Gamers: Attempting Connection

With nonstop in-game action, ATTEMPTING CONNECTION captures all the adrenaline of gaming plus its fierce power to bring people together.

It's one week into middle school, and Chell Park is already in the principal's office. Not ideal for a new girl.

But a chance meeting in line connects her to some kids who like gaming, just like her. First they compete against each other, and then they realize they could compete together.

Sure, gaming's been banned at Chell's house since her parents split up. But Chell can't just give up on something she loves, right? Quietly, she gathers the group into an esports team.

By the time they enter their first competition, the gamers are way more than just teammates—they're friends. And what Chell learns from gaming could even help her find a way forward at home.

ATTEMPTING CONNECTION features fast-paced online action and imaginative new games, but at its heart it's a warm and classic tale of a team coming together and teammates finding a place where they belong.

"Exciting gaming scenes accompany gentle, emotional explorations of telling the truth even in the face of undesirable consequences … A refreshingly original high-interest, low-grit video game story."—Kirkus Reviews

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Release date

Audiobook: September 2, 2025