Don't Hate the Player
on Goodreads (2,670)
What’s inside...
Emilia Romero is a high school student who excels as a field hockey star by day and dominates in the virtual world of eSports by night as the only female member on her team. Juggling these two aspects of her life requires them to be separate, partly for her safety as female gamers often face threats. As a major eSports tournament comes to her city, Emilia’s dual existence is threatened when Jake, a member of a rival team who has had a crush on her, recognizes her. This revelation not only jeopardizes her standing in both worlds but also brings them closer as they navigate the challenges of the tournament and their growing feelings for each other. This YA novel brings together romance and virtual adventure, appealing to both gamers and non-gamers alike.
Age
13-17
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Emilia Romero
Jake Hooper
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to compete so passionately in esports?
How do the friendships in the story change or develop throughout the book?
Can you relate to any of the struggles the characters faced, either in gaming or in real life?
What did you learn about teamwork and collaboration from 'Don't Hate the Player'?
How would you handle the challenges presented in the esports tournament?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own insights or experiences related to gaming or teamwork to create a relatable discussion environment. Encourage your child to think critically about the characters' decisions and their consequences. Connect the story to real-life scenarios that involve teamwork, competition, or technology. Finally, emphasize the value of sportsmanship, both in digital and real-world interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The story showcases the characters working together in the virtual gaming world to achieve common goals, highlighting the importance of cooperation and team dynamics.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles in group projects at school or in sports, learning the value of supporting each other to achieve a shared objective.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Characters in the book come from diverse backgrounds, which enriches their team and improves their problem-solving abilities. This teaches the value of inclusivity and diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open to making friends with peers who may be different from them, appreciating and learning from their unique experiences.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: As the characters encounter various obstacles in the gaming world, they learn to adapt and persevere rather than give up, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that setbacks are part of the learning process and that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties, whether in academics, hobbies, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of balance between virtual and real worlds
Explanation: The book addresses the consequences of excessive immersion in virtual games, guiding readers to find a healthy balance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of managing their screen time and engaging in real-world activities with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, characters face moral dilemmas that require them to choose between right and wrong, which highlights ethical decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to consider the impact of their choices on others and to strive to make ethical decisions in their own lives, increasing their moral reasoning skills.