The Invitation
Overpopulation has caused earth’s natural resources to diminish, and people are struggling to survive. Thirteen-year-old Ari is looking after his little brother Joni, who has fallen ill with a mysterious virus. The boys manage to get hold of a copy of Kepler62, the newest computer game that everyone’s talking about and which is supposed to be almost impossible to complete. Working together, the brothers manage the impossible and they soon discover that Kepler62 is more than just a game. It’s an invitation – for an adventure.

Language of Document: English

Title: The invitation

Author: Timo Parvela and Bjorn Sortland

Illustrator: Pasi Pitkanen

Translator: Owen F. Witesman

Name of award: Hans Christian Andersen Award Shortlist Writer, 2024.

Publication Statement: Stamford: Arctis Books, 2023.

Subject: Young adult fiction, Finnish/ Brothers/ Child space travelers/ Video games/ Interplanetary voyages/ Extrasolar planets