Off the Shelf: Dungeons & Dragons Books for All Ages
Posted Oct. 15, 2024
By Nicole Bowden
Youth Services Librarian, Warren Library
Do you ever feel like taking a break from the real world? Would you rather be out adventuring with a rag-tag band of misfits, fighting monsters, leveling up your various skills, with a dash of dragons for good measure? And all from the comfort of your own home?
Sounds like you’re in need of an RPG! The first commercially available RPG, or role-playing game, was Dungeons & Dragons, published in 1974. Fifty years later, it’s still going strong. In fact, just in the last few years, it’s been on Stranger Things (Netflix), in the movie theatres (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, 2023), on the stage (The Twenty-Sided Tavern, New York), and it’s even getting its own stamp from the USPS!
If you ask me, storytelling and role-playing go hand in hand, so I’ve included some books diving into the world of Dungeons & Dragons and other role-playing games. With a book and a D20, you’ll be off on adventures in no time!
For Adults |
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Game Wizards: The Epic Battle for Dungeons & Dragons by Jon Peterson
A detailed history about the early years and drama of TSR, Inc., the company that founded Dungeons & Dragons. |
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For Teens |
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Heroes’ Feast: The Official Dungeons & Dragons Cookbook by Kyle Newman, Jon Peterson, and Michael Witwer
From the D&D experts behind Art & Arcana: A Visual History comes a cookbook that invites fantasy lovers to learn about their favorite fictional cultures through their unique cuisines and lifestyles. Eighty recipes inspired by the magical world of Dungeons & Dragons – perfect for a solo quest or a feast shared with fellow adventurers. |
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The Druid’s Call by E.K. Johnston
Tucked among the ancient pines of the Ardeep Forest hides the Emerald Enclave, an order of warriors tasked with preserving the natural world. They fight to maintain balance between the forces of the wild and civilization, and in doing so, protect the sanctity of each. Among their order, Doric begins to find power in her differences. But not all her fellow initiates are so capable of new growth, and as her training continues, Doric is forced to confront the very beliefs that brought her to the Enclave’s fold. |
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For Kids |
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DnDoggos: Get the Party Started by Scout Underhill
This middle grade graphic novel centers on four adorable dogs eager to play their favorite role-playing game. Join Magnus, Pickles, Tonka, and Zoey, as they attempt a rescue, find some missing toys, and try to save the day! |
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D&D: Dungeon Academy: No Humans Allowed! by Madeleine Roux
When Zellidora “Zelli” Stormclash seeks answers to her true lineage, she embarks on a dangerous adventure. |
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D&D: Dungeon Club: Roll Call by Molly Knox Ostertag
Best friends Jess and Olivia love to escape into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Olivia runs the game as Dungeon Master and Jess is the solo party member. But when Olivia wants to add new players to their group, Jess finds herself struggling to share their game – and her best friend. |
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Roll for Initiative by Jaime Formato
Riley Henderson’s brother Devin is in California attending a college gaming program while she is stuck alone in Florida with her mom. When a cool nerd named Lucy gives Riley no choice but to get over her shyness and become friends, the best part is both girls are into Dungeons & Dragons. Devin used to be the dungeon master guiding Riley through his intricately planned campaigns. When Lucy suggests that Riley run a campaign for them, she’s willing to give it a shot. To her surprise, her first game goes really well! Riley learns she can function without her older brother…But when Devin runs into trouble with his program and returns home, Riley has to help Devin go back to college and prove to her mom that she can take care of herself. |
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Buzzing by Samuel Sattin
Isaac is a shy boy with OCD, but one day at school he meets new friends who introduce him to role-playing games, which lead him on a journey of self-discovery and growth. |
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Table Titans Club by Scott Kurtz
New-girl Valeria Winters finds new friends in the Table Titans tabletop gaming club, but when the club is threatened, Val must join the wrestling team and make peace with her bully to save her new group of friends. |
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Want to read more?
Use the library’s Novelist Plus online research resource and type in a keyword. It will offer up a list of similar books about your topic.