đź’— GAME OVER by Serena Patel
PAPERBACK
Author: Â Serena Patel
Illustrator: Â Louise Forshaw
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Warm, thoughtful, and quietly empowering, GAME OVER is a relatable novel about friendship, identity, and having the courage to follow what truly excites you.
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Jay has discovered something new - and he loves it. The school Computing Club is working on a game-design project, and for the first time, Jay feels a spark of confidence and excitement about something that’s his. There’s just one problem: his friends think computing is “only for nerds” and want him to join a new football team instead.
With both clubs happening at the same time, Jay is forced to choose. Should he stick with his friends and go along with what they expect - or be honest about what he really wants, even if it risks changing those friendships?
Written by Serena Patel, the multi-award-winning author of Anisha the Accidental Detective, this heartfelt story explores peer pressure, stereotypes, and self-belief with sensitivity and realism.  Explores peer pressure and identity in a relatable way, and challenges stereotypes around interests and “what’s cool”, by encouraging honesty, confidence, and self-advocacy
Perfect for readers aged 9+, Game Over is a reassuring reminder that being true to yourself doesn’t mean losing your friends - and that real friendship leaves room for everyone to grow.
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About Barrington Stoke: Â Barrington Stoke publishes super-readable books designed for readers of all abilities - including those with dyslexia, reluctant readers, and learners of English as an additional language. Their titles use a dyslexia-friendly font, cream paper, and clear layouts to reduce visual stress, making high-quality stories accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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