Kingdom Forge book cover — An illustrated middle grade novel by Anders Edwards
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// An Illustrated Middle Grade Novel

Kingdom
Forge

By Anders Edwards
Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Ready Player One.

Noah feels invisible at school. But inside Kingdom Forge, he's winning battles and leveling up — and for the first time, he has a real friend. But the more Noah plays, the more Jax starts taking. A fast-paced thriller about friendship, trust, and the hidden dangers of the online world.

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Ebook pre-order live · Print on release day
Release: July 11, 2026
Ages: 8–12
Format: Illustrated Novel
Author: Anders Edwards
// Inside the Book

Sample Illustrations

Noah Parker feels alone most days — illustration from Kingdom Forge
Noah Parker feels alone most days
But online he has a best friend and a whole world to explore — illustration from Kingdom Forge
But online he has a best friend and a whole world to explore
And then he discovers his online friend isn't who he says he is — illustration from Kingdom Forge
And then he discovers his online friend isn't who he says he is
// Why This Book

A Book That Teaches Online Safety

24,000+
Reports of child exploitation linked to Roblox received by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in 2024 — up from 675 just five years earlier.

Online predators are using the gaming platforms our kids love to target them. And most kids have no idea it's happening.

Kingdom Forge is a fun book kids will actually want to read — and it gives parents and teachers a natural way to start the conversation around online safety. No lectures. Just a story that sticks.

// Who It's For

Readers, Parents, Teachers

Ages 8–12
A fast-paced adventure kids will actually want to read. Younger readers can enjoy it with an adult.
Parents
A natural way to talk about online safety without it feeling like a lecture.
Teachers
A classroom read that sparks real discussion about digital citizenship and online friendships.
Librarians
A book kids check out because they want to, not because they have to.
// Themes in the Book

What the Story Explores

Online Friendships
Who can you really trust when you've never met someone face to face?
Gaming & Escapism
When the online world starts to feel better than real life, what are you running from?
Digital Safety
Recognizing warning signs and understanding that not everyone online is who they say they are.
Friendship & Courage
Standing up for yourself — and telling a trusted adult — takes real bravery.
// Resources

For Parents & Teachers

Family Conversation Starters
  • 1. Have you ever had a friend online that you've never met in person? What do you know about them?
  • 2. If someone online asked you to keep a secret from your parents, what would you do?
  • 3. What's the difference between a friend you see every day and a friend who only exists on a screen?
  • 4. Noah didn't tell anyone what was happening with Jax. Why do you think it's hard to speak up?
  • 5. What are three things you would never share with someone online, even if they felt like a friend?
  • 6. If a game or app made you feel uncomfortable, who would you talk to about it?
🛡
NetSmartz (NCMEC)
Free age-appropriate videos, games, and activities from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Resources for kids ages 5–17, parents, and educators.
Visit NetSmartz →
📚
Common Sense Media
Age-based ratings, expert reviews, and practical guidance to help families navigate media, apps, and games. Trusted by over 150 million users worldwide.
Visit Common Sense Media →
👪
Family Online Safety Institute
Research-based tools and guides for keeping kids safe online. Their CALMER framework gives parents a clear way to act rather than worry.
Visit FOSI →
🎓
NCMEC: Is Your Child Safe Online?
A practical guide for parents on protecting kids in the digital world, with tips on gaming platforms, social media, and recognizing warning signs.
Read the Guide →
// Mark Your Calendar
July 11, 2026
Pre-orders are live on Amazon. Lock in your ebook copy now or grab a print copy on release day.
Pre-Order on Amazon
Ebook pre-order live · Print available 7.11.26