Reviews

The Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks

Only show reviews with written explanations

ainsleysouthern's review against another edition

4.0

This book was really good! I love a good book set in Australia and this one was quite interesting and incite fun.
I loved that it dealt with some heavy topics throughout the novel. It is a very good transition novel between middle grade fiction and young adult fiction.

I would highly recommend for anyone

:)

bookishuniversee's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Audiobook read

recorderkfk's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I hope Danielle Binks writes more books. This debut novel unfolds itself beautifully like a many peddled flower. Or, to borrow an analogy from the book itself a big map. Freddie(Winifred) is a tween dealing with what the author fittingly calls "a redraw of her family map" - she and her stepdad, are welcoming her stepdad's new partner, who is expecting, and her son Sam into their new family.

In addition to the family landscape changing, Freddy's hometown must deal with the ramifications of operation Safe Haven, based on true events when Australia took in refugees from Kosovo in 1999.

Binks deftly balances multiple intertwined relationships in a way that brings the concepts of refugees, opposing opinions, immigration, colonialism, grief and family systems and much more in an accessible sphere for both kids and parents without sentiment or sugarcoat.

The result, is a moving, inspiring read that challenges us to reconsider the maps we follow.

Content Warnings

esshgee's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Lovely children's story about families and fitting in, dealing with loss, and Kosovo refugees living at the Point Nepean Quarantine Station

gillyreads's review

Go to review page

A very moving well-crafted story. I loved the way Freddy's interest in maps was utilised as a thread through the story as a way to make sense of both her immediate world and the world more broadly. It really connected a lot of the themes together in a way that was appropriate for younger readers while respecting them enough to explore complex and deep topics.

Personally I found the story very relatable. I was a few years younger than these characters in 1999 and don't really remember anything about Kosovo refugees or the war, but have visceral memories of learning about refugees being locked up on Christmas Island and how incomprehensible it was that we could be treating people like this. I think children's indignation at injustice is very valuable, and love how this book demonstrates that.

I didn't love that Luca was a cop, I just personally think sympathetic cop characters are unnecessary. Like make them a fireman or SES or something.

Content Warnings