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A review by gillyreads
The Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks
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.
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
Graphic: Grief and Xenophobia
Moderate: Pregnancy and War
Minor: Car accident, Deportation, and Death of parent