The Map That Breathed [Hardcover]

Melanie Gideon (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up

A mysterious map of another world plunges two friends into the adventure of a lifetime

"Suddenly the map darkened as if someone had dimmed the light.
'Did you see that?' whispered Billy.
A fetid wind came barreling out of the window and sand whipped around in the hole. The two of them watched in astonishment as the map trembled and inhaled.
'It's breathing,' gasped Nora. 'The map is breathing!'"

Nora Sweetkale has a strong feeling that her life is about to change. It starts when she receives a mysterious blank book in the mail. Then she meets Billy, who can make windows that look into other worlds. Through one of these windows they glimpse the lovely island of Sanasaera, where the colorful cats are as big as ponies and the cheerful people love nothing better than a good ear-pulling to clear their heads. Yet in this beautiful place lurks something terrible.

When Nora disappears into this other world, Billy is left to face the evil that has escaped into their own. But he can't do it alone. He must find a way to get Nora back, and quickly, or it may be too late.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-A fast-paced fantasy set in a small town in Rhode Island and in the mysterious land of Sanasarea. Twelve-year-old Nora Sweetkale, the adopted daughter of a single mom, is curious about her father. Billy Nolan, 11, is small for his age, clumsy, and often bullied by others. When Nora receives a mysterious blue book, and Billy discovers that he can create windows into another world, their seemingly chance meeting reveals a connection between them: he is a Gatemaker and she is his Traveler. Through his window, the two friends catch glimpses of Sanasarea and Nora eventually travels to this mysterious place. Their newfound abilities also raise many questions about their pasts. Soon the two are embroiled in a dangerous adventure, as a horrible monster that was imprisoned in a map is unleashed and moves between the two realms. This complex story winds through different times and places, with characters both young and old, some of whom, though well realized, remain shrouded in mystery right to the end. Many questions remain unanswered, but readers will be captivated by this book and will long for a sequel.
Sharon Grover, Arlington County Department of Libraries,
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. When a small, brown package arrives in the mail, 12-year-old Nora Sweetkale senses something important is inside. Still, she doesn't understand how greatly the contents of the package will change her life and other lives both in her own world and in the land of Sansarea. With the help of her new friend Billy, who has the power to make portals, she travels from a cornfield through a doorway into Sansarea, where Molly the Rememberer and Asa the Gatemaker work with her to end and heal the destruction caused by the monstrous Provisioner, who sucks the souls from young children. There's plenty for readers to observe and absorb in this swiftly moving fantasy: strange powers and strong emotions, secrets revealed and destinies fulfilled. Gideon has created an original secondary world and peopled it with many, many sympathetic characters, both children and adults, though the quick shift of the story's focus from person to person diffuses the reader's attachment to any one. Still, this will please fantasy fans who enjoy discovering new, well-imagined lands. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805071423
• ISBN-13: 978-0805071429
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,374,201 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book!, October 6, 2003

By 

"klapuk" (Columbia, CT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Map That Breathed (Hardcover)

Wow! I couldn't put this book down! The characters are real and likeable, just curious enough to get in trouble but smart enough to find a way out. It was a quick read, but satisfying. As a long-time educator, I found it intriguing: beautiful woven passages, sophisticated language yet incredibly readable. It was exciting, emotional and compassionate. I really cared about the characters. I can't wait to share it with my students.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED THIS BOOK, July 10, 2004

By 

Ann Bonney (New Suffolk, Long Island) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Map That Breathed (Hardcover)

It's hard to find an entertaining, smart book for my kids but I saw that this one had won the New York Public Library award for the Teen Age and thought I'd give it a try. I usually skim the books I buy for my two daughters, but this one pulled me in; I read it thoroughly cover to cover. Liz and Beth both loved it and are waiting for the sequel. Hurry, Ms. Gideon! You have young fans on the edge of their seats!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sequel please!!!, July 8, 2004

By 

Christine Christobal "reidunsmom" (Petaluma, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Map That Breathed (Hardcover)

I bought The Map That Breathed to read to my kids who crave stories of adventure. Once we dove in I realized this book and its colorful worlds were something special. Long after the kids fell asleep I followed this talented writer on a surreal journey in and out of doorways to worlds more colorful than our own. We loved the characters, the worlds and the vivid scenery, and can't wait for a sequel so we can find out more about the Nora and Billy, their future travels and the aftermath in the wake of the Provisioner.

I highly recommend this book for kids 7 and up as the villain and his modus operandi maybe a little intense for younger readers.