Mapmaker - by Lisa Moore Ramée (Paperback)

About the Book

When Walt and his family relocate to Blackbird Bay, Walt thinks it's the most boring place on earth. While his twin sister, Van, likes to spend her time skateboarding, Walt prefers to hide out in his room and work on his beloved map world, Djaruba. But shortly after their arrival, Walt discovers something extraordinary: He has the ability to make maps come to life. Suddenly his new hometown doesn't seem so boring after all. And when a magical heirloom leaves Walt, his new friend Dylan, and Van stranded in the fantastical world that Walt created, he'll need to harness his new power to get them home. But things are changing. People have gone missing, and it's clear that a malevolent rival to the kingdom--a fellow mapmaker--has nefarious plans for Walt. If he's not stopped soon, Djaruba could become nothing but a shadow of itself or, worse, gone forever. And if a mapmaker can destroy one world, could Earth be next?

Book Synopsis

From Lisa Moore Ramée, author of the Walter Honor Award-winning A Good Kind of Trouble, comes her debut middle grade fantasy--an absorbing, imaginative adventure about a Black boy who has the magical ability to bring maps to life. Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky and A Tale of Magic.

When Walt and his family relocate to Blackbird Bay, Walt thinks it's the most boring place on earth. While his twin sister, Van, likes to spend her time skateboarding, Walt prefers to hide out in his room and work on his beloved map world, Djaruba. But shortly after their arrival, Walt discovers something extraordinary: He has the ability to make maps come to life.

Suddenly his new hometown doesn't seem so boring after all. And when a magical heirloom leaves Walt, his new friend Dylan, and Van stranded in the fantastical world that Walt created, he'll need to harness his new power to get them home.

But things are changing. People have gone missing, and it's clear that a malevolent rival to the kingdom--a fellow mapmaker--has nefarious plans for Walt. If he's not stopped soon, Djaruba could become nothing but a shadow of itself or, worse, gone forever. And if a mapmaker can destroy one world, could Earth be next?

Review Quotes

"In an ambitious fantasy, Lisa Moore Ramée [explores] themes of gender norms and racism through a fantasy adventure with friendship elements. A creative story of embracing one's prowess." - Publishers Weekly

"The world building is inventive and cleverly constructed, but the heart of this novel is Walt's evolution into a boy who knows his potential is boundless, regardless of where he is or who he encounters." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Gripping from the opening line, A Good Kind of Trouble is a tender, insightful, and unique look at what it means to stand up for what you believe in and be brave. Shay is the type of heroine who inspires us all to take a stand." - Jay Coles, author of Tyler Johnson Was Here

"Shay's voice is so genuine -- she practically walks off the page. This is an important book, and an incredible debut." - Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Medal-winning author of Hello, Universe

"In her first fantasy for young readers, Lisa Moore Ramée puts her distinctively authentic tween characters into a world where magic glimmers underneath the surface, creating an inventive fantastical adventure that explores the many ways to be tough and how powerful having a big imagination can be." - Anne Ursu, author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy

"Ramée's fast-paced debut centering on a Black protagonist engagingly leaves gaps for the reader to fill in with their own creativity and imagination, and themes of pushing against gendered expectations give the story emotional weight. A perfect fit for fans of Kwame Mbalia's Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky." - Booklist

"This is an exciting adventure full of friendship and heart with a likable nerdy-Black-kid protagonist.... Readers will enjoy the well-drawn characters as well as the fantastical landscapes and imaginative creatures in Walt's magical world." - Horn Book Magazine

"Readers will be absorbed as they explore fantastical worlds through his curious and enthusiastic eyes. An exciting and imaginative read." - Kirkus Reviews

"Something to Say is an ode to family and friendship, a call to action, all housed in a story about a girl who finds the courage to face her fears and use her voice to speak up about the people and places that matter to her most. With tenderness, wit, and charm, Ramée creates unforgettable characters that readers will no doubt relate to and root for." - Renée Watson, author of Some Places More Than Others

PRAISE FOR A GOOD KIND OF TROUBLE: "Full of heart and truth, A Good Kind of Trouble has all of the making to be this generation's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Much like Cassie Logan, Shayla's experiences, pitfalls, and triumphs will inspire young people for years to come. It is a well-written page turner with a voice that stays with you long after you put the book down." - Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give

"Ramée effectively portrays the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and the difficulty of navigating complex social situations while conveying universal middle school questions about friendship, first crushes, and identity. Shay's journey is an authentic and engaging political and personal awakening." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Shayla navigates the world of middle school and the troubled world beyond with wit and endless heart. A timely, funny, and unforgettable debut about friendship, facing your fears, and standing up for what's right." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Reminiscent in writing style to works by Lauren Myracle and Jason Reynolds, this novel [shows] Shayla's typical middle school problems, then switches to the very specific problems she faces as a young black girl in America...[For] middle grade readers who aren't yet ready for Thomas's The Hate U Give." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Shayla's narration is both sympathetic and acutely realistic... this is a sensitive exploration of contemporary racism and inequity for a readership not ready for Thomas' The Hate U Give." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

PRAISE FOR SOMETHING TO SAY: "A timely, entertaining, unforgettable story about family, friendship, and finding your voice." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This is a compelling story about friendship, fighting for what you believe in, and finding your voice. A first purchase for middle grade collections." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Ramée creates a number of convincing characters with depth and individuality.... This satisfying novel revolves around civic engagement, family relationships, and an unexpected but ultimately welcome friendship." - ALA Booklist