Reading Response: Mystery and Adventure

The Last Mapmaker

Soontornvat, C. The Last Mapmaker. Candlewick Press, 2022. 368 pages. Tr. $17.99, ISBN 9781536204957

This Thai influenced fantasy is based in the fictional kingdom of Mangkon. In this novel our protagonist, Sai is a twelve year old girl who is an apprentice who lies about her social background in order to better her circumstances. The plot holds the reader's attention. We see Sai have to overcome various obstacles in order to succeed in her adventure. From dealing with an alcoholic father, losing her life savings, escaping being thrown overboard a ship, floating on a crate and even finding a dragon, the nonstop action keeps the plot propelling forward!

As the story progresses Sai's character evolves as well. As a mapmaker in training, she was excited to explore and find the Sutherlands that was rumored to have dragons. In the beginning she wants to prove herself and not let her past define her. She learns that exploration has consequences. She learns that Mangkon is exploiting resources and having colonial dynamics within the smaller islands. Mangkon sees other islanders as less than much like Sai believed herself to be. By the end of the novel we see Sai's growth. The conflict and her adventures made her realize she cannot erase her past and makes it apart of her. She learns to right the wrongs and becomes a better version of herself. She ends up making a map that will hopefully discourage others from traveling to the Sutherlands. She does this to try to avoid colonization and conquerors. 

Verdict: Readers will not be bored with this action packed adventure! The quick moving plot and twists will keep readers entertained and wondering what will happen next!

Three Times Lucky

Turnage, S. Three Times Lucky. Puffin Books, 2013. 336 pages. Tr. $9.95, ISBN 9780803736702

Moses (Mo) was found floating in a river as an infant. She longs to find her biological mother, whom she calls her upstream mother. Mo lives in a small town where privacy is a luxury. She works at the only cafe in town with her friend Dale, This seemingly boring town takes a turn when a murder is committed. Worried that her adoptive dad (The Colonel) and her friend Dale will be charged with the crime, Mo jumps into action by trying to solve the murder. The action really does keep the plot moving! No sooner than when Mo decides to start her investigation, her dad and mom (Miss Lana) get kidnapped. The kidnapper asks for $300,00 for their release. Then Mo' dad escapes and they must find a way to save Miss Lana. The tension of the book is lead through scenes like these that really keep the reader on their toes. These are only a few of the action sequences that carry the reader through a journey of mystery and adventure.

The plot of this text definitely holds the reader's interest. A murder in a children's book is almost unheard of! With first person writing that flows and lines that make you laugh, this text will have you turning its pages. With lines like "Mr. Li started Karate Night at the café two years ago . . . I enjoy kicking others but would do better in an art that allows spitting" and "I wouldn’t say stole . . . But I did borrow it pretty strong", a reader is sure to be entertained. The targeted reader is 9 to 11 year olds. I would say depending on the reader's maturity this book may be a little much for some children. It not only mentions murder and kidnapping but has a scene where Dale is forced to pull out a shotgun due to the villain's (Mr. Macon) physical and verbal violence against others. One of the main character changes we see is in Mo, as the story concludes with her being content with her loving adoptive parents and not worrying about finding her biological mother because she knows she is loved. 

Verdict: This mystery and adventure book is sure to keep reader entrained and on their toes. Due to the mature content, the targeted audience of 9 year olds may need to be made aware of some of the above mentioned scenes. Otherwise this book is entertaining and puts value on the importance of family and friends.