The Map Trap

Growing up, I read a plethora of Andrew Clements books.  In fact, he was one of my favorite childhood authors so when I walked into the library and saw his newest publication The Map Trap sitting on the shelf, I just knew I had to read it.  The Map Trap was published earlier this year in July of 2014 and was probably one of the easiest books to read that I have ever read. From the start of the story, Clements draws readers in as they instantly feel a connection to the main character Alton Barnes.  Alton Barnes has had a love for creating maps ever since he was as little kid, however his maps are unique in the sense that they do not necessarily serve for the means of directional use.  Rather, his maps also chart other things such as the way he believes his teachers brain is wired and they also expel his true feelings on the people close to him in life.  Alton keeps these maps at school in his locker, however after showing them to one of the cool kids in his class his maps all of a sudden go missing.  The story takes readers on an exploration with Alton as he figures out who indeed stole his maps, however Alton in turn learns a lot
more through the process which illustrates to readers that ones actions do in turn have consequences.

A unique aspect to this modern chapter book is through Andrew Clements use of illustrations periodically within the text.  When studying the illustrations, they are all done in the form of pencil sketches throughout the book and not extremely detailed as they are lacking color and are simply  black and white.  However, the use of pencil sketches allows readers to feel like they are reading one of Altons maps along with him as his maps were most likely drawn in the same sense.  The illustrations allow readers to connect with the text in a deeper sense as well as they can visualize the words that are being written on each page.  Introducing The Map Trap to a classroom would serve as a great novel study as the book engages readers to work along with Alton to figure out who indeed stole the maps.  This novel integrates social studies with literature as well as the curriculum could be structured to integrate a geography lesson along with reading this book.  All in all, The Map Thief is rich in information and could be used in association with many other lessons throughout the classroom.