The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536204951
Pages: 368
Genres: Adventure
Format: Fiction
Goodreads

From author Christina Soontornvat, “The Last Mapmaker” is a tale of adventure and self-discovery. Sai is a twelve-year-old assistant mapmaker in the country of Mangkon (based off of Thailand); she is clever, ambitious, and resourceful, but she worries about her upcoming thirteenth birthday when everyone will learn that she has no noble ancestors (in this world, ancestry is extremely important). When she is tasked to go on a nautical adventure with the mapmaker, she hopes to prove herself worthy to the kingdom. Adventures ensue and Sai must decide who she really is, and who she can truly trust.

Themes of self-reliance and identity are clear in this seafaring adventure, brought to life by excellent world-building by Soontornvat. Difficult topics, such as poverty, class system, and overusing natural resources are part of the story, but are handled well. Recommended for readers age 9 – 13, this book is a must-buy for your middle grade fantasy collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.