The children's book 'Escape from the Overworld: An Unofficial Overworld Adventure' by author Danica Davidson has been placed in the Atrium Health Children's Hospital library, offering young patients an imaginative escape during difficult medical experiences. This placement reflects a growing recognition that stories serve as tools for comfort, connection, and resilience beyond mere entertainment, particularly for children navigating challenging circumstances.
Designed for readers ages 7–12, the book blends humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure in a narrative where the boundary between a beloved video game world and reality begins to blur. The story follows Stevie and Maison—two children from different worlds who struggle to feel at home in either. When Stevie accidentally crosses from the Minecraft world into ours, he unleashes chaos as zombies, creepers, and other creatures spill into reality, forcing the children to combine their strengths to restore balance and protect both worlds.
'It's an honor to have this book available to children in a hospital setting,' said Davidson. 'Stories can be a source of strength, comfort, and hope—and knowing this one may help a child smile, imagine, or feel less alone means everything.' The book's fast-paced journey celebrates bravery, teamwork, and the idea that feeling 'out of place' doesn't mean one doesn't belong, themes particularly resonant for children in medical environments.
Published by Sky Pony Press, 'Escape from the Overworld' represents part of a catalog dedicated to imaginative, high-quality storytelling for young readers. The publisher champions stories that spark creativity, encourage empathy, and reach readers whose passions and perspectives are often overlooked through its imprints including Good Books, Racehorse, and Arcade. The book serves as a natural fit for fans of Harry Potter and games like Minecraft, Terraria, and Pokémon GO, offering accessible, engaging reading through a classic good-versus-evil story grounded in friendship and problem-solving.
This first book begins a much larger journey, as Stevie and Maison's adventures continue across a twelve-book series that invites young readers to grow alongside the characters as stakes rise, friendships deepen, and courage is tested repeatedly. Davidson, a bestselling author of middle-grade books with more than 250,000 copies sold worldwide, creates stories that blend fast-paced adventure with emotional depth, helping children feel seen, brave, and capable in both real and imagined worlds.
The hospital library placement demonstrates how literature can provide therapeutic value beyond traditional medical interventions, offering psychological respite through imaginative engagement. For children facing extended hospital stays or difficult treatments, such stories provide not only distraction but also emotional scaffolding through characters who model resilience and problem-solving. The book's availability at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PKK0NS4/ and information about the author at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Danica-Davidson/author/B00R0PW52E extends this resource beyond the hospital setting to families and educators seeking supportive materials for children.
This initiative highlights the expanding role of bibliotherapy in pediatric care, where carefully selected literature addresses emotional needs alongside medical treatment. By incorporating popular gaming elements familiar to many children, the book creates an accessible bridge to therapeutic themes, potentially reducing anxiety and isolation during hospitalization. The placement signals healthcare institutions' increasing awareness of holistic approaches to patient wellbeing that address psychological and emotional dimensions of healing alongside physical care.
