BookDragon Books for the Diverse Reader

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontonvat [in School Library Journal]

*STARRED REVIEW
Thai American and double Newbery Honoree Christina Soontornvat gets culturally and linguistically matched with Thai-fluent, (self-described) “blended” Asian American (of Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese heritage) Sura Siu for engrossing high-seas exploits in search of mythical lands.

For 12-year-old Sai, being Master Mapmaker Paiyoon’s assistant means daily joy in her work and relentless fear of her lowly background being discovered. Joining Paiyoon on a royal voyage to chart southern waters is a dream come true – and not only because she’ll be able to delay her mandated 13th-birthday reveal of her damning lineage. Of course, mutiny wasn’t part of the route.

Siu agilely adapts to a myriad of characters, from tenacious Sai, patient Paiyoon, manipulative father Mud, charismatic Miss Rian; she’s especially entertaining as “curse-slinging” stowaway Bo.

Verdict: Soontornvat’s fans will surely appreciate access via multiple mediums; Siu assures listeners chills and thrills.

Review: “22 Audiobooks Inspired by Fairy Tales and Mythology,” School Library Journal, August 29, 2022

From the introduction: For the latest audio roundup, we turn to titles inspired by fairy tales and mythology, each published in 2022. Rewriting, adapting, subverting the familiar has long been a popular literary trope – who can argue with universal appeal? Cinderella, especially, continues to be an evergreen favorite, appearing in multiple stories, often in surprising permutations. Read (and listen) on!

Readers: Middle Grade

Published: 2022

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