The Mapmakers' Race
#1 in The Mapmakers Series
What’s inside...
Four children temporarily lose their parents just as they are about to begin the race that offers their last chance of escaping poverty. Their task is to map a rail route through an uncharted wilderness. They overcome the many obstacles posed by nature—bears, bees, bats, river crossings, cliff falls, impossible weather—but can they survive the treachery of their competitors? This is a fast-paced and charming novel. Its children are brave and competent but not always right. Its world is magical enough to be intriguing but close enough to our own to keep the reader on firm ground.
Character compass
Sal Santander
Joe Santander
Francie Santander
Beckett Santander
Humphrey Santander
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the Santander children to take part in the race, and how would you feel in their situation?
How do the characters in the book work together to overcome obstacles? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What role does the map play in the story? How do you think the story would change if there was no map?
How do the children in the book show bravery and resourcefulness? Which character do you admire the most and why?
If you were to create a map of your own adventure, what would it look like and what challenges would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the Santander siblings, asking them how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about times they have had to collaborate to achieve a common goal.
Highlight the use of the map in the story as a tool for problem-solving and ask your child how they use tools in their everyday life to solve problems.
Praise examples of bravery and resourcefulness in the story, and relate them to instances in your child's life where they showed similar traits.
Use the story's setting and challenges to inspire creative thinking. Ask your child to draw or describe an adventure they would like to embark on.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Mapmakers' Race,' the children work together to navigate through challenging terrains and unforeseen obstacles during the race.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities and learning to cooperate with peers to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The siblings in the book frequently encounter problems that require quick thinking and resourcefulness, such as finding paths through difficult landscapes.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these skills at school during group projects or in daily life when facing any kind of challenge.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Despite various hardships, the main characters continue to pursue their goal of completing the map and winning the race.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in their endeavors, whether it be completing a difficult school assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of adaptability
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters often have to adapt to new environments and situations, showing flexibility.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being adaptable in changing circumstances, such as moving to a new school or adjusting to any new changes in life.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The task of map-making in the race encourages the characters to use their imagination and think creatively to navigate the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children learn to utilize their creativity in problem-solving and to express themselves through various forms of art and creative writing.