Bitopia
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012!
When you run from bullies, you never know where you might wind up…
Bitopia is a wonderland of fantastical foliage and mysterious creatures. It’s also a place where Venators lurk, vile creatures that relentlessly hunt children. So the children of Bitopia, the only human inhabitants, are forced to live in a high-walled city for protection, a medieval metropolis of cold and shadow where time passes but no one ages, a place of no escape. Like all the other children of Bitopia, Stewart arrives there unexpectedly while fleeing from bullies. And, like all Newcomers, Stewart dreams of finding a way back home. Risking exile from the city and the protection that it offers, Stewart and Cora, his Finder, discover a clue to escaping, one that presents them with a terrible choice: face their greatest fear and risk death, or be trapped in Bitopia forever.
A fast-paced adventure story that addresses a fundamental element of bullying--fear--and provides an example to readers of how to deal with bullying on their own. Ages 10 and up; recommended adult-child read at the 4th and 5th grade level, independent read 6th grade and above.
Bitopia has been used as assigned reading and as an in-class read in schools across the United States.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
First-time author Magnusson delivers a welcome, though somewhat heavy-handed message about handling bullies in this fast-paced adventure. It starts when sixth-grader Stewart is forced to run and hide from the older children tormenting him. He is mysteriously transported to Bitopia, an idyllic world inhabited by other children who also arrived while fleeing bullies. However, the world is spoiled by the Venators, terrifying predators who stalk the children and force them to seek refuge in a heavily protected city at all times. When the Venators launch an all-out assault on the refuge, it's up to Stewart and his new friend Cora to discover the secret of defeating the Venators once and for all. While Magnusson's writing is solid and the story engaging, with a sincere element of tension and an overall sense of wonder, the underlying moral stand up to bullies and don't let fear rule you is far from subtle. Nevertheless, this book may be ideal for readers in need of an extra shot of courage when faced with difficult situations. Ages 8 up.
