Monday, May 23, 2011

A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell–ADVISABLE

Sandell, Lisa Ann A Map of the Known World, 288 pgs. Scholastic Press, 2011. $8.99. Sexual Content-PG
Cora's life has been shattered by the death of her older brother Nate. Her parents are like walking shells of their former selves, her best friend is changing for the worse, and she is nervous to start High School. Cora really just wants to leave her small town and experience the world. Once school starts she jumps into her artwork and finds new friends. Cora even finds herself becoming friends with Damian, her brother’s best friend who was in the car when he died, enemy number 1 to her parents. Can Cora find a way to heal herself and her family?
I would like to nominate this book for the ‘cheesiest last paragraph’ award. Besides that I really enjoyed this story of how a young girl comes to terms with her grief and finds a way to make it a tool for healing. The characters are interesting and the story is an authentic good balance of emotions and action.
MS, HS –Advisable. Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

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