Cover Image: Rebel Girls Level Up: 25 Tales of Gaming and the Metaverse

Rebel Girls Level Up: 25 Tales of Gaming and the Metaverse

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I've never really been big into video games or how they were created but to see this many women are involved in making them, playing them or just enjoying them makes me really happy.

Gaming is typically a male thing and is highly discouraged on when it comes to women being in the industry but seeing these women making great careers out of it makes me hope that the future is looking better for the young girls out there who love playing video games and want to go into a career that involves creating the games or even a career that involves playing the games, E-sports.

The pictures used for each female were colored amazingly and seemed like they were popping off the screen.

Young girls who love video games should for sure read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Another great offering in the Rebel Girls series, this time focussing on figures in the gaming world and the meta verse. I wasn’t familiar with any of these figures, but by the end even I felt inspired to find out more and I’m not really interested in tech!
With a short introduction to the figure, explaining how they’re significant in their field, a quote and a bright illustration this is a great place to find out a bit more about how budding gamers and video-makers could make their mark on the world.
This series is great for inspiring young girls to think beyond the here and now to their future.

Was this review helpful?

Another great book from Rebel Girls. We all know girls who game (or stream), yet the industry continues to be heavily male-dominated. Here are 25 vignettes about women in gaming, streaming, and the metaverse.

Please buy for the young girls in your life that show interest - inspire them to create, to advocate, and to reimagine their digital world!

Was this review helpful?

This inspiring series continues with a look at how women are making a difference in our ever changing world of technology, video games, and the metaverse (the immersive virtual world). It's likely their names won't be familiar, but what they do in a men dominated field will endear readers to them.

Each accomplished individual is given a two page spread. On the left you will find their story of how they found success in their chosen area, and on the right is a full color illustration. Some of my favorites include game designer Anne Shoemaker, video game studio head Helen Chiang, and composer Manami Matsumae. The descriptions of each and their never give up attitude will be memorable lessons for young readers.

A bonus are a series of QR codes that you can scan and hear more about many of the women. These are longer audio versions that delve deeper into their life.

You can view a few samples of the book by going to the Rebel Girls website (https://www.rebelgirls.com/products/rebel-girls-level-up). Be sure to also take a look at the wide variety of other Rebel Girls books (https://www.rebelgirls.com/collections/books).

Was this review helpful?

A book well worth adding to the classroom and school library — an exploration of gaming and a journey beyond the assumptions of gender:

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for an e-ARC of this book to read and review. Going into this read, I thought it was going to be one of my favorite Rebel Girls collections so far, simply because it feels so current and relevant, and has such a short history but powerful impact to explore. I do think young readers are going to be able to read these tales and see the many ways they can participate in gaming, whether that's elevating their play, developing the next generations of tech, or contributing to the overall space in their future careers. That said, I didn't ultimately connect to many of the stories the way I have in past collections (possibly because I'm not a gamer myself, but that hasn't held me back from enjoyment of other topics before). I also feel conflicted about the inclusion of AI generated artwork. I have worked in AI spaces (not specifically art, but I am well aware of conversations about it etc.) and on one hand, think it's a clever way to showcase some emerging technologies within this digital space -- but on the other hand, it feels like we haven't come to a great ethical point on the topic yet, and one of the amazing things about Rebel Girls is how many incredible (human!!) artists/illustrators etc. are showcased through all of the bio portraits and beyond. It seems like a good idea but a kind of tense output. *I am glad that the AI art is identified in the text and there is a note about it included though!*

Was this review helpful?

Rebel Girls is one of my favorite books to hand my daughter. The colorful illustrations and the super cool people that are selected to be featured in the books keep her attention and give her people to look up to and aspire to be. This version was no different!
Thank you Rebel Girls and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

I always love the Rebel Girls books. I love how colorful and bright the illustrations are. I also think it is so important that they are taking concepts and applying directly for girls to relate to. This was just another example of a hit one that young girls would get into to find the diversity of themselves in fellow women, doing things they love like gaming.

Was this review helpful?

I always enjoy the various Rebel Girls books because when I read them, I come away with knowledge about people I’ve never heard of. I particularly enjoyed this addition to the series because it informs the reader about various Rebel Girls in the male-dominated tech/gaming worlds. In my classroom, I try to teach my students about a new person every day and try to focus on lesser known figures. This book will certainly help with that, and I know students will find it interesting to read as well.

Was this review helpful?

Another very inspiring book in the Rebel Girls series. I found this addition to be particularly good since it focuses on women in an area that is very often overlooked or seen as "not for girls".
Fantastic book! I would highly recommend it for young girls interested in the world of Gaming.

Was this review helpful?

I’m so happy to get the chance to check out another amazingly illustrated Rebel Girls book! The profiles of each woman involved in the gaming industry are fun to read, and the information is presented in a way that’s easy to take in. You are drawn in to read more because the profiles perfectly complement the bright illustrations that share more about each woman.

Was this review helpful?

Another great collection by Rebel Girls! What I like about these books is they showcase every type of 'Girl'. I would consider myself a very light gamer, so a lot of this information was new to me and I found it very interesting and eye opening. Raising two kids, I enjoy showing them these books, for one, to highlight that anything that interests you is important and worth pursuing. It's been great to see the collection of these books grow and expand on all the different types of people out there.
Thank you Rebel Girls for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Girls, it is time to level up! The gaming industry is over 80% male dominated; this inspiring Rebel Girls Level Up read showcases 25 female / non-binary gaming industry professionals who ate breaking down the barriers and are playing, creating, illustrating or managing content. Move over boys and make some room for the Rebel Girls! Mixed gaming teams even say that their creative ideas are much more varied and advanced. So grab your tech or a pen and paper and get creating little rebels! There are lots of incredible examples of trailblazers in this book, including bonus content through qr codes..At the end, there are various activities to help get the creative juices flowing. As usual the illustrations are spectacular. This book even experiments with some.3D imaging and AI, not to be used across all Rebel Girls books, but to showcase what is possible in the tech metaverse. Another incredible Rebel Girls book. #rebelgirlslevelup #rebelgirls #netgalley #gaming #technology #computers

Was this review helpful?

Rebel Girls Level Up is a captivating and empowering collection that introduces readers to 25 remarkable women who have made their mark in the world of gaming and the metaverse. Authored by various talented writers, this book celebrates the achievements of female creators and their contributions to the gaming industry. With its engaging storytelling and vibrant artwork, it is a must-read for both gamers and enthusiasts of women's empowerment.

Through its pages, Rebel Girls Level Up takes readers on an exciting journey, delving into the lives and accomplishments of women who have revolutionized the gaming landscape. From designing innovative technology to breaking down barriers in a male-dominated industry, these women have left an indelible mark on gaming culture. Each story provides a glimpse into the challenges they faced, the triumphs they celebrated, and the unwavering passion that fueled their success.

One of the book's standout features is its inclusion of popular streamers and gamers who have amassed a significant following. Through their profiles, readers get a glimpse into the lives of influential figures such as Imane Anys, known as Pokimane, who has captivated audiences with her charismatic personality and gaming prowess. The book also showcases the leadership of Aya Kyogoku, the director behind several Animal Crossing games, who has paved the way for inclusive and immersive gaming experiences.

Rebel Girls Level Up doesn't solely focus on traditional gaming, but also highlights the metaverse and the creative possibilities it offers. Readers are introduced to talented individuals who design digital clothing in platforms like Roblox, such as cSapphire. The book also explores the intense world of esports, where pro gamers like Sasha Hostyn and Sylvia Gathoni compete at the highest level, defying stereotypes and redefining what it means to be a gamer.

The stunning full-page portraits featured in Rebel Girls Level Up add an extra layer of visual appeal to the book. Created by female and nonbinary artists from around the world, these illustrations beautifully capture the spirit and individuality of each woman showcased. Additionally, the inclusion of scannable codes that provide access to longer stories on the Rebel Girls app offers readers a more immersive experience, allowing them to delve deeper into the lives of these remarkable women.

In conclusion, Rebel Girls Level Up is an inspiring and visually stunning book that sheds light on the remarkable achievements of women in the gaming industry and the metaverse. It encourages readers, regardless of their gender, to pursue their passions and embrace their unique talents. By celebrating these women and their accomplishments, this book serves as a powerful testament to the endless possibilities that await within the world of gaming.

Was this review helpful?

I received an electronic ARC from Rebel Girls through NetGalley.
This book offers a chance to learn about twenty-five women making their careers in the gaming industry. Readers see the challenges they face(d) and the persistence they show to succeed in this world that has been male dominated for so long. Each page spread offers a one page bio along with a portrait of and quote from the woman being acknowledged. I love that the authors leave a page spread for the reader to celebrate themselves at the end. A must have for libraries.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely LOVE the Rebel Girls series. I have given my daughter all of the books and now I need to add this one to her shelfs. So good!

Thank you @netgalley for the eARC!

Was this review helpful?

More possibilities for Rebel Girls!
I may not understand how these thing work, but I do understand business models and that gaming and the metaverse are things that are not historical in nature but VERY much today and in the future. My grandchildren do know a lot more about these things and will benefit from this Rebel Girls book just as some of them were really into many of the others in series!
Rebel Girls books are the best!
The illustrations continue to be delightful, imaginative, and colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Rebel Girls via NetGalley. Thank you!

Was this review helpful?

This was awesome! I learned so much and I think young people will too. I think this will inspire young people to explore careers in the gaming field, regardless of what others may think.

Was this review helpful?

I definitely plan on getting this one for my daughter. She has loved video games since a young age and seeing these lovely illustrated personal stories about all the various careers and jobs these people have done in the gaming world is really inspiring.

This book covers 25 various biographies, all starting with the wistful storybook 'Once upon a time". A variety of humans from different countries and time frames, it's so interesting to see all the ways they have contributed to the gaming world.

Was this review helpful?

Hopeful inspiring fast-paced story
3.5 ⭐

Debunking that gaming world is for men only or video games default is men's interest.

These 25 tales were inspirational. It literally starts from what you love. You can make a world out of playing game. How more interesting could it be?!!!

I love how Rebel girls keep it diverse. Wide range of age, background, positions. You may see yourself in one or two of them 🫶🏽


I read the illustration note and a bit sad to find out the use of AI illustration. The "people creativity behind" is the arts stolen from artists all over the world to be put as references without their consent. Please keep using talented illustrators. Would love to not see any AI illustrations anymore 🥺

Was this review helpful?