In Level Up, Dennis' Dad wants him to become a gastroenterologist. But all Dennis wants to do is play videogames. I love how the author begins by putting us in the middle. No one would want to be told what profession to follow, and yet, anything seems better than being an addict. Just when it looks like Dennis won't change his mind, his dad dies and his whole world crumbles.
Cleverly designed with levels one, two, and three -- the story enfold in a comfortable pace. Dennis even gets a ''conscious'' disguised as little guardian angels along the way.
All in all, Luen Yang teaches us about the peace we get when we sacrifice ourselves for another, and the way it slowly rots us inside.