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  • Mapmakers and the Lost Magic (Mapmakers #1)

Mapmakers and the Lost Magic
(Mapmakers #1)

Publication Date
April 26, 2022
Genre / Grade Band
Fiction /  4th − 5th
Language
English
Format
Graphic Novel
Mapmakers and the Lost Magic (Mapmakers #1)

Only 3 copies currently available
Description

A young girl finds herself faced with an impossible choice--run away from her beloved valley, or unleash a hidden magic and become a Mapmaker to save her home from its new overlords.

For centuries, the Mapmakers kept peace in the Valley, but they've long since disappeared. Now the Night Coats hold power with an iron grip--there are only rules, punishments, and consequences. Until one night, on the run from the Night Coats (again), after breaking another rule (again), Alidade stumbles upon a secret door leading to a magical hideaway that belongs to the Mapmakers. There, she finds a map of her home and accidentally brings to life Blue, a magical creature called a memri who is meant to protect the Valley. Blue needs Alidade's help to find the Mapmakers and save the Valley from the Night Coats!

But the Mapmakers are long gone.

Alidade has a choice: leave the Valley like she's always wanted...or become a Mapmaker and save the only home she's ever known. This is the first book in a thrilling series of adventures where Alidade discovers the world around her as she goes on a fantastical journey.

Publication date
April 26, 2022
Genre
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593172872
Lexile Measure
280
Publisher
Random House Graphic
Series
Mapmakers
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV008040 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Action & Adventure
JUV008080 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Fantasy
Library of Congress categories
Adventure and adventurers
Magic
Maps
Graphic novels
Cartoons and comics

Kirkus

A quaint tale of courage and friendship brimming with a fruitful sense of whims.... Intriguingly good.

ALA/Booklist

This is a debut graphic novel for both author and artist, and readers will look forward to the continuation of this new series.

Publishers Weekly

In this auspicious series starter, a debut for both creators, Alidade Rose lives in tiny Alden, whose close-knit population toils under the militaristic ruling Night Coats' strict watch. Tired of endless drudgery, Alidade sneaks into the restricted lands around town, dreaming of running away to explore the world. The accidental discovery of a secret lodge in the woods leads Alidade to a mysterious map; a magical talking bird, Blue, who rises from it; and the lost history of the mapmakers, who once "sought to better understand the world and share that knowledge with others." With Blue's help, Alidade has the potential to become a mapmaker--and to set the town and herself free. Castillo's muted, earthy palate and rough hatchwork reflect the story's natural setting, while relationships developed through Chittock's dialogue, particularly between unflagging Alidade and level-headed best friend Lewis (both portrayed with light brown skin, as is much of the cast), add character depth. With a clever magical system that emphasizes tenets of authenticity and artistry as sources of power, this adventure about "embracing the challenge" offers a fresh perspective. Back matter builds out the world with scrapbook pages and activities. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Cameron Chittock
Cameron Chittock is a writer from northeast Ohio. He grew up surrounded by siblings, wildlife, and comics of all kinds. Cameron's writing is possible thanks to patient teachers, encouraging friends, and a supportive family. His favorite stories are those of heroes and friendship. Cameron previously edited comics, including titles such as Mech Cadet Yu, the Eisner Award-nominated graphic novel New World, and Jim Henson's The Power of the Dark Crystal. He now lives in New England and works in education. When he's not writing, he enjoys coaching basketball, reading giant fantasy books, and sitting by the pond with his family. Mapmakers and the Lost Magic is his debut graphic novel.

Amanda Castillo is a comic artist, illustrator, and storyteller, born and raised in the Bay Area in California. Having grown up inspired by piles of manga, games about friendship and adventure, and the endless wonders of the California outdoors, Amanda went on to study illustration to hone a skill set to tell warm and heartfelt stories that could be enjoyed and remembered by someone like you! After getting into the comics world through working with Youth in Decline, Amanda has since contributed to publishers such as BOOM! Studios, Lion Forge, and now Random House Graphic. In addition to making comics, Amanda has shown work in galleries domestically and helped judge annual comics awards. When not making comics, Amanda enjoys spending time with friends and loved ones, making warm and hearty meals, learning to tend to plants, and taking in the lovely moments the world has to offer. Mapmakers and the Lost Magic is their debut graphic novel.
Other Books In Series:

Mapmakers

Mapmakers and the Lost Magic (Mapmakers #1)
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