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Trapped in a Video Game (Volume 1)
Last updated Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Author: Dustin Brady
Illustrator: Jesse Brady
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 1449496083
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2026
Synopsis:
Jesse Rigsby hates video games - and for good reason. You see, a video game character is trying to kill him. After getting sucked into the new game Full Blast with his friend Eric, Jesse starts to see the appeal of vaporizing man-size praying mantis while cruising around by jet pack. But pretty soon, a mysterious figure begins following Eric and Jesse, and they discover they can't leave the game. If they don't figure out what's going on fast, they'll be trapped for good!
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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This is the first in a series of books about a 12-year-old boy name Jesse who gets trapped in a video game with his friend, Eric. Eric is a gamer, Jesse is not.
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Do you play video games? What games to you play? Would you consider yourself a gamer?
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Have you seen the movie, Jumanji, Welcome to the Jungle? Its about four high school kids who get sucked into an old video game. They are given different avatars from who they actually are and must learn to play the game to get out of the game and find their way home.
Vocabulary:
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gamer: a person who plays computer or video games.
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avatar: in gaming, the digital graphic representation of a person as a player in the game (e.g., wizard, warrior, evil queen, villain).
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sergeant: a non-commissioned officer in the army or marines who often is in charge of training new recruits.
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vortex: a whirlpool-like object that moves in a circular motion and forms a vacuum that draws objects into it.
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mantis: a large green insect that feed on other insects.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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How would you feel if you got sucked into a video game like Jesse or Eric? Would you like to see yourself as Jesse and Eric are or would you like create an avatar for yourself?
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READERS: The kids should finish reading the book to see what happens and find out how things turn out. Do they get home? This is the first of five books in the series.
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw your favorite character from a video game.
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Draw your own avatar to play in a video game you like.
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Make a Thank You card for someone who gave you a gift for Christmas.
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| Special activities: |
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Do the word search.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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