Monday, October 31, 2011

The Map of Me by Tami Lewis Brown

2011/160pgs



Rating: 3/5 Stars

About the Book: When Peep and Margie arrive home to find a note on the fridge from Momma that says only "I have to go" Margie is convinced that she knows where Momma went. Momma has to be at the International Poultry Hall of Fame to find the Henny Penny Coin Bank to complete her chicken collectables. It's up to Margie to find her and bring her home. So Margie finds an extra key to Daddy's Faithful Ford and Margie and her younger sister are off in search of Momma. As Margie sets off on a trip to find Momma, Margie discovers she may be learning more about herself as well.

Sarah Teenlibrarian Says: The Map of Me is a short middle grade novel that has a nice emotional family story. The book is 150 pages, so I think it could easily be used as a classroom read aloud.

Margie is full of spunk and she doesn't realize how funny she is. Although Margie is the oldest, she feels overshadowed by her sister Peep, who is super smart and been moved up to sixth grade-Margie's grade. I thought this gave the book an interesting dynamic, because you don't often see older siblings who feel overlooked by the younger ones. Margie has a hard time seeing her own worth because she feels that Peep is the perfect one that everyone loves, but throughout her journey, Margie learns more about herself.

The story isn't spoon-fed to the reader and there's a lot to be inferred-especially with the storyline with Momma. There are some things that aren't really resolved, but left to the reader to decide how they turn out. Because of this, I think this would be a good book to read in a group setting and discuss with readers-it would be interesting to hear their thoughts on Margie, Peep, Momma and Daddy.

The Map of Me is a quick read with two memorable sisters on a heartwrenching journey of self discovery.

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