What would be your Blitzer (a bit like a Tamagochi) fighting name?!

Blitzers

Written by: Alastair Chisholm

Illustrated by: Francesca Ficorilli

Published by: Barrington Stoke

Published on: 5th June 2025

Price: £7.99

Age: 8+

ISBN: 978 0 00 872371 2

Thanks to the UKLA for the review copy.

What’s it all about? Blitzers (a bit like a Tamagotchi, if you’re old enough to remember them) are electronic creatures that live inside a small computer console that you can wear around your neck. Every child wants want. You can train them (with a whip or a stroking hand) and make them fight. 99% of them have tough, no-nonsense aggressive names like: Kill Fest or Metal Stab. There’s a league and a girl in Danny’s school is one of the best trainers in the world. Danny really wants one; however, his mum says they can’t afford one yet and he’ll get one in a month’s time for his birthday! Luckily, his older brother managing to find him one, even if it’s a bit strange. Soon things start to go wrong with the machine and Danny doesn’t know why. Even his best friend is a bit confused. Can Danny work out how to save his Blitzer from more damaging battles?!

Why should I read it? This is a very fast paced and exciting story. With themes of friends and family, care and compassion, bullying and addiction, the story has plenty to discuss in a guided reading group. There are some great black and white anime style pictures to bring some of the description to life. Generally, the language would be for those about Year 4 and above. With Barrington Stoke’s wonderful colourful paper and large print, it’s perfect for those that find reading tricky. Especially good for older children who are just getting into chapter books.