, a lot of peer home lives mirror ones I was familiar with either personally or tangentally, growing up in Upstate South Carolina (even if that was almost 30 years ago). Kids whose parent valued new lives over their current children's needs mirrored in Lucy (and the family tag-teaming required to properly care for her needs), the collective home child rearing of Hannah's twin-bearing experience, the over-achieving-via-Mom Jen, and Riley's struggles to understand her father's neglect while supporting her mom's very distinct flavor of megacorporation retail slavery (I know, because I remember that dress code and especially the Black Thursday shenanigans I was subjected to in the 2010s; all of it made respectfully tangible in this coming-of-age story..
Formato is also incredibly intuitive; how she has utilized her profession as a means to front-row research social maturation and developmental personhood is genius. Having worked at GameStop as well, I could relate to Cat, the owner of The Natural 20. I fielded several pre-pubescent callers over eight years, usually enjoying the conversations despite how pranky they may have intended to be. It was also fun surprising young customers by engaging them in things they purchased relative to their interests. It reminds you sometimes just how starved kids are to be seen by their elders, much less be regarded as an equal in conversation. The moment their confidence is stoked by an adult's openness, you get a glimpse into the adult these tweens are evolving to become. Making sure you are a good, non-blood-relative example of how to treat others is paramount.
Also, seeing how Jen, Hannah, and Lucy concede and restrain themselves from insulting Devin, and cue Riley to yield when she very clearly wants to correct his attitude was inspiring. It's an apt example how tact isn't a sign of weakness, and recognizing bad behavior without directly playing into it doesn''t condone it either, but allows opportunity for correction when emotions aren't directly bound to the opinion. Forgiveness and correction is most effective in hindsight; it's both enlightening and relieving to see youth portrayed in a way they are very well capable. It's a healthy reminder for adults like me who might read a book like this: being ostentatious isn't charming, and it's better to be part of a peaceful consensus than an outlier.
Having grown up with an older sibling that participated in my raising until I was in middle school, attempting to interpret young adult and parent feelings was often a challenge. Getting to see real-time navigation of family member insecurities in a healthy, reasonable context, with fluid boundaries made more fixed as the Hendersons adjust to the life changes transpiring, was effectively analogous to my own experiences in sixth grade, too.
Also, something cultural I've noticed about Floridians is their likelihood of being nerds or weeaboos. At the turn of the millennium, the friends I made online that introduced me to anime were ALL from Florida. TheRightStuf dot com was one of the very first Sears-like mail order anime catalogs and it was based out of Florida. When I looked up anime and gaming conventions, so many happened in Florida! Florida, apart from the expectantly Asian influences in California or New York, seemed the closest locality to me in the Foothills of Appalachia to find friends with similar interests. Today, anime, Dungeons and Dragons, and various assorted geekery is as commonplace as anywhere with a library where most youth programs include these same interests. When I was a kid, only three stores might have anime products: Suncoast Motion Picture Company, FYE and Hot Topic. Now, there are more chains integrating what-were-once fringe interests in Spencer's, BoxLunch, Claire's, GameStop, and PopCult, with industrious smaller businesses springing up throughout communities. What was once niche has become so widely mainstream that it's normalized in fiction like Roll For Initiative.
For that, I couldn't be happier.
October 23, 2023
Adventurous young chapter read exploring identity through roles of schoolers learning to play Dungeons and Dragons. This book had me in tears it was so sweet!
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