WAW Reviews: The Map Trap and The Night Gardener
Good evening, readers!
Squeaking in a little late for this second installment of William Allen White Wednesdays, but here we are, nonetheless.
The next two books from each list that I have read are The Map Trap by Andrew Clements and The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier. Below you will see a summary of each book as well as my personal thoughts based on what students might say, so you might know what to expect when your readers get ahold of these books.
The Map Trap by Andrew Clements
Summary: Alton Barnes loves maps. He’s loved them ever since he was little, and not just for the geography. Because maps contain more information than just locations, and that’s why he likes to draw maps as well as read them. Regular “point A to point B” ones, sure, but also maps that explain a whole lot more—like what he really thinks about his friends. And teachers. Even the principal. So when Alton’s maps are stolen from his locker, there’s serious trouble on the horizon…and he’ll need some mad cartographic skills to escape it. (Review from Amazon.)
Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed The Map Trap. It was a quick and engaging read, and as with anything by Andrew Clements, the story was quirky, unique, and easy to follow. I'm hoping this book will spark some interest in my students to read more of Andrew Clements because I have not seen many students reading his books, as I have in my other schools. The main character is enjoyable with his obsession of maps and while adults would place him on the spectrum, I think kids will just find him funny. While reading this book I immediately started thinking about how much fun it would be to map out our brains, based on interests, with students. Then as I continued reading I got really excited about the possibility of geocaching with students. I think all readers will enjoy this book!
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
Summary: The Night Gardener follows two abandoned Irish siblings who travel to work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house. But the house and its family are not quite what they seem. Soon the children are confronted by a mysterious spectre and an ancient curse that threatens their very lives. With Auxier’s exquisite command of language, The Night Gardener is a mesmerizing read and a classic in the making. (Review from Amazon.)
Thoughts: Well, this was one interesting book. I had an avid fourth grade reader give it a try at the end of the school year and she said it was very hard to get into, even though she was over 100 pages in. I couldn't agree more with her. Luckily, I was able to listen to the audio book and get through it. To be fair, I don't read fantasy often and this one is full of fantasy elements. (The main storyline is wrapped around a tree that grants wishes to people in the house, but if they give small pieces of their life to the tree... ultimately making them weak to the point of being on death's doorstep.) However, I would be interested to hear the thoughts of someone who is a fantasy reader. I don't see many kids in my school getting through this book due to the length and the lack of a beginning hook.
Have you read either of these books? I would love to hear from you!
As always, if you need a way to track your reading, your students' reading, or just provide them with a new bookmark, head over to my Teachers Pay Teachers William Allen White bookmarks. Enjoy!
Back to the books,
Audra
