Rising Star (Cross Ups, Book 3)

Age range 9+

When Jaden gets a call inviting him to Comic Con to test out a new version of his favorite game, Cross Ups, he is thrilled … sort of. He’ll get to go with his best friend, Cali, they’ll be in New York City, and best of all, he’ll meet his idol and the greatest gamer of all time, Yuudai Sato. But he’s got no time to practice, and worse, his signature moves no longer work. His trip starts to feel less and less exciting, and more and more like one big problem. Jaden has to come up with some solutions - fast. He looks to some older gamers for guidance, but is JStar willing to change who he is for the sake of a game?

With its sharp dialogue and relatable characters, Rising Star, the third book in the Cross Ups series, chronicles the ups and downs of middle school with a relevant, contemporary twist.

‘Realistic and relatable’ - School Library Journal

‘A fast-paced escapade that draws real-life parallels to gaming culture’ - Kirkus Reviews

‘Fast-paced, engaging, and a lot of fun to read’ - Ms. Yingling Reads