The Year the Maps Changed

Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey through time and emotions? Look no further than "The Year the Maps Changed" by Danielle Binks. This remarkable middle-grade novel, set in the year 1999, combines the heartwarming storytelling of Wolf Hollow with the thought-provoking themes of The Thing About Jellyfish. Get ready to be transported into a world where a twelve-year-old girl named Fred grapples with the true meaning of home and family amidst a refugee crisis that has divided her town.

"The Year the Maps Changed" has garnered praise from readers and critics alike. Printz Award-winning author Melina Marchetta hails it as "timeless and beautiful," noting that it deserves to be appreciated by people of all ages. This captivating tale will not only entertain and educate younger readers but will also resonate deeply with adults.

Fred's family is anything but conventional, and she strives to make sense of it all. With her birth father absent, her mother deceased, and her stepfather, Luca, expecting a baby with his new girlfriend, Fred longs to find her place in this intricate web of relationships. Guided by her teacher's wisdom, Fred realizes that maps don't always reveal the full picture of our history. As she grapples with her own identity and sense of belonging, she feels like she's being left off the map.

However, Fred's life takes an unexpected turn when her town becomes a safe haven for hundreds of refugees fleeing the war-torn region of Kosovo. This event further divides the community, with some like Luca embracing the opportunity to extend compassion and aid. At the same time, others harbor different opinions, stirring up tension. Amidst these conflicting perspectives, Fred finds solace in befriending some of the refugees.

What begins as simple conversations soon turn into life-altering experiences for Fred and her newfound friends. Their interactions not only challenge Fred's personal map of friends, family, and home but also reshape the entire community. Immerse yourself in this poignant narrative that explores themes of compassion, acceptance, and the power of human connection.

If you are seeking a captivating and relevant read that will transport you back in time and tug at your heartstrings, "The Year the Maps Changed" is the perfect choice for you. Get your copy now and join Fred on her remarkable journey of self-discovery and understanding. Click here to grab your copy now!