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The Map Trap

Illustrated by Dan Andreasen

About The Book

This map-tastic middle grade story from Andrew Clements gives the phrase “uncharted territory” a whole new meaning!

Alton Barnes loves maps. He’s loved them ever since he was little, and not just for the geography. Because maps contain more information than just locations, and that’s why he likes to draw them as well as read them. Regular “point A to point B” ones, sure, but also maps that explain a whole lot more—like what he really thinks about his friends. And teachers. Even the principal.

So when Alton’s maps are stolen from his locker, there’s serious trouble on the horizon…and he’ll need some serious cartographic skills to escape it.

From “a genius of gentle, high-concept tales set in suburban middle schools” (The New York Times), this stand-alone story is off the charts.

About The Author

Photo Credit:

Andrew Clements (1949–2019) was the author of the enormously popular Frindle. More than 10 million copies of his books have been sold, and he was nominated for a multitude of state awards, including a Christopher Award and an Edgar Award. His popular works include About Average, Troublemaker, Extra Credit, Lost and Found, No Talking, Room One, Lunch Money, and more. He was also the author of the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series. Find out more at AndrewClements.com.

About The Illustrator

Dan Andreasen is the illustrator of numerous picture books, including By the Dawn’s Early Light: The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner by Steven Kroll, which was named an ABA Kids’ Pick of the Lists and a Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies; A Quiet Place by Douglas Wood; and Sailor Boy Jig by Margaret Wise Brown. He has also authored several picture books, including With a Little Help from Daddy and A Special Day for Mommy. Dan lives with his family in Medina, Ohio.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (July 22, 2014)
  • Length: 144 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781416997290
  • Ages: 8 - 12

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Awards and Honors

  • Iowa Children's Choice Award Nominee
  • William Allen White Children's Book Award Reading List (KS)
  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Intermediate Title
  • Volunteer State Book Award Nominee (TN)
  • Virginia Readers' Choice Award List
  • Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award Nominee (AR)
  • Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Nominee (MD)
  • Gate City Book Award Nominee (NH)
  • Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee
  • Horned Toad Tales List (TX)
  • Wisconsin State Reading Association's Reading List

Resources and Downloads

More books from this author: Andrew Clements

More books from this illustrator: Dan Andreasen