Pixel Raiders 1: Dig World by Stephanie Bendixsen and Steven O’Donnell, ill Chris Kennett

The gamer’s skin prickled with heat as he leapt from stone to stone, narrowly avoiding glowing sparks of fire and popping explosions of molten rock. One false step and it would be GAME OVER. The gamer was well-practised, however, with the sharpest of reflexes. Ahead, the level’s exit could be seen, beckoning from the very depths of the fiery cavern.

All he had to do was clear this platform section and make it to that narrow doorway, glowing bright atop the final stepping stone.

There were several paths ahead.

The gamer’s skin prickled with heat as he leapt from stone to stone, narrowly avoiding glowing sparks of fire and popping explosions of molten rock. One false step and it would be GAME OVER. The gamer was well-practised, however, with the sharpest of reflexes. Ahead, the level’s exit could be seen, beckoning from the very depths of the fiery cavern.

All he had to do was clear this platform section and make it to that narrow doorway, glowing bright atop the final stepping stone.

There were several paths ahead.

Rip (Ripley) and Mei are in the same class at school and are both very skilled gamers. When the class go on an excursion to Inreal Games to compete for the opportunity to test a new game, they are both determined to win. Their competitiveness proves counter-productive however and neither win. But another opportunity arises and before they really think it through, both are inside the game. They will have to work together, pool their gaming knowledge and experience if they are to survive. This is more than a game. Cover art is pixellated and reflects computer game style. Each opening includes black and white images, including pixellated words and indications of ‘health’.

‘Pixel Raiders’ is a new series from Scholastic, written by television presenters from ‘Good Game’. It is pitched squarely at gamers, full of gaming language and images.Gaming readers will be predicting what happens next. Themes include the value of collaboration and helping the enemy, even when they might not offer the same courtesy. Ideal for mid-primary readers, particularly those reluctant to read when they could be gaming.

Pixel Raiders 1: Dig World , Stephanie Bendixsen and Steven O’Donnell
Scholastic Australia 2016 ISBN:9781760159252