The map trap
(Book)

Seven-year-old Alton, a longtime map enthusiast, finds ways to interpret all kinds of information and observations though mapmaking. With a good heart but few friends, he's used to being a loner. After losing a packet of maps that might make trouble for him at school, Alton finds an unexpected ally in his quest to find them again. Meanwhile, he resolves to square himself with the people whose traits are represented on the missing maps. In the process, he learns the power of an honest apology. The book gets off to a slow start, partly because events initially unfold from a teacher's point of view and partly because Clements tends to tell rather than show in many passages. The narrative becomes more involving when Alton takes center stage, and the mystery plot thickens. Were the maps lost or stolen? Who is the blackmailer? Though some will find the story's ending unsatisfying, Alton is an appealing character in an accessible chapter book.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2014 Booklist

Gr 3-6-Alton Ziegler is crazy about maps. He particularly loves the way they can visually display any manner of information in a variety of ways. Surreptitiously, he collects data and creats humorous maps detailing such trivia as the popularity of lunchroom tables (depicted as a topographical map of the cafeteria) or a weather map of a teacher's clothes. Striped tie today? Look out-the probability of a pop quiz is high. He never meant for anyone to see his collection, but when it's "mapnapped," there's no telling where the road might lead. Keith Nobbs is perfectly cast as the narrator. He creates a pensive Alton that fits the mood of the story. Clements's (In Harm's Way) use of subjective third-person narration is interesting in that the listener is privy to the inner concerns not only of Alton but of his teacher Miss Wheeling as well. Rarely is a teacher's perspective presented with such honesty and clarity in a middle grade novel. Though Nobbs's voice sometimes cracks when portraying female characters, his delivery, nonetheless, is still pleasing and believable. The Map Trap is a thoughtful, holistic look at the middle school environment that will have wide appeal.-Lisa -Taylor, Ocean County Library, NJ (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Seven-year-old Alton, a longtime map enthusiast, finds ways to interpret all kinds of information and observations though mapmaking. With a good heart but few friends, he's used to being a loner. After losing a packet of maps that might make trouble for him at school, Alton finds an unexpected ally in his quest to find them again. Meanwhile, he resolves to square himself with the people whose traits are represented on the missing maps. In the process, he learns the power of an honest apology. The book gets off to a slow start, partly because events initially unfold from a teacher's point of view and partly because Clements tends to "tell" rather than "show" in many passages. The narrative becomes more involving when Alton takes center stage, and the mystery plot thickens. Were the maps lost or stolen? Who is the blackmailer? Though some will find the story's ending unsatisfying, Alton is an appealing character in an accessible chapter book. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.