Not Logan

Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Winner

Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became a YouTube Star is a laugh-out-loud illustrated chapter book for kids ages 8-13-especially those who’d rather scroll YouTube than pick up a book. Twelve-year-old Logan Blake is not famous. He’s not cool, not coordinated, and definitely not expecting his YouTube channel, “Not Logan” (which has three subscribers, including his grandma), to blow up. But after a bizarre glitch during a livestream turns him into a headless flying bunny mid-game, everything changes. Overnight, Logan becomes internet-famous. Views skyrocket. Sub counts climb. Suddenly he’s being asked to post more, do interviews, sell merch-and play the part of “Not Logan,” the character the world thinks he is. But Logan isn’t sure he’s that guy. He’s just a weird kid who likes snacks, video games, and getting through the school day without totally embarrassing himself.

Now caught in the middle of digital fame and real-life awkwardness, Logan has to figure out what happens next-while dodging trolls, keeping up with content, and surviving sixth grade.

Co-written by a mom and her 12-year-old son, Not Logan was created out of desperation to help one screen-obsessed, book-hating kid finally enjoy reading. Nothing worked-until they decided to write the book themselves. That same reluctant reader now co-authors the series and has become the voice behind Logan’s hilarious, painfully real middle school experience.

This book is fast-paced, genuinely funny, and written in a voice that sounds like an actual kid. With short, bingeable chapters and over 60 fun doodle-style illustrations throughout (about 1-2 per chapter), it’s the kind of book kids will actually finish. Content is clean, the humor is age-appropriate, and the story speaks directly to the awkwardness, pressure, and weird humor of growing up in the digital age. It’s a perfect fit for reluctant readers, gamers, streamers, and kids who love YouTube or funny fiction. Ideal for parents of kids ages 8-13, classrooms, school libraries, independent reading shelves, and fans of series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, Dork Diaries, Middle School: Worst Years of My Life, or Dog Man.

This is Book One in the Not Logan series, with more awkward moments, chaotic adventures, and laugh-out-loud surprises to come. Whether your child is a gamer, a goofball, a class clown, or simply a reluctant reader in need of the right story to pull them in, Not Logan delivers an engaging reading experience that feels more like entertainment than homework. This is the book for kids who “don’t read”… until they accidentally laugh their way through every page.

Perfect for summer reading lists, school book fairs, reluctant reader programs, and independent reading time, Not Logan has quickly become a go-to recommendation for librarians, educators, and parents of screen-obsessed kids. Whether you’re looking for funny middle grade books for boys, books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid for gamers, or a graphic novel alternative with personality and voice-this one delivers.

“This is the first book that made my 11-year-old laugh out loud and ask for more. Total win.” -Parent of a reluctant reader

Author Biography

Writing under the pen name Melanie Hunter, Melanie Vitalli and her 12-year-old son Hunter co-created Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became a YouTube Star to help turn screen-loving, reluctant readers into real readers. Born from Hunter’s awkward tween moments, gamer antics, and everyday chaos, the book was inspired by their real-life search for a story he actually wanted to finish. Together, they’ve created a fast, funny, and relatable middle-grade novel that speaks the language of today’s kids.