What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mapmaker and the Ghost
Goldenrod Moram loves adventure, especially when it comes in the form of mapmaking. An avid fan of the legendary explorers Lewis and Clark, she decides to start her own exploring team, the Legendary Adventurers, and to spend her summer vacation discovering the unmapped forest right behind her home. This simple task is complicated by a series of unique events-a chance encounter with a mysterious old lady has her searching for a legendary blue rose. Another, more unfortunate, encounter lands her in the middle of a ragtag bunch of nicknamed ruffians. Throw in the trapped spirit of Meriwether Lewis himself and her well-meaning but nuisance of a little brother, and Goldenrod Moram is in for the quest of a lifetime . . .
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2012
6 people are currently reading
1501 people want to read
About the author
Sarvenaz Tash
11 books367 followersSarvenaz Tash is the author of of nine novels (and counting) for kids, young adults, and adults including The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love, A Whole Song and Dance, and The Queen of Ocean Parkway. Her books have won awards and recognition from the Junior Library Guild, the American Library Association, Amazon, Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly to name a few. She was born in Tehran, Iran and grew up on Long Island, NY. She received her BFA in Film and Television from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, which means she got to spend most of college running around and making movies (it was a lot of fun). Sarvenaz currently lives in Brooklyn, NY with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 29, 2013
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book and blazed through it in one day. Not only was it a great quest-driven book, but it was hilarious and had me snorting and laughing throughout. Goldenrod is one of those plucky, take-charge characters who you naturally root for and her little brother proves to be a very worthy (and sweet) sidekick. I'm sure this book will be enjoyed by all kids, because who doesn't love an adventure? Wonderful debut and I'm sure we'll see much more from this author!
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you or order at IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978080...
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you or order at IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978080...
March 21, 2012
THREE WORDS: Fabulous, Fantastical Fun
MY REVIEW: A plucky heroine, a daring quest, a ragtag group of outrageously named misfits, an elegant ghost, and thrilling adventure? Yep, Sarvenaz Tash’s MG book The Mapmaker and the Ghost has all of this and then some!
Eleven year old Goldenrod Moram loves maps, a good quest and her idols, the explorers Lewis and Clark. What starts out to be an ordinary, boring summer turns into a something so much more as Goldenrod sets out to make the most accurate and detailed map of her hometown, Pilmilton. A mysterious old lady, a quest for a blue rose, the ghost of Meriwether Lewis, a group of ingenious troublemakers and one pretty cool little brother come together to set into motion a grand adventure for our intrepid explorer Goldenrod.
I had SO much fun reading this book! Sarvenaz Tash has created a truly unique, imaginative and special story. With a fantastically fun story full of non-stop adventure, compelling characters and superb writing, The Mapmaker and the Ghost is a definite delight.
I found this to be a quick read and read it one sitting; I was simply too enchanted to put it down. The story is easy to fall into and I was more than a little sad when it was over. Fast paced and action packed the story will hold the attention of even younger readers from beginning to end. Tash’s writing and voice are pitch-perfect for her intended MG audience: clever, fun, humorous and a bit whimsical.
Tash’s main character, Goldrenrod Moram, is a gem of a character that sparkles and shines. Goldenrod is so wonderfully crafted; she’s refreshing, relatable, spirited, and definitely one of a kind. There’s something so charming about Goldenrod’s mapmaking and exploring hobby and her choice of idols. And I think Goldenrod’s thirst for adventure and excitement will connect with readers of all ages, but especially younger readers.
Tash’s entire cast of characters is awesome and impossible to forget. Goldenrod’s little brother, Birch, is endearing and surprisingly very non-annoying for a little brother. The mysterious old lady by the woods and the ghost of Meriwether Lewis make for really likable and entertaining grown-up characters, while Goldenrod’s parents and fifth-grade teacher are kind of amusingly absurd in the way that younger readers often prefer authoritative characters to be. And then of course, there’s the Gross-Out Gang- the eclectic band of misfits that live in the forest. The Gross-Out Gang consists of six of the most awesomely and aptly nicknamed characters ever: Spitbubble, Brains, Lint, Snotshot, Toe Jam and No-Bone.
Seriously, Tash has come up with some of the best and most unforgettable character names I’ve come across in a long time. I really do adore the names and I think the book’s intended audience will as well because younger readers tend to be drawn to the more whimsical and fantastical things in life. I know when I think of all the MG books I love and loved as a child, the ones that stand out most are the ones with unusual character and/or setting names.
Goldenrod’s quest for the blue rose and her adventure going up against the Gross-Out Gang is full of excitement, laughs and fun twists and turns that will keep readers eagerly turning pages, and the book ends with a heartwarming conclusion that will satisfy readers and make them smile.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Goldenrod is character that readers, like myself, will simply fall in love with and will want to go on a thousand more adventures with and The Mapmaker and the Ghost is a book that readers of all ages will gobble up like cupcakes. A definite must read!
MY REVIEW: A plucky heroine, a daring quest, a ragtag group of outrageously named misfits, an elegant ghost, and thrilling adventure? Yep, Sarvenaz Tash’s MG book The Mapmaker and the Ghost has all of this and then some!
Eleven year old Goldenrod Moram loves maps, a good quest and her idols, the explorers Lewis and Clark. What starts out to be an ordinary, boring summer turns into a something so much more as Goldenrod sets out to make the most accurate and detailed map of her hometown, Pilmilton. A mysterious old lady, a quest for a blue rose, the ghost of Meriwether Lewis, a group of ingenious troublemakers and one pretty cool little brother come together to set into motion a grand adventure for our intrepid explorer Goldenrod.
I had SO much fun reading this book! Sarvenaz Tash has created a truly unique, imaginative and special story. With a fantastically fun story full of non-stop adventure, compelling characters and superb writing, The Mapmaker and the Ghost is a definite delight.
I found this to be a quick read and read it one sitting; I was simply too enchanted to put it down. The story is easy to fall into and I was more than a little sad when it was over. Fast paced and action packed the story will hold the attention of even younger readers from beginning to end. Tash’s writing and voice are pitch-perfect for her intended MG audience: clever, fun, humorous and a bit whimsical.
Tash’s main character, Goldrenrod Moram, is a gem of a character that sparkles and shines. Goldenrod is so wonderfully crafted; she’s refreshing, relatable, spirited, and definitely one of a kind. There’s something so charming about Goldenrod’s mapmaking and exploring hobby and her choice of idols. And I think Goldenrod’s thirst for adventure and excitement will connect with readers of all ages, but especially younger readers.
Tash’s entire cast of characters is awesome and impossible to forget. Goldenrod’s little brother, Birch, is endearing and surprisingly very non-annoying for a little brother. The mysterious old lady by the woods and the ghost of Meriwether Lewis make for really likable and entertaining grown-up characters, while Goldenrod’s parents and fifth-grade teacher are kind of amusingly absurd in the way that younger readers often prefer authoritative characters to be. And then of course, there’s the Gross-Out Gang- the eclectic band of misfits that live in the forest. The Gross-Out Gang consists of six of the most awesomely and aptly nicknamed characters ever: Spitbubble, Brains, Lint, Snotshot, Toe Jam and No-Bone.
Seriously, Tash has come up with some of the best and most unforgettable character names I’ve come across in a long time. I really do adore the names and I think the book’s intended audience will as well because younger readers tend to be drawn to the more whimsical and fantastical things in life. I know when I think of all the MG books I love and loved as a child, the ones that stand out most are the ones with unusual character and/or setting names.
Goldenrod’s quest for the blue rose and her adventure going up against the Gross-Out Gang is full of excitement, laughs and fun twists and turns that will keep readers eagerly turning pages, and the book ends with a heartwarming conclusion that will satisfy readers and make them smile.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Goldenrod is character that readers, like myself, will simply fall in love with and will want to go on a thousand more adventures with and The Mapmaker and the Ghost is a book that readers of all ages will gobble up like cupcakes. A definite must read!
April 26, 2012
Sarvenaz Tash's debut, THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST, is a delightful adventure that made me smile all the way through. Goldenrod is a wonderful protagonist--smart, strong, caring, and just a little rebellious--such a refreshing change from some of the "wilting flowers" of recent fiction. After her little brother, Birch, becomes her unwitting accomplice in a mapmaking exercise, the pair finds themselves on a ghost-given quest, solving mysteries, escaping caves, and eluding the members of the Gross Out Gang. Despite their disgusting names and penchant for diabolic schemes, even these bullies learn a few lessons along the way and manage to surprise.
The writing is lively and poetic at times, the pace is brisk, and the voice is spot-on and very funny--perfect for reading aloud to young audiences (and older ones, too!). I loved the themes about bravery, kindness, family, tenacity, and girl power! This book belongs in any library or classroom.
I read an ARC of this book through an author ARC exchange.
The writing is lively and poetic at times, the pace is brisk, and the voice is spot-on and very funny--perfect for reading aloud to young audiences (and older ones, too!). I loved the themes about bravery, kindness, family, tenacity, and girl power! This book belongs in any library or classroom.
I read an ARC of this book through an author ARC exchange.
July 19, 2014
My husband who has taught 1st graders for 18 years used to whisper in my ear when our daughter was a hell-on-wheels three-year-old, "Barb get sad, not mad." Which of course made me so mad I wanted to rip his eyeballs out. But he was right. And I knew it. I did learn to be sad, not mad (only had one relapse when she turned 13, but that is another story).
Goldenrod's teacher, Mrs. Barbroff also gets mad not sad. When she witnesses Goldenrod stabbing a pencil through a bully's backpack and spearing his protein drink so it explodes like a fountain, she actually screeches like a seagull and lectures Goldenrod that she will turn into a hoodlum. Mrs. Barf ,as Goldenrod likes to refer to her, is militant and doesn't understand how to get students to think about their actions. Luckily Goldenrod's mom and dad are different and tell her they are disappointed with her behavior and ground her for a week. Only problem is they don't follow through either and Goldenrod talks her mom out of her grounding after one day. But it isn't surprising. Goldenrod can be charming and kind or strong and stubborn when she sets her mind to it.
Goldenrod misses her friend Charla who has moved away suddenly. The two pretended they were Lewis and Clark and would make maps and explore. Goldenrod decides she is going to map out the town and when she nears the forest she meets an old woman who sends her on a quest to find a rare blue rose. Goldenrod meets a ghost who helps her and a gang of gross and kooky kids who thwart her quest. When her brother gets in trouble the two team up and battle through all sorts of adventures.
I found the beginning interesting although I wasn't sure this tiny girl was strong enough to stab through a backpack and plastic bottle. I thought that maybe she could with a knife but not a sharp pencil. But no biggie, I could overlook that. The parents were kind of ditzy but enduring in their own way. The relationship between Goldenrod and her brother was real too. When the story shifts to the group of goofy boys and snot-blasting sharpshooter girl I lost interest. I think kids will love the gross humor but the characters didn't interest me. I also thought they were stereotypical with the orphan boy who has been in too many foster homes and wanted to belong and the neglected rest of the crew. I did like that Goldenrod shows kindness to the bully when she didn't have to.
Lewis and Clark is studied in 5th grade and that is the age of Goldenrod. A reader can glean a few nonfiction facts about the explorers but not much. I got a kick out of the ghost when he scared Snotshot into putting the rose where he wanted. There are also a lot of play on words and names that are humorous. The story shines in parts and lacks in others. I look forward to more books by this author as she keeps improving her craft. A good story for elementary-aged kids.
Reading level 6.4
Goldenrod's teacher, Mrs. Barbroff also gets mad not sad. When she witnesses Goldenrod stabbing a pencil through a bully's backpack and spearing his protein drink so it explodes like a fountain, she actually screeches like a seagull and lectures Goldenrod that she will turn into a hoodlum. Mrs. Barf ,as Goldenrod likes to refer to her, is militant and doesn't understand how to get students to think about their actions. Luckily Goldenrod's mom and dad are different and tell her they are disappointed with her behavior and ground her for a week. Only problem is they don't follow through either and Goldenrod talks her mom out of her grounding after one day. But it isn't surprising. Goldenrod can be charming and kind or strong and stubborn when she sets her mind to it.
Goldenrod misses her friend Charla who has moved away suddenly. The two pretended they were Lewis and Clark and would make maps and explore. Goldenrod decides she is going to map out the town and when she nears the forest she meets an old woman who sends her on a quest to find a rare blue rose. Goldenrod meets a ghost who helps her and a gang of gross and kooky kids who thwart her quest. When her brother gets in trouble the two team up and battle through all sorts of adventures.
I found the beginning interesting although I wasn't sure this tiny girl was strong enough to stab through a backpack and plastic bottle. I thought that maybe she could with a knife but not a sharp pencil. But no biggie, I could overlook that. The parents were kind of ditzy but enduring in their own way. The relationship between Goldenrod and her brother was real too. When the story shifts to the group of goofy boys and snot-blasting sharpshooter girl I lost interest. I think kids will love the gross humor but the characters didn't interest me. I also thought they were stereotypical with the orphan boy who has been in too many foster homes and wanted to belong and the neglected rest of the crew. I did like that Goldenrod shows kindness to the bully when she didn't have to.
Lewis and Clark is studied in 5th grade and that is the age of Goldenrod. A reader can glean a few nonfiction facts about the explorers but not much. I got a kick out of the ghost when he scared Snotshot into putting the rose where he wanted. There are also a lot of play on words and names that are humorous. The story shines in parts and lacks in others. I look forward to more books by this author as she keeps improving her craft. A good story for elementary-aged kids.
Reading level 6.4
Read
December 29, 2011I don't read a lot of middle grade books, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST. This is kind of an area of books that I skipped over almost entirely since by middle grade I was reading romance novels and Sweet Valley High books. With that said, I find Sarv to be very funny, and I couldn't wait to see if they came across in her book.
I'm so happy to say it did. I was reading a copy that has exchanged hands between several Class of 2k12ers. We write comments to the author in the margins, and the comments were loaded with LOLs, smiles and other indicators that (a) we all have a juvenile sense of humor and (b) the author does an amazing job at making us all feel like kids again.
The characters in the novel are so fun to read about. Goldenrod, the intrepid explorer, with her quest to map her town. Her little brother who just wants to be brave enough for his sister to let him come along on her adventures. And then there's the Gross Out Gang, a group of runaway kids who have formed a gang and made a home in the forest Goldenrod is exploring.
There's just enough danger to make you worry for their safety - the Gross Out Gang is up to no good and led by a very bad teen - but not enough to worry a parent who watches over their child's reading material. Mostly, though, kids are going to love the Gross Out Gang with their gleefully disgusting habits and kids will adore Goldenrod and her little brother as they try to outsmart the gang. Really great fun!
A big thumbs up for a rollicking adventure!
Full disclosure: I picked up this ARC from the author as we are Class of 2k12 sibs, Sarvenaz Tash.
I'm so happy to say it did. I was reading a copy that has exchanged hands between several Class of 2k12ers. We write comments to the author in the margins, and the comments were loaded with LOLs, smiles and other indicators that (a) we all have a juvenile sense of humor and (b) the author does an amazing job at making us all feel like kids again.
The characters in the novel are so fun to read about. Goldenrod, the intrepid explorer, with her quest to map her town. Her little brother who just wants to be brave enough for his sister to let him come along on her adventures. And then there's the Gross Out Gang, a group of runaway kids who have formed a gang and made a home in the forest Goldenrod is exploring.
There's just enough danger to make you worry for their safety - the Gross Out Gang is up to no good and led by a very bad teen - but not enough to worry a parent who watches over their child's reading material. Mostly, though, kids are going to love the Gross Out Gang with their gleefully disgusting habits and kids will adore Goldenrod and her little brother as they try to outsmart the gang. Really great fun!
A big thumbs up for a rollicking adventure!
Full disclosure: I picked up this ARC from the author as we are Class of 2k12 sibs, Sarvenaz Tash.
May 12, 2012
THE MAPMAMAKER AND THE GHOST is funny, exciting, quirky, and supremely clever. I loved the fairy-tale quality (enchanted flowers! quests! caves!) and the classic storytelling voice, mixed with contemporary dialogue and situations that kids will find relatable (getting along with siblings, dealing with the pain of having a friend who's moved away). I especially love how our heroine, Goldenrod Moram, sets out to map her entire neighborhood and gets drawn into a mysterious forest near her house; I love the idea of adventure awaiting in one's own backyard (or just beyond). Guest appearances by Meriweather Lewis (yes, the famous - and long deceased -- explorer) are especially fun, and a group of rebellious kids plotting bad deeds in the woods (the Gross-Out Gang -- and boy are they gross!) adds suspense. A sparkling read, a gem of a book.
November 4, 2011
I can't wait to get my own copy of The Mapmaker and the Ghost. This is one that I'm dying to re-read with my boys. They're going to love this story. Mapmaker has all the components of a great middle grade book, starting with the fact that it's funny. The cool part, is that that the humor is written with multiple layers. It's "gross" and slap-stick, to amuse the MG reader and equally as intelligent and quirky for the adult reading out loud. The characters and the plot are grounded in truth, making them believable and relatable, but the magical realism makes everything unique and very interesting. To top it all off, the reader gets to learn a little bit about maps and history along the way. I know the minute my kids finish reading this book, they'll be out in the woods, having adventures and making maps of their own. I can't ask for more than that.
August 16, 2011
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST by Sarvenaz Tash and I highly recommend this clever adventure! Middle-grade boys and girls, parents, teachers and librarians will love the colorful mix of characters, especially our heroine, Goldenrod, whose love of exploring leads her into all sorts of danger. Readers will be inspired to grab a compass and set off on their own quest after finishing this wonderful debut.
May 14, 2012
Originally posted on my blog.
First Sentence: "Goldenrod Moram had a first name that sounded like it belonged in the middle of a fairy tale, where she would be the dazzling princess in need of rescuing."
Review:
See that first sentence up there? Well, Tash totally hooked me with that and the remainder of the first paragraph in which we learn how Goldenrod is not much like her name sounds, and just what she thinks about princesses. From that amusing beginning, The Mapmaker and the Ghost amused and impressed me all the way through, never once losing my attention.
This is one of those books that definitely makes me wonder why I don't read more middle grade fiction. I mean, I know why I don't; it's because a lot of middle grade can make an older reader want to headdesk because the kids spend chapters trying to solve simple riddles. THIS is not one of those books, and Goldenrod is not one of those heroines.
Speaking of Goldenrod, she is totally fabulous. I'm pretty sure that if I had to choose one word to describe her it would be something like 'precocious' or 'cheeky.' She's clever and spunky, and I'm sure she will grow up to be a delightfully snarky girl. In fact, Goldenrod is just the type of just graduated fifth grader who might be obsessed with explorers Lewis & Clark, enough so that she wants to create a map of her town. All kids get obsessed with things like that, by which I mean seemingly weird and random tasks, but not every kid has the dedication of Goldenrod (I sure didn't). There is no doubt in my mind that she will go on to do amazing things.
The quest plot line for the rose was fun and mingled well with the other happenings, although I was slightly worried for a time that these might not come together properly. Thankfully, the strings do get all tied up in the end. The world as depicted here has little to do with reality (hello, ghost of Meriweather Lewis!), but it's hugely fun and humorous. Actually, the sassy ghost had me flashing back a little bit to the ghosts from another Apocalypsies book, Croak by Gina Damico. I apparently love sassy ghosts. I know something new about myself now.
Now that the rather serious things are on the way, we can talk about the really gross stuff, the fun things that you really don't get in YA. Tash has a ton of that in here. You get snot, puns, the fuzz between toes, and belly button lint, among other gross things. There's also Barf, although that's actually a teacher's name, which, adult though I may technically be now, made me laugh EVERY TIME.
My favorite quirk of the book, though, was actually the weird food concoctions that everyone in Goldenrod's family seem to whip up, and maybe even some other folks too. It's like this town, or at least the coolest people in it, have discovered a whole new world of food combinations. Maybe Goldenrod will go on to become an explorer of the palate and of taste sensations. :-p Seriously, watch for these, because they are hilarious and mixed throughout. Some sounded atrocious and some, horrendously picky eater though I am, sounded pretty tempting, like this one: a peanut butter, strawberry and cheerios sandwich. That may have potential.
Tash's debut is clever, unique and fantastical, basically everything I hope for a middle grade book to be. If middle grade fiction is something you enjoy, you would be doing yourself a disservice missing out on this one.
First Sentence: "Goldenrod Moram had a first name that sounded like it belonged in the middle of a fairy tale, where she would be the dazzling princess in need of rescuing."
Review:
See that first sentence up there? Well, Tash totally hooked me with that and the remainder of the first paragraph in which we learn how Goldenrod is not much like her name sounds, and just what she thinks about princesses. From that amusing beginning, The Mapmaker and the Ghost amused and impressed me all the way through, never once losing my attention.
This is one of those books that definitely makes me wonder why I don't read more middle grade fiction. I mean, I know why I don't; it's because a lot of middle grade can make an older reader want to headdesk because the kids spend chapters trying to solve simple riddles. THIS is not one of those books, and Goldenrod is not one of those heroines.
Speaking of Goldenrod, she is totally fabulous. I'm pretty sure that if I had to choose one word to describe her it would be something like 'precocious' or 'cheeky.' She's clever and spunky, and I'm sure she will grow up to be a delightfully snarky girl. In fact, Goldenrod is just the type of just graduated fifth grader who might be obsessed with explorers Lewis & Clark, enough so that she wants to create a map of her town. All kids get obsessed with things like that, by which I mean seemingly weird and random tasks, but not every kid has the dedication of Goldenrod (I sure didn't). There is no doubt in my mind that she will go on to do amazing things.
The quest plot line for the rose was fun and mingled well with the other happenings, although I was slightly worried for a time that these might not come together properly. Thankfully, the strings do get all tied up in the end. The world as depicted here has little to do with reality (hello, ghost of Meriweather Lewis!), but it's hugely fun and humorous. Actually, the sassy ghost had me flashing back a little bit to the ghosts from another Apocalypsies book, Croak by Gina Damico. I apparently love sassy ghosts. I know something new about myself now.
Now that the rather serious things are on the way, we can talk about the really gross stuff, the fun things that you really don't get in YA. Tash has a ton of that in here. You get snot, puns, the fuzz between toes, and belly button lint, among other gross things. There's also Barf, although that's actually a teacher's name, which, adult though I may technically be now, made me laugh EVERY TIME.
My favorite quirk of the book, though, was actually the weird food concoctions that everyone in Goldenrod's family seem to whip up, and maybe even some other folks too. It's like this town, or at least the coolest people in it, have discovered a whole new world of food combinations. Maybe Goldenrod will go on to become an explorer of the palate and of taste sensations. :-p Seriously, watch for these, because they are hilarious and mixed throughout. Some sounded atrocious and some, horrendously picky eater though I am, sounded pretty tempting, like this one: a peanut butter, strawberry and cheerios sandwich. That may have potential.
Tash's debut is clever, unique and fantastical, basically everything I hope for a middle grade book to be. If middle grade fiction is something you enjoy, you would be doing yourself a disservice missing out on this one.
April 21, 2012
In an effort to tame my tbr list, I have tried to become increasingly picky and I confess that while interested in this, I originally skipped over it on Netgalley in order to focus on YA titles. But then I saw that Small Review had gotten it (she's a bad influence ;) and I decided that I must read it too. So requested, read, and loved it!
The main character intrepid sixth-grader Goldenrod, so named by her garden-mad mother, has a deep love of maps as well as admiration for explorers Lewis and Clark who passed through what is now her hometown during their expedition. For a summer project, Goldenrod decides to make a map of that town that will include absolutely everything. She can present this to her best friend, who had to move away, and it will help occupy her time during her summer vacation. Of course, it would be better to explore brand-new territory entirely but this may be her best chance for adventure.
Until she sets off on her quest and discovers: a mysterious old lady who tells her about a rare species of rose, the ghost referenced in the title, and a gang of young hoodlums, for lack of a better word. Despite the "civilization" in which she resides, it seems like Goldenrod will be able to have an adventure after all!
This was such a cute book, leaving me absolutely charmed. Goldenrod is a fun kid; I appreciate her offbeat interest in maps and her dedication to doing right during her encounter with the gang. She has a sense of humor and is good to her family. In short, Goldenrod is an excellent main character. But she is joined by a quirky cast to supplement the charms. I especially enjoyed the ghost and Goldenrod's younger brother who idolizes his older sibling, as he ought.
Overall: A sweet and delightful story that is sure to capture your attention-great for a lazy afternoon read!
The main character intrepid sixth-grader Goldenrod, so named by her garden-mad mother, has a deep love of maps as well as admiration for explorers Lewis and Clark who passed through what is now her hometown during their expedition. For a summer project, Goldenrod decides to make a map of that town that will include absolutely everything. She can present this to her best friend, who had to move away, and it will help occupy her time during her summer vacation. Of course, it would be better to explore brand-new territory entirely but this may be her best chance for adventure.
Until she sets off on her quest and discovers: a mysterious old lady who tells her about a rare species of rose, the ghost referenced in the title, and a gang of young hoodlums, for lack of a better word. Despite the "civilization" in which she resides, it seems like Goldenrod will be able to have an adventure after all!
This was such a cute book, leaving me absolutely charmed. Goldenrod is a fun kid; I appreciate her offbeat interest in maps and her dedication to doing right during her encounter with the gang. She has a sense of humor and is good to her family. In short, Goldenrod is an excellent main character. But she is joined by a quirky cast to supplement the charms. I especially enjoyed the ghost and Goldenrod's younger brother who idolizes his older sibling, as he ought.
Overall: A sweet and delightful story that is sure to capture your attention-great for a lazy afternoon read!
October 19, 2011
I loved this book! Let me preface this by saying I don't read a ton of MG--most of it doesn't appeal to me, but I've been super interested in this book since I saw the wicked cute cover. I managed to sneak a peek at an ARC, and I wasn't disappointed by this wonderful story.
Goldenrod is looking for a summer of adventure in her suburban mid-west town; her best friend has moved away and she's on her own, which isn't so bad for an intrepid explorer. Following in the footsteps of her hero, Meriwether Lewis, she decides to make a map of her town. After a few false starts and a Labradoodle she's pretty sure is a previously discovered animal, she decides the forest is the best place to start her map and possibly even discover an animal or plant that the world has never seen, and thus become a famous explorer.
Only she stumbles across the dastardly endeavors of the Gross Out Gang, a group of kids hiding out in the forest that embrace their gross habits and have evil fun while doing it. Soon enough, Goldenrod and her little brother Birch get caught in their crosshairs, and it will take the ghost of Meriwether Lewis, the legend of a magical, undiscovered rose, and Goldenrod's lovably geeky ingenuity to get them out of trouble.
What really struck me about this adorably fun read was that nothing is ever simple, which in turn makes it relatable and accessible. You get to see the redeemable parts of every member of the Gross Out Gang, you get to see Goldenrod really embrace her inner geek (LOVE!!), you get to see a quirky and snuggle-worthy family. And underneath it all is a tons of really fascinating information about Lewis and Clark! What could be better?
Can't say enough about how much I loved this book!
Goldenrod is looking for a summer of adventure in her suburban mid-west town; her best friend has moved away and she's on her own, which isn't so bad for an intrepid explorer. Following in the footsteps of her hero, Meriwether Lewis, she decides to make a map of her town. After a few false starts and a Labradoodle she's pretty sure is a previously discovered animal, she decides the forest is the best place to start her map and possibly even discover an animal or plant that the world has never seen, and thus become a famous explorer.
Only she stumbles across the dastardly endeavors of the Gross Out Gang, a group of kids hiding out in the forest that embrace their gross habits and have evil fun while doing it. Soon enough, Goldenrod and her little brother Birch get caught in their crosshairs, and it will take the ghost of Meriwether Lewis, the legend of a magical, undiscovered rose, and Goldenrod's lovably geeky ingenuity to get them out of trouble.
What really struck me about this adorably fun read was that nothing is ever simple, which in turn makes it relatable and accessible. You get to see the redeemable parts of every member of the Gross Out Gang, you get to see Goldenrod really embrace her inner geek (LOVE!!), you get to see a quirky and snuggle-worthy family. And underneath it all is a tons of really fascinating information about Lewis and Clark! What could be better?
Can't say enough about how much I loved this book!
August 24, 2012
I knew I had to read this book the moment I saw the word mapmaker in the title. Being a lover of geography including maps, I was immediately intrigued. And the book did not disappoint, though I was surprised at the actual storyline. There wasn't as much fantasy as I was expecting, but it does play a strong role in leading Goldenrod into the woods where she not only receives her quest but runs into The Gross-Out Gang. The name of the gang is a big clue that there is a good amount of gross humor involved, and there is, but it mostly just made me roll my eyes. I know a lot of kids will get a big kick out of the body humor.
I enjoyed Goldenrod and her tenacity and intelligence. I always enjoy reading about characters who use brains as well as or in place of brawn. After all, not all of us are athletically endowed and have to rely on other talents to solve problems. I liked reading about the different relationships between the characters, both the 'bad guys' (who weren't all bad) and the 'good guys.' But my favorite character, outside of Goldenrod herself, was the mysterious old lady. There is one scene in the book that had me grinning as I read it just because of the humor and unexpectedness of it.
There were plenty of twists and turns, especially with the quest for the blue rose. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the author tossed in another twist which made the book very interesting to read right up through the satisfying ending. I recommend this book to those who enjoy a fun adventure story with just a taste of fantasy.
I enjoyed Goldenrod and her tenacity and intelligence. I always enjoy reading about characters who use brains as well as or in place of brawn. After all, not all of us are athletically endowed and have to rely on other talents to solve problems. I liked reading about the different relationships between the characters, both the 'bad guys' (who weren't all bad) and the 'good guys.' But my favorite character, outside of Goldenrod herself, was the mysterious old lady. There is one scene in the book that had me grinning as I read it just because of the humor and unexpectedness of it.
There were plenty of twists and turns, especially with the quest for the blue rose. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the author tossed in another twist which made the book very interesting to read right up through the satisfying ending. I recommend this book to those who enjoy a fun adventure story with just a taste of fantasy.
July 21, 2012
Review Written by my 10 year old sister
Goldenrod Moram is an adventurous girl who likes maps. She looks up to her idols, the famous explorers Lewis and Clark. As a grounded no-fun week of summer goes by Goldenrod wants to draw a map of her town, Pimilton. First she decides to do the west, then thinking better of it she decides to do the dense forest.
While at the edge of the forest she meets an old woman named Cassandra. Cassandra sets Goldenrod on an adventurous quest. The next day she sets out with the quest in mind, the quest is to find a blue rose in three days time. As the quest unravels Goldenrod faces many things in the forest, from a very polite ghost to a group of orphaned and runaway kids. Will Goldenrod take this adventure on?
This book is as good as any. Sarvena Tash added a lot of humor and weird names, that had me snorting with laughter! As I was reading this book I just couldn't put it down. And there were a bunch of times where I was at the edge of my seat. I really liked how determined Goldenrod was, and the adventure she always dreamed of. I decided to give this book 5 stars. This book is recommended for all adventure lovers. As Goldenrod says, "You won't find adventure in your backyard, you have to go a little further!"
Goldenrod Moram is an adventurous girl who likes maps. She looks up to her idols, the famous explorers Lewis and Clark. As a grounded no-fun week of summer goes by Goldenrod wants to draw a map of her town, Pimilton. First she decides to do the west, then thinking better of it she decides to do the dense forest.
While at the edge of the forest she meets an old woman named Cassandra. Cassandra sets Goldenrod on an adventurous quest. The next day she sets out with the quest in mind, the quest is to find a blue rose in three days time. As the quest unravels Goldenrod faces many things in the forest, from a very polite ghost to a group of orphaned and runaway kids. Will Goldenrod take this adventure on?
This book is as good as any. Sarvena Tash added a lot of humor and weird names, that had me snorting with laughter! As I was reading this book I just couldn't put it down. And there were a bunch of times where I was at the edge of my seat. I really liked how determined Goldenrod was, and the adventure she always dreamed of. I decided to give this book 5 stars. This book is recommended for all adventure lovers. As Goldenrod says, "You won't find adventure in your backyard, you have to go a little further!"
June 29, 2014
Here's what I liked about this book:
1. the idea of a kid who has a plan, a grand plan, and sets off on a quest to achieve it. As a child I ALWAYS loved to read about kids who seemed to be doing bigger, more important things. Goldenrod has a dream to map the entire forest behind her home and I love that it never occurs to her to doubt herself. She just does it. Who can resist that?
2. The way the author weaves magic and reality. It's not quite magical realism. It's not quite paranormal. Surreal might be the best term? It's a mostly ordinary town with mostly ordinary things happening... except for the occasional ghost, natural-object-with-magical-properties, or mysterious elderly lady with something to hide.
3. Middle grade often focuses on questions of friendship and this book is no exception. Watching the relationships change among the rag-tag group of kids in this book is true, sweet, and fun.
1. the idea of a kid who has a plan, a grand plan, and sets off on a quest to achieve it. As a child I ALWAYS loved to read about kids who seemed to be doing bigger, more important things. Goldenrod has a dream to map the entire forest behind her home and I love that it never occurs to her to doubt herself. She just does it. Who can resist that?
2. The way the author weaves magic and reality. It's not quite magical realism. It's not quite paranormal. Surreal might be the best term? It's a mostly ordinary town with mostly ordinary things happening... except for the occasional ghost, natural-object-with-magical-properties, or mysterious elderly lady with something to hide.
3. Middle grade often focuses on questions of friendship and this book is no exception. Watching the relationships change among the rag-tag group of kids in this book is true, sweet, and fun.
May 15, 2012
I have been very fortunate to have been in on this book since the very beginning. Being close friends with Sarvenaz Tash has many perks. One of which is being fortunate enough to read her works in progress. I have always loved Goldenrod and the adventures she has in Mapmaker and the Ghost. Each edit was better than the last and this final edit (in gorgeous Hardcover with beautiful design and illustrations) is my favorite yet. I have literally read this book over a dozen times in its different edits and I still could not put it down when I read my hardcover copy. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.
April 5, 2013
I read this in the original hardback. The Mapmaker and the Ghost is an intriguing mystery-adventure story that keeps unfolding, with an assortment of interesting characters and plot developments. While it is aimed at younger readers, it is well-written and proved to be a fun read for me as an adult. As such, I think it's a book that parents and teachers would actually LIKE to read along with their children / students.
April 10, 2012
That was amazing! I tried to take it slow to make it last longer, but by the last hundred pages I just couldn't wait to see what happened. Excellent twists and turns in the plotting, great humor, characters that I cared about, and an incredibly satisfying ending. You can't ask for more than that!
May 31, 2012
What a fun story! I loved everything about Goldenrod--she is an absolute joy. The fact that her heroes are Lewis and Clark only makes me love her more. This is a story full of all the things middle grade readers love: great characters, sibling relationship, friendship, adventure, a gang and a ghost, and a dash of map-making and exploration thrown in for good measure. I LOVED this story!
August 4, 2011
Delightful and clever middle-grade adventure story with lovable characters and fantastic plot twists. I enjoyed every minute of this book and can't wait for it to come out next Spring so other people can read it!
March 1, 2012
This is one great MG novel. It's a book that kids are going to devour--boys and girls! It's got adventure, great characters, twists in the plot, and a quick pace. Don't miss this one! Highly recommended!!
April 23, 2012
What a cute book. Goldenrod is a fantastic character. I laughed out loud while reading. I love MG books, always looking for one to read with my child. I think both boys and girls will love this book.
September 19, 2013
My 3 yr old handed this to me at the library and demanded that I put it in our library bag. Turns out it was a lot of fun and would be great to read aloud to kids in elementary school. I especially enjoyed the relationship between the main character and her 8 yr old little brother.
July 30, 2012
An excellent debut novel for a YA author.
A passion for maps and adventure in her own town! Well written with a lively plot. I look forward to reading Sarvenaz Tash's next book.
A passion for maps and adventure in her own town! Well written with a lively plot. I look forward to reading Sarvenaz Tash's next book.
April 15, 2021
This was a very fun read. Loved the humor in this. I even loved how some of the villain kids were made sympathetic and understandable and even had a chance to heal and do better at the end!
Only thing I didn’t like was the weird romanticization of Lewis and Clark????? Pick any mapmaker. Make one up. Why Lewis and Clark as heroes? Yuck. Not in my house. There is a brief mentioning of Native Americans and Sacajawea.... but it’s mostly smoothed over so we could glorify Lewis. I didn’t understand it.
Other than that I really enjoyed the book. The ghost part was fun. Just chill and talk to the ghost in the woods, no big deal lol!
I recommend this book! I definitely like how the sympathy for the cruel actions of the “bad kids” is not excused but definitely understood and they have a chance to heal the hurt they caused even though it doesn’t change the past. Very cool! I’d love to see more stories that incorporate cooperation and healing like this. It strikes me as a very powerfully feminine/feminist characteristic of the narrative—very forgiving and healing and progressive way of handling things for the better. To be brave like the “stubborn Goldenrod” flowers and our protagonist—to be brave but also kind. To always move forward and look ahead and not behind.
Only thing I didn’t like was the weird romanticization of Lewis and Clark????? Pick any mapmaker. Make one up. Why Lewis and Clark as heroes? Yuck. Not in my house. There is a brief mentioning of Native Americans and Sacajawea.... but it’s mostly smoothed over so we could glorify Lewis. I didn’t understand it.
Other than that I really enjoyed the book. The ghost part was fun. Just chill and talk to the ghost in the woods, no big deal lol!
I recommend this book! I definitely like how the sympathy for the cruel actions of the “bad kids” is not excused but definitely understood and they have a chance to heal the hurt they caused even though it doesn’t change the past. Very cool! I’d love to see more stories that incorporate cooperation and healing like this. It strikes me as a very powerfully feminine/feminist characteristic of the narrative—very forgiving and healing and progressive way of handling things for the better. To be brave like the “stubborn Goldenrod” flowers and our protagonist—to be brave but also kind. To always move forward and look ahead and not behind.
June 20, 2023
Fun YA fiction from the view of a girl who is about to embark to middle school, her best friend has just moved away, and school is rough. Without her best friend at her side, she convinces her parents to let her go outside her normal stomping grounds, and her entire plan is to develop a map of the town she lives in. What she ends up encountering instead, is an adventure and thrill that is more than she could have ever imagined.
June 30, 2025
Charming! I loved this book.
March 13, 2017
Tash has proven herself a master at sweet YA romances, so I was very intrigued to see what she would do in a middle grade adventure book. Fortunately, she proved just as adept at the different genre, crafting a story with spunky and realistic kids getting up to all sorts of shenanigans. I loved how the story tied in to Lewis & Clark, and I thought the book did a good job providing all its characters with backstories that really fleshed them out. It’s a tough trick to pull off so many POV characters, but this book does it well.
Also, it was refreshing to read a MG novel (a somewhat fantasy one at that) and not have the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Sometimes kids just have adventures, even with ghosts, that don’t impact the globe… and it’s nice to read that in between the battles for the fate of humanity.
Also, it was refreshing to read a MG novel (a somewhat fantasy one at that) and not have the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Sometimes kids just have adventures, even with ghosts, that don’t impact the globe… and it’s nice to read that in between the battles for the fate of humanity.
July 2, 2020
Adventure-loving Goldenrod Moram has a passion for cartography, an interest she shares with best friend Charla. Goldenrod is feeling pretty stuck in life once summer arrives. Charla's family has moved a state away and Goldenrod is grounded for repeatedly getting in trouble at school. Then inspiration strikes! She gets the idea to convince her parents (using the old "isn't it important for me to explore and socialize?" tactic) to let her spend this summer before 6th grade mapping the entirety of her hometown of Pilmilton.
Goldenrod tries to start her project downtown but quickly becomes overwhelmed with the sense that her moves are being scrutinized by passing townspeople. She decides to shift gears and start instead with mapping Pilmilton Woods, the forested area behind her house. Diving into what she believes must be previously uncharted wilderness, Goldenrod feels just like her heroes, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark!
Just inside the woods, Goldenrod comes upon a house she doesn't recall ever seeing before, and there she meets an elderly woman who sends her on a quest to find a rare blue rose said to bloom only once every fifty years. It's rumored there's a bush growing in a clearing within the forest but the woman explains her arthritis won't let her make the journey. Excited by the possibility of being able to claim discovery of the rose, Goldenrod happily agrees to seek out this precious flower. But her plans are derailed as soon as she witnesses her little brother being kidnapped by a gang of Pilmilton delinquents. What's their intent behind this crime? As Goldenrod seeks out answers to all these mysteries, her investigations will have her crossing paths with the spirit of a famous historical figure.
This is absolutely perfect summer reading, offering lighthearted elements of mystery, history, humor -- both in general and middle grade specialty (talk of snot, toe jam, etc) varieties. It's fun to read of a creative, industrious brother-sister team embracing adventure and exploration while also taking on bad guys and outwitting them. While they may start out having the usual differences and bickering of siblings, in the end they learn to appreciate each other and work as a team. And as a fan of both history AND cheeky paranormal stories, I loved the early 19th century sass of this ghost!
Goldenrod tries to start her project downtown but quickly becomes overwhelmed with the sense that her moves are being scrutinized by passing townspeople. She decides to shift gears and start instead with mapping Pilmilton Woods, the forested area behind her house. Diving into what she believes must be previously uncharted wilderness, Goldenrod feels just like her heroes, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark!
Just inside the woods, Goldenrod comes upon a house she doesn't recall ever seeing before, and there she meets an elderly woman who sends her on a quest to find a rare blue rose said to bloom only once every fifty years. It's rumored there's a bush growing in a clearing within the forest but the woman explains her arthritis won't let her make the journey. Excited by the possibility of being able to claim discovery of the rose, Goldenrod happily agrees to seek out this precious flower. But her plans are derailed as soon as she witnesses her little brother being kidnapped by a gang of Pilmilton delinquents. What's their intent behind this crime? As Goldenrod seeks out answers to all these mysteries, her investigations will have her crossing paths with the spirit of a famous historical figure.
This is absolutely perfect summer reading, offering lighthearted elements of mystery, history, humor -- both in general and middle grade specialty (talk of snot, toe jam, etc) varieties. It's fun to read of a creative, industrious brother-sister team embracing adventure and exploration while also taking on bad guys and outwitting them. While they may start out having the usual differences and bickering of siblings, in the end they learn to appreciate each other and work as a team. And as a fan of both history AND cheeky paranormal stories, I loved the early 19th century sass of this ghost!
July 5, 2012
When your name is Goldenrod, how can you not be destined for amazing adventures? Saddle up to join a courageous young adventurer on a quest unlike anything you've ever seen before!
Eleven year old Goldenrod Moram (named for her mother's favorite hobby) is an adventurer at heart. She shines off the page! Her thirst for adventure is infectious, and I loved that her hobby was so different from most other young people When her best friend moves away, Goldenrod sets off to make the most detailed map of her hometown ever! After all, that is what her idols Lewis and Clark did. Little does Goldenrod know that an adventure awaits her, deep in the woods of her very own town.
To be honest, Tash’s entire cast of characters is simply fabulous. My favorite was Goldenrod’s little brother, Birch. A sweet boy, his relationship with his older sister was so adorable! It's not very often that you see a little brother character who looks up to his older sister so much. When they get involved with the Gross-Out Gang, a group of ragtag misfits who love to be gross, Goldenrod and Birch show what they are really made of. It has been a while since I've seen a brother and sister duo who were so in tune. It made reading this book so much fun!
Fast paced and filled with twists and turns, this is a story that will hold the attention of readers of all ages. I read through it in one sitting! Tash’s writing is right on target for her intended audience, but she doesn't speak down to them either. I picked up a lot of facts while reading. Learning and being part of a quest? Who could ask for more? Goldenrod’s quest for the blue rose mixes wonderfully with her battle against the Gross-Out Gang and this book just flies by.
If you have a young reader at home who is looking for an adventure, pick up a copy of The Mapmaker and the Ghost as quick as you can! Goldenrod and her friends are waiting to take you on their quest.
Eleven year old Goldenrod Moram (named for her mother's favorite hobby) is an adventurer at heart. She shines off the page! Her thirst for adventure is infectious, and I loved that her hobby was so different from most other young people When her best friend moves away, Goldenrod sets off to make the most detailed map of her hometown ever! After all, that is what her idols Lewis and Clark did. Little does Goldenrod know that an adventure awaits her, deep in the woods of her very own town.
To be honest, Tash’s entire cast of characters is simply fabulous. My favorite was Goldenrod’s little brother, Birch. A sweet boy, his relationship with his older sister was so adorable! It's not very often that you see a little brother character who looks up to his older sister so much. When they get involved with the Gross-Out Gang, a group of ragtag misfits who love to be gross, Goldenrod and Birch show what they are really made of. It has been a while since I've seen a brother and sister duo who were so in tune. It made reading this book so much fun!
Fast paced and filled with twists and turns, this is a story that will hold the attention of readers of all ages. I read through it in one sitting! Tash’s writing is right on target for her intended audience, but she doesn't speak down to them either. I picked up a lot of facts while reading. Learning and being part of a quest? Who could ask for more? Goldenrod’s quest for the blue rose mixes wonderfully with her battle against the Gross-Out Gang and this book just flies by.
If you have a young reader at home who is looking for an adventure, pick up a copy of The Mapmaker and the Ghost as quick as you can! Goldenrod and her friends are waiting to take you on their quest.
July 19, 2014
I read my advance copy nearly a year after it came out (sorry!) but I wish I hadn't waited! Goldenrod and Birch have a good sibling relationship - somewhat adversarial in everyday happenings, but when someone threatens her little brother Goldenrod is the first to defend and fiercely. Some of the characters seemed a bit stock, like the evil-seeming, constantly misunderstanding teacher, the bullies, and the parents who seem not to notice anything is going on their children's lives - however, that is how you have a children's book! No kid's adventure plots include parents who are in the know regarding the dangers their kids are facing.
However, just because the characters are all pretty standard - after all, it is a school-age mystery - they are well done. The kooky old lady sending Goldenrod on a quest, the bullying kids, the nicknames, the teasing names, and the mental jumps in logic that kids make, those all seemed very real and very genuine.
I'm not entirely sure where Pilmilton is, although it sounds like it is in the Northwest, and since Meriwether Lewis is involved, I rather think it has to be. I like a local mystery where the children involved learn more about the history of the place they live.
I would definitely pass this on to an elementary teacher as a base for a school project about learning local history and unplugging from the ever present tablets and video games.
However, just because the characters are all pretty standard - after all, it is a school-age mystery - they are well done. The kooky old lady sending Goldenrod on a quest, the bullying kids, the nicknames, the teasing names, and the mental jumps in logic that kids make, those all seemed very real and very genuine.
I'm not entirely sure where Pilmilton is, although it sounds like it is in the Northwest, and since Meriwether Lewis is involved, I rather think it has to be. I like a local mystery where the children involved learn more about the history of the place they live.
I would definitely pass this on to an elementary teacher as a base for a school project about learning local history and unplugging from the ever present tablets and video games.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews