OFF THE MAP, by Meika Hashimoto, Scholastic Press, Nov. 12, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
Two former friends must save themselves after getting separated from their parents on a canoe trip in Alaska in Off the Map, by Meika Hashimoto.
Amos and Marlo have always been best friends. From hiking trips to backyard camp-outs, from playing soccer at the park to sitting together at lunch, they did everything together — until this past school year, when it all fell apart.
Out of nowhere, Amos stopped talking to Marlo, and she has no idea why. Embarrassed and angry, Marlo distracts herself by looking forward to an end-of-year canoe trip with her mom. A special wilderness adventure, just the two of them (and their dog).
But when they arrive at the trail-head in the Alaska wilderness… there’s Amos! Their parents have surprised them with a trip together. Things couldn’t be any worse.
During the trip, Marlo and Amos do their best to avoid each other at all costs… until their parents pair them in a canoe together. When they start arguing, Amos and Marlo don’t notice that the grownups’ canoe has disappeared.
They’ve taken a wrong turn — and they’re heading straight for a waterfall.
Lost in the wilderness, can these two ex-best friends stop fighting long enough to find their way back to safety? —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press
Off the Map is a plausible adventure perfect for fans of the I Survived and Survivor Diaries series.
Meika Hashimoto’s writing is bright and enticing. Her knack for creating well-developed characters is strong. She keeps the stakes high while maintaining interest on a personal level.
Off the Map is a fast-moving and engaging read that middle-graders will gobble up.
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