About This Book
The Last Mapmaker is a captivating middle grade fantasy novel that follows 12-year-old Sai, an ambitious mapmaker's assistant in the Kingdom of Mangkon. Posing as a high-born lady, Sai joins her master on an expedition to chart uncharted southern waters. As the journey progresses, Sai uncovers not only her own hidden potential but also the dark, imperialistic true intentions behind the voyage. The book masterfully weaves an exciting adventure with profound themes of anti-imperialism, classism, environmental preservation, and the exploitation of natural resources, making it a powerful read for children aged 10-14.
Joining an expedition to chart the southern seas, twelve-year-old mapmaker's assistant Sai, posing as a well-bred young lady with a glittering future, realizes she's not the only one on board harboring secrets when she discovers the ship's true destination.
peril_danger
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Sai's secret identity affect her choices and relationships throughout the journey?
2
The book explores themes of classism and colonialism. What examples did you see, and how did they make you feel?
3
What does it mean to be a 'mapmaker' in this story, beyond just drawing lines on paper?
4
How do the characters in the story show resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges?
5
What lessons can we learn from Sai's journey about honesty, justice, and environmental responsibility?
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