Content levels
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
For use in schools and libraries only. 12-year-old Johnny endures tensions between his parents, watches television coverage of the Gulf War, and plays a computer game called Only You Can Save Mankind, in which he is increasingly drawn into the reality of the alien ScreeWee.
Is Only You Can Save Mankind appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 8 and up.
A thoughtful middle grade story blending video game fantasy with real-world themes of war and family tension. Contains mild peril in the game world and references to the Gulf War on television, but handled age-appropriately with Pratchett's characteristic humor.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include divorce, war, and anxiety.
Who'll love this
Kids who love video games will enjoy this clever story about a boy whose alien enemies become surprisingly real—and need his help.