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backpackingbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
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
4.25
The Year the Maps Changed is a wholesome coming-of-age story that tugs at the heartstrings and explores themes of displacement, family, identity, and trusting your inner compass. Having lost her mum at a young age and never knowing her biological dad, Fred is struggling to find her place in a family with her adopted dad, his new girlfriend, her son, and a new baby on the way. During this time, Fred learns that hundreds of Kosovo refugees fleeing the Yogoslavia war will be staying in her town and befriends some of them, only to make a decision later that could have severe consequences for all involved.
This was a really lovely middle-grade read that also tackled some difficult themes really well. The story was thoroughly researched and I thought the Kosovo angle added a layer of authenticity and impact to the novel. It is a great story for teaching readers to be kind and welcoming, and the importance of providing a safe haven for those that need it.
I loved the use of map metaphors to explain stages in Fred's life and also the geographical concepts of how maps change and don't always represent the truth. There are lots of takeaways that children and adults alike can get out of this book. I, for one, didn't know anything about the Kosovo refugees and appreciated learning about that part of history. The audio was highly engaging and I would definitely recommend listening for those that enjoy short and easily digestible audiobooks.
Rating breakdown
This was a really lovely middle-grade read that also tackled some difficult themes really well. The story was thoroughly researched and I thought the Kosovo angle added a layer of authenticity and impact to the novel. It is a great story for teaching readers to be kind and welcoming, and the importance of providing a safe haven for those that need it.
I loved the use of map metaphors to explain stages in Fred's life and also the geographical concepts of how maps change and don't always represent the truth. There are lots of takeaways that children and adults alike can get out of this book. I, for one, didn't know anything about the Kosovo refugees and appreciated learning about that part of history. The audio was highly engaging and I would definitely recommend listening for those that enjoy short and easily digestible audiobooks.
Rating breakdown
- Plot/narrative - 4.1
- Writing style/readability - 4.1
- Characters - 4.3
- Diverse themes - 4.4
- Ending - 4.1
Overall - 4.2
thewanderinggrouch's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Great little book. Nice nippets of Australian 90s nostalgia. Beautiful story. The only qualm I have is that the pov is so young, but unbelievably wise. I do wish it was based more around a young teenager
_erb_'s review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
numbat's review against another edition
hopeful
sad
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? Yes
3.0
tattooedlibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
suspiciouspinecone's review
5.0
Yes, I am counting this as old enough to be historical. If I wasn't born yet, it's historical.
Moving on from my dubious shelving decisions...this book is fantastic. Just, a really, really good and heartbreaking book. DO NOT LET THE CUTE COVER TRICK YOU INTO THINKING THIS BOOK IS FUN AND CUTE. IT IS NOT FUN AND CUTE. IT RIPPED OUT MY HEART AND ATE IT IN FRONT OF ME.
A very good book. Highly recommended.
CW: Death, pregnancy complications, sexual assault (but only if you're aware that's a thing, otherwise you won't notice)
Moving on from my dubious shelving decisions...this book is fantastic. Just, a really, really good and heartbreaking book. DO NOT LET THE CUTE COVER TRICK YOU INTO THINKING THIS BOOK IS FUN AND CUTE. IT IS NOT FUN AND CUTE. IT RIPPED OUT MY HEART AND ATE IT IN FRONT OF ME.
A very good book. Highly recommended.
CW: Death, pregnancy complications, sexual assault (but only if you're aware that's a thing, otherwise you won't notice)
roaringmamalion's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A very REAL feeling book about a 6th grade girl experiencing major life changes in the midst of learning that refugees from Kosovo will be coming to her small, Australian town. So much change, all at once, feels like too much, but sometimes in the midst of these massive changes, we find ourselves again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Pregnancy, and War
halligomez's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
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? No
5.0
scoutabout's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0