Rebel Girls Level Up: 25 Tales of Gaming and the Metaverse

by Rebel Girls

TRUE STORIES OF CREATORS AND COMMUNITY!

Meet 25 inspiring women in the world of gaming and the metaverse. Read about how they've created innovative technology, designed the video games you play, and broken barriers whenever their industry put up walls.

Dive into gamer communities with popular streamers like Imane Anys, better known as Pokimane. Learn to lead with Aya Kyogoku, who directed several Animal Crossing games. Design digital clothing with Roblox creators like cSapphire. And compete in the wild world of esports with pro gamers Sasha Hostyn and Sylvia Gathoni.

This book pairs inspiring, easy-to-read text with colorful full-page portraits created by female and nonbinary artists from all around the world. Plus, scannable codes let you listen to longer stories on the Rebel Girls app!

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Middle Grade

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 27, 2023

About the author

Rebel Girls is a global, multi-platform edutainment brand dedicated to inspiring and instilling confidence in a generation of girls around the world through content, products, and experiences.

Reviews

[karla_bookishlife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girls, it is time to level up! The gaming industry is over 80% male dominated; this inspiring Rebel Girls Level Up read showcases 25 female / non-binary gaming industry professionals who ate breaking down the barriers and are playing, creating, illustrating or managing content. Move over boys and make some room for the Rebel Girls! Mixed gaming teams even say that their creative ideas are much more varied and advanced. So grab your tech or a pen and paper and get creating little rebels! There are lots of incredible examples of trailblazers in this book, including bonus content through qr codes..At the end, there are various activities to help get the creative juices flowing. As usual the illustrations are spectacular. This book even experiments with some.3D imaging and AI, not to be used across all Rebel Girls books, but to showcase what is possible in the tech metaverse. Another incredible Rebel Girls book. #rebelgirlslevelup #rebelgirls #netgalley #gaming #technology #computers

[Christina Close · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

I've never really been big into video games or how they were created but to see this many women are involved in making them, playing them or just enjoying them makes me really happy.

Gaming is typically a male thing and is highly discouraged on when it comes to women being in the industry but seeing these women making great careers out of it makes me hope that the future is looking better for the young girls out there who love playing video games and want to go into a career that involves creating the games or even a career that involves playing the games, E-sports.

The pictures used for each female were colored amazingly and seemed like they were popping off the screen.

Young girls who love video games should for sure read this book.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The REBEL GIRLS series never disappoints us. This one particularly resonated for us because there are three avid gamers in our household, and this felt so real and accessible to them. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging as always, with text that feels just right for independent reading or reading aloud together. There are a lot of difficult conversations to have with girls and nonbinary kiddos about how male dominated this industry is, and this book helps to be an ice breaker. Another brilliant addition to the REBEL GIRLS series.

[Bevany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for girls interested in gaming and what goes into it. The book explores women who are in the gaming industry and shows different examples of what some women do for gaming. There are qr codes throughout the book to make it more interactive and a lot of great information for budding technology and gamer girls.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a confession. I'm not into gaming other than idle moments with solitaire and such old-fashioned games now online. Not only were those showcased here unknown to me but so to was the background history shared. As a result, I was looking forward to learning something new. I did. I was impressed.

Against an environment that maybe wasn't always hostile but wasn't welcoming to women, either, the women you'll meet here not only persevered but overcame obstacles. It's always difficult to pick just a few to highlight but one that stood out to me is known online as Mackenseize. She turned to gaming after an epilepsy diagnosis turned her world upside-down. Her future dreams shattered, she found herself turning to the Heartstone game community as a distraction. This ultimately lead her to create a streaming community as a safe place to open up about her disability. She soon discovered she wasn't alone and her stream thrived. Another, Marina Diez Pereire created a game called "Hey, Dad: A Brief Story of Mental Illness" in response to her own father's difficulties and her difficulty relating. In other words, it isn't all non-stop action.

What I particularly admired about them all was that they worked from where the were, often building upon almost nothing. Each story opens with the dreams they had as a child and what ultimately lead them to a career focused on the gaming world,plus a portrait, quote, and info on where they are from. They come from all over. Sylvia Gathoni was in Kenya, hardly a place most would think of as a thriving game environment, when she first encountered Lara Croft in Tomb Raider. She's now an eSports player. Ever seen a virtual concert? You may have Cathy Hackl to thank. And...well, so much more, some of which is discussed in the blurb, so I won't go on at length.

I'll simply say that once again Rebel Girls has hit it out of the park. They've also taken the unusual step for a group showcasing human skills of showing us some AI skills. Don't worry, they aren't switching to AI illustrations. They plan to continue with their worldwide host of talented artists. There's even a space for readers to create their own self-portrait and write down their own story included. The fun doesn't end there as they offer up a fun code based game (no computer required) and info on how to create your own character. I liked the suggestions that young gamers might benefit from talking to their elders, so to speak. It even offers up conversational ideas. Finally, there's an app icon readers can scan to take them to even more online.

Bottom line, I recommend this book/series highly. The Rebel Girls group works "to raise the most inspired and confident generation of girls through content experiences, products, and community." It does so by amplifying real-life stories of women like these. Thanks #NetGalley and #RebelGirls for sharing more of your Rebel Girls community with me.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebel Girls Level Up is a captivating and empowering collection that introduces readers to 25 remarkable women who have made their mark in the world of gaming and the metaverse. Authored by various talented writers, this book celebrates the achievements of female creators and their contributions to the gaming industry. With its engaging storytelling and vibrant artwork, it is a must-read for both gamers and enthusiasts of women's empowerment.

Through its pages, Rebel Girls Level Up takes readers on an exciting journey, delving into the lives and accomplishments of women who have revolutionized the gaming landscape. From designing innovative technology to breaking down barriers in a male-dominated industry, these women have left an indelible mark on gaming culture. Each story provides a glimpse into the challenges they faced, the triumphs they celebrated, and the unwavering passion that fueled their success.

One of the book's standout features is its inclusion of popular streamers and gamers who have amassed a significant following. Through their profiles, readers get a glimpse into the lives of influential figures such as Imane Anys, known as Pokimane, who has captivated audiences with her charismatic personality and gaming prowess. The book also showcases the leadership of Aya Kyogoku, the director behind several Animal Crossing games, who has paved the way for inclusive and immersive gaming experiences.

Rebel Girls Level Up doesn't solely focus on traditional gaming, but also highlights the metaverse and the creative possibilities it offers. Readers are introduced to talented individuals who design digital clothing in platforms like Roblox, such as cSapphire. The book also explores the intense world of esports, where pro gamers like Sasha Hostyn and Sylvia Gathoni compete at the highest level, defying stereotypes and redefining what it means to be a gamer.

The stunning full-page portraits featured in Rebel Girls Level Up add an extra layer of visual appeal to the book. Created by female and nonbinary artists from around the world, these illustrations beautifully capture the spirit and individuality of each woman showcased. Additionally, the inclusion of scannable codes that provide access to longer stories on the Rebel Girls app offers readers a more immersive experience, allowing them to delve deeper into the lives of these remarkable women.

In conclusion, Rebel Girls Level Up is an inspiring and visually stunning book that sheds light on the remarkable achievements of women in the gaming industry and the metaverse. It encourages readers, regardless of their gender, to pursue their passions and embrace their unique talents. By celebrating these women and their accomplishments, this book serves as a powerful testament to the endless possibilities that await within the world of gaming.

[Nette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel Girls Level Up 25 Tales of Gaming and the Metaverse book review.
This is a book that needed to be published for girls worldwide. The awesome thing is that it includes women from all over the world. The importance of each of the single 25 mini-bios for young girls is going to cause a ripple effect.

The stories of these women will inspire and motivate young girls that enjoy gaming and understand the Metaverse and will do great things because of the role models available some of which are in the Rebel Girls Level Up book.

To see these 25 women have had the mindset to create a path in an industry that did not include them initially is mindblowing. There is nothing women cannot do. And in reading, Rebel Girls Level Up, you learn about the career breakthroughs created by Amber Allen, Anne Shoemaker, Brittney Morris, Cathy Hackl, and Helen Chiang among others. They are Video Game Studio Heads, Video Game Writers, Game Designers, Creators and Community Builders, and CEO’s. Because the gaming industry needs to understand girls like playing too.
If you have a gamer, coder, or creative in your life, Rebel Girls Level Up is a great way to nurture their interests in all things gaming and metaverse related. You never know, they may just be featured in a future Rebel Girls book.

I personally didn’t know any of the 25 women mentioned in this book. But now that I have read about them, it is a great way to find them on social media platforms and support them. The more we support women the more we will see their projects come to life and give them the space to further break down barriers. With Rebel Girls not only are you getting to know these women and their stories, but you also get to see the talents behind each of the illustrators that created the portraits in the Level Up book. Illustrators like Sonia Lazo, Lydia MBA, Juliette Toma, Katie Hicks, and more.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for an e-ARC of this book to read and review. Going into this read, I thought it was going to be one of my favorite Rebel Girls collections so far, simply because it feels so current and relevant, and has such a short history but powerful impact to explore. I do think young readers are going to be able to read these tales and see the many ways they can participate in gaming, whether that's elevating their play, developing the next generations of tech, or contributing to the overall space in their future careers. That said, I didn't ultimately connect to many of the stories the way I have in past collections (possibly because I'm not a gamer myself, but that hasn't held me back from enjoyment of other topics before). I also feel conflicted about the inclusion of AI generated artwork. I have worked in AI spaces (not specifically art, but I am well aware of conversations about it etc.) and on one hand, think it's a clever way to showcase some emerging technologies within this digital space -- but on the other hand, it feels like we haven't come to a great ethical point on the topic yet, and one of the amazing things about Rebel Girls is how many incredible (human!!) artists/illustrators etc. are showcased through all of the bio portraits and beyond. It seems like a good idea but a kind of tense output. *I am glad that the AI art is identified in the text and there is a note about it included though!*

[Amy]

This is another one of those books I would have breezed past had it not been for the Rebel Girls imprint. I didn't grow up in the gaming generation, so the topic isn't something I would normally care about or be interested in, but since it was Rebel Girls, and since it was offered... I jumped at the chance to read. I'm so happy I did! What a delight!

As with most Rebel Girls books, this one highlights women in the field - in this case, gaming and the metaverse. I learned about designers, streamers, CEOs, podcasters, players, and Esports (who knew!!). As usual, each meticulous bio was accompanied by a fantastic drawn/painted portrait - not just a stock photo, and the back of the book gave readers a chance to write their own stories, draw their own portraits, and try out some of the skills that the women in the book embody.

I love that each Rebel Girls book gives young woman a new perspective, a new path to explore, and a new topic to delve into. I only wish this series had been around when I was growing up, or was available for my nieces. I have to settle for ensuring I have a complete set in my classrooms and that my students are inspired to become Rebel Girls.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

The activities at the end work really well in the context of the book. I wish other Rebel Girls books had a great integration of the text and the activities.

There is a mention of using AI programs for two illustrations (they’re marked as AI illustrations when you first see them). They say they’re not going to get rid of their illustrators in order to start using AI. I’m glad they made this note and it makes sense why AI was used. I hope it doesn’t become a habit to do this though.

I do believe this book sets up readers to start researching other games and creators. However, I do think a slight disservice was done when not mentioning Gamergate. It’s one of those things that will probably show up when readers start doing their own research and I wish Rebel Girls had provided an age-appropriate summary of what happened. Is it the publisher’s responsibility? Probably not. Would it have been cool to see it though? Yes.

[Macaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another collection of Rebel Girls! This one is about gamers. A great collection of diverse Rebel Girls and how gaming changed their lives. From girls who were told they shouldn’t to girls who changed the world of gaming. One example is Amy Henning, struggling to get into the world of developing to working on Uncharted. She originally thought she wanted to work in movies, but now she develops games designed for the movie series. If you like Minecraft, you will enjoy the essay on Helen Chiang, head of Minecraft, who brought it to Nintendo Switch. From growing up with games, to discovering they could work in game development, these Rebel Girls have worked hard to change the world of gaming for everyone. I love that some of them taught themselves to code in order to make the game work for them, like Amira Virgil, who played The Sims, but couldn’t find skin tones to match her own. So, Amira made mods of her own and the creators of The Sims listened and released their own diverse content for The Sims 4. Another collection of inspiration ready to be read.

[DeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super excited to see that one of the newer installments in this series was about gaming as it does feel like a space that the series hasn't explored before. The format is very similar to other installments in the series and is easily consumable with a great mix of different personalities and motivations in the gaming/metaverse community.

The only thing I didn't love about this installment is that a couple of the images were generating using AI illustration. One of the things I love about these books is the fact that for each person represented, they are also highlighting the work and style of different artists. There's a lot of controversy surrounding AI art as everyone knows. I'm not going to really get into it in a review, but that did knock me back a bit. I did appreciate the note at the end of the book where this is actually talked about and I appreciate the shared perspective as to the why, but that did upset me a little.

That being said it is still a wonderful addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed and I'm excited to see what they add next.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entry in the Rebel Girls series focuses on women in the gaming industry, from developers and designers to streamers and esports players. Each entry provides a short bio on the person's life and a fun and colorful illustration.

Maybe not the most engaging entry, but still an interesting little read. Gaming is a largely male dominated field, so it is nice to show young girls that there can be a place for them in gaming if that's what they want. Two of the illustrations are AI generated, which is fitting for the current times as interest in AI is growing. Hopefully the majority of the illustrations will remain in human hands though. The fact that this series is so focused on supporting and showing off the work of so many different illustrators is one of the things I most enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Alisia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to the Rebel Girls series of books! Growing up in a rather strict household, I was mostly limited to gaming at a friend's house. But I found a love for gaming as an adult, and have passed that on to my daughter. This installment or Rebel Girls includes women from all areas of the tech field: developers, game creators, Twitch and YT influencers, etc. The QR codes make it interactive which my teen liked as well.

The illustrations are gorgeous, although I found the choice to include two AI created illustrations. This is transparent and talked about at the end of the book, but considering how much the lack of regulation around AI is hurting artists and writers, I did not like that this was included.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

[The Bookish Narwhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the latest in the Rebel Girls series, and I’ll be honest, I wasn’t really looking forward to it. My mind was changed by the first story in Rebel Girls Level Up: 25 Tales of Gaming and the Metaverse. Beautiful illustrations and inspiring stories are just the tip of the iceberg.

The world has changed from when I was young, and this is a great book for those interested in gaming, the industry, and what goes into succeeding in a male-dominated field. Each story opens with the dreams the person had as a child, what ultimately lead them to a gaming-focused career, a portrait, a quote, and information on where each person is from.

I loved the QR codes throughout the book and found they added an interactive edge. The information was immense, and as someone who usually only plays solitaire and tracks her cycle outside of book stuff, I found it super informative. I learned so many new things and was left utterly impressed. Another standing ovation for the Rebel Girls series!

Thank you to Netgalley and Rebel Girls for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows a formula that continues to work well for Rebel Girls. Each book in the series is about an area where women have excelled and an area where girls can imagine their own success. This time each two page entry is on a person in the gaming world with 25 stories in all. Some of the women featured include Anne Shoemaker (game designer), Maddie Messer (Gamer) and Poikimane (streamer), along with many more.

Thought gaming was dominated by boys/men? Well, these folks prove that theory is wrong.

As is often true in the Rebel Girls books, there are additional sections in the back of the book. These include writing and drawing activities and a section called Keep Playing.

Once again, this title is a good one for home and school libraries. I love how Rebel Girls believes in its audience.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title. All opinions are my own.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I would like to point out how much I love the artwork of this book. The drawings are beautiful! They are somewhat resembling the currently trending phone app filters for profile pics, but those are each with a unique twist and personality, no two are alike. There are small, well-thought-out, and relevant details added to each woman’s portrait too.
This book is filled with women in gaming and streaming, each portrayed in a beautifully unique and super empowering way. This book is like a breath of fresh air in the usual narrative of men in gaming and esports.
I love how Rebel Girls have done it again, in a subtle yet truly powerful way they shine a light on the fact that girls can do anything, anything they want to, and they belong anywhere and everywhere.

[Francisca Pinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, I love reading stories about empowered women and even better in the area of ​​videogames, I loved that!

Lately I have been told a lot about the metaverse and I think this is the great sign to investigate about it and for this reason, the book has provided me with valuable information to investigate.

My only problem of all time is that most of the women are from the United States, very few are Latinas, Africans or Asians.

I think these books are wonderful and I am always happy to receive an advanced copy, they continue to deliver the main message of female empowerment and what better way to do it than at bedtime.

Thanks to Netgalley for the copy!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

More possibilities for Rebel Girls!
I may not understand how these thing work, but I do understand business models and that gaming and the metaverse are thing that are not historical in nature but VERY much today and in the future. My grandchildren do know a lot more about these things and will benefit from this Rebel Girls book just as some of them were really into many of the others in series!
Rebel Girls books are the best!
The illustrations continue to be delightful, imaginative, and colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Rebel Girls via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Amy Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Each story shared is inspiring for trailblazing firsts to independent women who have smashed something in their fields there is something for everybody. Accompanying each story is also amazing and beautiful artwork.
It is needed to encourage a new generation of gamers and game makers however, some of the stories felt like the Rebel Girls were just reaching for any girl within the gaming world. Which is probably the point of the book; should there not be more female gamers and game makers to ensure that future history books are filled to the brim with accomplished women.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #netgalley , thank you. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved this series of Rebel Girls, but I felt that the selection of women for Level Up played it too safe. I even felt like there were a few repeats from the other books? Or maybe the writing has just gotten repetitive. Otherwise, I still love this as an addition to the Rebel Girls I have read prior. It's also informative to children and adults on how gaming can be a viable passion.

The artwork and write-ups are phenomenal though. I was a little disappointed about some of the AI artwork, but enjoyed the reading on the "creativity" behind it. I do hope that it doesn't become a trend to push out more books,

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Rebel Girls for an advanced reader copy.

This book is an excellent Rebel Girls addition. I've been watching the series since its first volume. Women can be invisible in the male dominated world of video gaming and game design, as well as production. So when Rebel Girls had this ARC available, I jumped at the chance to read stories of women in the gaming industry. I can’t wait to share this book with my daughter when she is older. As an adult reader, it opened my mind up to different aspects of the industry, like the who designs the background music. If you love gaming or your kid loves gaming, this could be a great addition to your Rebel Girls collection.

[Danielle Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am pretty sure that I have read every book Rebel Girls has put out, and this is the first time I didn't have previous knowledge of any of the women featured. I admit I am not a gamer, and this was probably my least favorite of the series. But that is NOT to say it's bad in any way. It has the same empowering feel as the other books, and shows inspiring women and girls from a variety of backgrounds.


Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Kasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gem of a book is eye-opening and is necessary to be in the hands of every little girl who loves technology, gaming, computers, and art. This book makes me, an adult, feel like anything is possible, so I can only imagine how it might make a little girl feel. If she wants to do something to change the gaming world, to increase her visibility, to make sure she feels represented, she can do it - and others will welcome her, not turn their back on her.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a complementary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Rebel Girls through NetGalley.
This book offers a chance to learn about twenty-five women making their careers in the gaming industry. Readers see the challenges they face(d) and the persistence they show to succeed in this world that has been male dominated for so long. Each page spread offers a one page bio along with a portrait of and quote from the woman being acknowledged. I love that the authors leave a page spread for the reader to celebrate themselves at the end. A must have for libraries.

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book...

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I'll be honest and say that before reading this book I had no idea who any of these Rebel Girls were. I now do and once again thank Rebel Girls for exposing our youth to amazing girls who do amazing things. It's inspiring seeing what could happen when. Someone thinks outside of the box when they see something lacking in a game or want to pressure their passions.

[bookishdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be meant for a younger audience, but this was still a lot of fun to read. I love learning about new people, something I've never grown out of and this feeds that love of mine. I'd honestly never read part of this series before and I don't really have a good reason for that. I can't wait to dig into all this series has to offer.

A few favorites: Amira Virgil, Aya Kyogoku, Brittney Morris and Phoebe Watson

I was given a free copy in exchange for a review. All thoughts are mine.

[Aleksandra Tasic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @rebelgirls and @netgalley for this free eARC.

Once again Rebel girls community has created a great book.

This time it's focused on the new technologies metaverse, gaming and streaming.

25 inspiring stories about girls and women slowly but surely taking over what once was considered mens field of expertise - gaming and metaverse...

This installment of Rebel girls is ideal for girls that strive to be a force to be reckoned with in the new technologies.

[Critter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would like to thank Rebel Girls for providing me with an ARC.

The entries in this book are great. However, the use of AI at all, even if they do not plan on massively using it in the future is a massive irritation for me. AI has been causing a lot of issues, which includes taking the job of human illustrators to reduce company costs, and it is something I am very against using in publishing, which is why I have reduced my rating of this book.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel Girls Level Up tells the tales of 25 women from all parts of the gaming world. The stories are fantastically-written, as always, and the illustrations are beautiful. I love that, where appropriate, the illustrations of the women being described match the kind of art they make. As always, it also includes some extra activities at the end of the book. A must-have book for any girl gamers you know!

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.