Bitopia - Softcover

Magnusson, Ari

Softcover

ISBN 10: 098486105X ISBN 13: 9780984861057

Publisher: Olivander Press, 2012

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Ari Magnusson is a bullying prevention researcher and the creator of the CirclePoint Bullying Prevention Program. The CirclePoint program is currently in pilot in the Boston Public School District, with select materials in use by other organizations including a Massachusetts General Hospital Community Development program. His bullying prevention guides include What YOU Can Do About Bullying by Max & Zoey, for students in grades K-6, and the forthcoming All About Bullying, for students in grades 7-12. His middle grade novel, Bitopia, about bullied children, was named one of the best books of 2012 by Kirkus Reviews. 

Review

Named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2012!

"Magnusson's debut...follows a young boy's flight from the wrath of bullies, taking him to another world from which there may be no escape...Magnusson infuses the narrative with stunning imagery that wallops the senses...Ample action and suspense...help the plot retain a steady speed. All the fun of a children's book, coupled with the razor-sharp wit and potent insight that seasoned readers crave." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review, Best of 2012)    

"[E]ngaging, with a sincere element of tension and an overall sense of wonder....[I]deal for readers in need of an extra shot of courage when faced with difficult situations." - Publishers Weekly

"[An] engrossing novel for children that tackles head on the single most important element of bullying: fear. Bitopia is a compelling allegory that reveals the nature of fear and drives the reader to eagerly let go of it, an act that will deprive their bullies of their power. It should be on every school's recommended reading list." - Izzy Kalman, MS, Director of Bullies to Buddies, Inc.

"Bitopia is a fast-paced and suspense-filled adventure story about a boy who learns how to overcome his paralyzing fear of being bullied. . . Bitopia will help readers find courage to stand tall in the shadow of intimidation and as such, it can be used by parents and teachers as an effective springboard for discussion of what is a most difficult situation for all involved. I highly recommend this book." - Christopher McChesney, middle school teacher, National PASCO NSTA STEM Educator Award of 2016, Baltimore County Schools

"Kids who love fantasy will enjoy this book just for the story-the anti-bullying message is simply an added bonus." - Book Dreaming

"[A] great way to get a message across about bullying that is not too heavy-handed or preachy....[M]oves along quickly and has lots of good tension and a compelling story. The characters are likable and engaging." - The Write Stuff

Edition details

• Publisher: Olivander Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 098486105X
• ISBN 13: 9780984861057
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 240