Map of Flames: The Forgotten Five, Book 1
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Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Map of Flames is the first in a series by Lisa McMann (The Unwanteds, Going Wild). It's about five superpowered kids, ages 10–13, who've grown up in an isolated hideaway under the care of the group's only surviving parent, and who embark on a quest to find two kids' long-disappeared mother. It's complicated: Fifteen years earlier four couples, all with supernatural powers (like invisibility) fled Estero City -- where, shunned and feared for their powers, they all turned to crime to survive, and now were a target for strongman President Fuerte's efforts to lock them all up. Hidden away from the world, they had five children. Over the years, all but one of them left in hopes of returning to Estero City and recovering a lost stash of stolen goods -- and were never seen again. As the adventure unfolds, some skeletons are discovered that probably belong to some of the parents, and other parents prove to be imprisoned. Along the way, the kids deal with issues of jealousy, hurt feelings, self-doubt, and fear, but their bond, teamwork, and powers get them through many perils to an ending that sets up the next installment.
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What's the Story?
The MAP OF FLAMES (protected against would-be thieves by magical fire) depicts Estero City, the hometown of four couples, all of whom have supernatural powers that have kept them from employment and mainstream society their whole lives. All of them turned to crime to survive, and then fled to a remote wilderness hideaway just ahead of President Fuerte's police. Over the next 15 years, they would have the children soon to be known as the Forgotten Five: Birdie, Seven, and Tenner, 13; Cabot, 11; and Brix,10. They all have emerging superpowers of their own, except Cabot, who so far is just incredibly smart. At various points, the parents depart, seeking to return to Estero City, but are never heard from again. Louis, the father of Birdie and Brix, is the sole adult left to care for the extended family. When he dies, he leaves his daughter the map and tells her to go in search of her long-lost mother, who may be at any of a number of spots marked on the map. Also on the map: the last known location of the loot stashed by Louis before they all fled. It's another world to the kids, who will need all their powers and their strong bond to face many perils as the story unfolds, setting up the next book in the series.
Is It Any Good?
Outcasts who band together to triumph over danger and adversity is a favorite theme with Lisa McMann, who's in great form in this tale of superpowered kids seeking their long-lost parents. Launching her new Forgotten Five series, Map of Flames finds the children of supernaturally gifted outlaws on a quest for their long-lost parents, delivering great world-building and relatable characters and emotions, plus thrills, perils, and lots of funny moments. Amid the exciting story, it also raises interesting ethical issues, like how you're supposed to behave in a society that hates and fears you for what you are and what you can do. A lot happens, much is discovered -- and it's all just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting, thought-provoking series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like Map of Flames that involve kids with unusual powers trying to find their way in a world that hates and fears them for who they are. Why is this such a popular theme? Are there any stories you think address this well?
Given a choice between helping a dictator with his criminal schemes or staying in prison forever, what do you think you'd choose? Why?
What superpower do you think it would be really useful to have? What would you do with it?
Book Details
- Author: Lisa McMann
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Superheroes, Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: February 22, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 384
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 21, 2022
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