A Map of the Known World

A Map of the Known World
Lisa Ann Sandell

Cora Bradley feels trapped starting ninth grade in a small town after her older brother Nate died six month earlier in a car crash. Her parents are lost in their grief and offer nothing but severe restrictions on her life outside the school. Cora seeks comfort in art, drawing beautiful maps and imagines herself in exotic places.

Soon she meets Damian, the handsome boy who was in the car with her brother the night of the accident. Their friendship is developing after Damian shows Cora a secret place of art that he and Nate were creating. Cora begins to understand her complicated and troubled brother through his artwork. Both Damian and Cora are damaged after Nate’s death and try to use their artwork to deal with their emotions.

The book is an enjoyable read , a great book to give to younger teens ( 12 and up) without worrying about inappropriate material.

Reviewed by SG