An exciting new middle reader series from a debut author. All twelve-year-old Jaden wants to do is be the best at Cross Ups, the video game he and his friends can’t stop playing. He knows he could be―if only he didn’t have to hide his gaming from his mom, who’s convinced it will make him violent. After an epic match leads to an invitation to play in a top tournament, Jaden and his friends Devesh and Hugh hatch a plan to get him there. But Jaden’s strict parents and annoying siblings, not to mention a couple of bullies and his confusing feelings for his next-door neighbor Cali, keep getting in the way! Tournament Trouble marks the first book in a planned series by Sylv Chiang, a captivating new voice in middle reader fiction. With sharp dialogue and relatable characters, it chronicles the ups and downs of middle school with a relevant, contemporary twist. Accompanied by Connie Choi’s lively illustrations, Tournament Trouble invites readers into Jaden’s world, and will leave them eagerly awaiting his next adventure. Look for Book 2, coming in Fall 2018! Sylv Chiang is a middle grade teacher by day and a writer of middle grade fiction by night. She wrote Cross Ups! to appeal to the students in her grade five class who are more interested in video games than books. She lives in Pickering, Ontario. Connie Choi is a Toronto-based illustrator who recently graduated from the Illustration program at Sheridan College. She loves to draw characters and the worlds they live in. She lives in Toronto, Ontario. Chapter 1 I hammer the buttons on my controller. Fireball. Miss. Double fireball. Miss again. Holy crap, this guy is fast! I can’t land anything. “C’mon, Kaigo … ” “I know you always play Kaigo, Jaden, but the dragon-cross is only cool if his fireballs actually hit the opponent.” “Thanks, Dev. You want to try?” I’m in my living room with my friends, Devesh and Hugh. Like most of our gaming sessions, this one started out with us playing each other but ended up with them watching me battle random people online. On screen, two guys in karate gear are beating the crap out of each other. Fortunately, I’ve never been in a real-life fight. I wouldn’t have a chance. But playing my favorite game, Cross Ups IV, I haven’t lost a battle in four months. But then, I’ve never played against Kn1ght_Rage before. I whiff another fireball combo when Kn1ght_Rage jumps out of range—again. “Aw, dude, you almost had him,” Hugh says. “Not even close.” As usual, Devesh is keeping it real. “No offense, J, but you’re getting owned. Who is this Kn1ght_Rage guy, anyway?” “I see him online all the time,” Hugh says. Devesh turns to Hugh. “Oh yeah? You ever play him?” “Once . . . kinda. I left the match before it ended.” “You mean you wussed out.” Devesh punches Hugh in the arm. “No . . . ” “Would you guys shut up? I’m trying to concentrate here.” WHAM! The screen flashes a burst of gold and Kn1ght_Rage’s avatar, Blaze, transforms into a phoenix, flapping huge golden wings that send shock waves into me. “How’d he hit me with that Solar Burst? I was blocking!” “Use your Dragon Breath,” Hugh says. “I will—as soon as I can move again—stupid hit stun! What the … ?” I drop my move when Kn1ght_Rage disappears for a second and then re-appears, attacking me from behind. “Ugh! I forgot Blaze can teleport. Take that!” I yell as I activate Dragon Breath. Kaigo transforms into a dragon and breathes fire, but my opponent jumps away just in time. “Aaah! I can’t get any moves in.” I slam the back button to block the shock waves from the next Solar Burst, but for some reason I still take the punishment. “Why isn’t my block working?” “Look at your Health Meter. You’re going to die from chip damage at this rate.” “Shut up, Dev.” “But hey, your Super Meter’s full again,” Hugh says. “Yeah, go for it,” Devesh says. “But you’d better do some serious damage or it’s over.” There’s only one move that can get me the win. Kaigo’s biggest Super: Dragon Fire. I hear car doors slamming outside. If that’s my mom I’m so dead. I should turn off the game, but I can’t let my streak end like this. Panic makes me go nuts on the controller—a total button mash. “C’mon . . . ” Miraculously, Kaigo transforms into his dragon side and whirls into a tornado of gray smoke that cuts right through Blaze. Blaze crumples and his Health Meter dives. Now we’re both one hit from defeat. I glance at the clock—6:22 p.m. I don’t hear any more noise outside. Maybe it was the neighbors’ car? I use my bread-and-butter combo: two crouching light punches back to back, followed by Dragon Claw. K.O. “Whaaaaaaat!?!” My friends scream and jump from the couch. Devesh points to the TV. “The streak continues!” Hugh throws his hefty form onto the carpet at my feet, bowing and chanting, “You are the master.” “Am I dreaming?” I let the controller drop to the floor. “No, seriously. Am I asleep? Someone hit me.” Devesh and Hugh pile on top of me and pummel me with jabs. “I’ve never seen that Super.” Hugh settles his