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Back on the Map
With their mother long dead and their father unknown, eleven-year-old Penny Porter and her twin brother Parker have been bouncing around foster homes for as long as they can remember. Inspired by the historical figures in her favorite book, Penny likes to imagine who she could be related to. Sacagawea? Her genes would be good ones to have. Or maybe Gandhi, or Harriet Tubman. There are endless possibilities!
But while Penny embraces the question marks in her family tree, she and Porter are both ready for a real home. Living with their aging, ornery Grauntie isn’t easy, but it’s better than other places they’ve been, and they don’t want to get moved again—or worse, split up. Penny believes the key to keeping them from being bounced to another new home is getting their town of New Hope, North Carolina back on the state map. And what better way to do that than to spruce up and sell New Hope’s Finest—an old orphanage that was supposed to reopen years ago as the best attraction ever, but never did.
She’s got the creativity and the gumption to do it. And maybe knowing who you are doesn’t matter so much as knowing what you can do. But will that be enough to finally keep her and Parker in one place for good?
But while Penny embraces the question marks in her family tree, she and Porter are both ready for a real home. Living with their aging, ornery Grauntie isn’t easy, but it’s better than other places they’ve been, and they don’t want to get moved again—or worse, split up. Penny believes the key to keeping them from being bounced to another new home is getting their town of New Hope, North Carolina back on the state map. And what better way to do that than to spruce up and sell New Hope’s Finest—an old orphanage that was supposed to reopen years ago as the best attraction ever, but never did.
She’s got the creativity and the gumption to do it. And maybe knowing who you are doesn’t matter so much as knowing what you can do. But will that be enough to finally keep her and Parker in one place for good?
Unknown Binding
First published June 6, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 26, 2017
This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
There are a lot of books on the market out there about kids living in quirky small towns, learning some valuable lesson about life while trying to overcome a challenge. They often have quite a Southern twang to them. I've liked a few of them, but they often ring rather hollow/cliche for me.
If that category of books is a circle, then Back to the Map is lying on the edge of that circle with part of its body in the circle and part of it outside it. I think it actually gains a lot for keeping the quirkiness a little more contained than some of the other books do. Penny's passion for trading items around town and fixing junk up into art is very fun to read about, and the interesting side characters add fun distractions to the story. The central project of fixing up New Hope's Finest (a decrepit, abandoned orphanage) is very interesting to read about. I never quite could follow Penny's logic that tied selling New Hope's Finest and getting the town back on the map to gaining a forever home there, but I suppose 11-year-olds aren't known for having the soundest reasoning skills.
I think the bits I mainly didn't care for revolved around characters' quirky semi-magic "gifts" that popped up here and there, just because I don't really care for that particular trope. Others might like it more than I did, though. I also didn't really like the depiction of Porter, which offered a rather stereotypical "behaves like he has autism and has special powers" character, but I don't know enough about the issue to know whether it's actually offensive or not.
There was also a plotline about Penny's search for information about her father, whom she and her twin brother Porter have never met because their mother gave birth out of wedlock without him. All they know is that he must have been some dark ethnicity because their mother was white and they look Black. Racism is lightly touched on (Penny thinks her mother's family is extra ashamed that she and her brother were born out of wedlock and dark, and she remembers times when strangers called her a mutt), with a subtlety that I think works well in a book which is really focused on other issues. There are a lot of snippets of information about historical figures who Penny likes to "try on" as potential ancestors on her father's side, which is sweet and sad and educational all at the same time.
Basically, Back on the Map is a sweet, fun read that I enjoyed. It's probably not going on my top twenty favorites list, but that's not really saying much about its quality since I've literally read hundreds (if not thousands) of books. If you're interested in it, then go ahead and read it. You won't be disappointed.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
There are a lot of books on the market out there about kids living in quirky small towns, learning some valuable lesson about life while trying to overcome a challenge. They often have quite a Southern twang to them. I've liked a few of them, but they often ring rather hollow/cliche for me.
If that category of books is a circle, then Back to the Map is lying on the edge of that circle with part of its body in the circle and part of it outside it. I think it actually gains a lot for keeping the quirkiness a little more contained than some of the other books do. Penny's passion for trading items around town and fixing junk up into art is very fun to read about, and the interesting side characters add fun distractions to the story. The central project of fixing up New Hope's Finest (a decrepit, abandoned orphanage) is very interesting to read about. I never quite could follow Penny's logic that tied selling New Hope's Finest and getting the town back on the map to gaining a forever home there, but I suppose 11-year-olds aren't known for having the soundest reasoning skills.
I think the bits I mainly didn't care for revolved around characters' quirky semi-magic "gifts" that popped up here and there, just because I don't really care for that particular trope. Others might like it more than I did, though. I also didn't really like the depiction of Porter, which offered a rather stereotypical "behaves like he has autism and has special powers" character, but I don't know enough about the issue to know whether it's actually offensive or not.
There was also a plotline about Penny's search for information about her father, whom she and her twin brother Porter have never met because their mother gave birth out of wedlock without him. All they know is that he must have been some dark ethnicity because their mother was white and they look Black. Racism is lightly touched on (Penny thinks her mother's family is extra ashamed that she and her brother were born out of wedlock and dark, and she remembers times when strangers called her a mutt), with a subtlety that I think works well in a book which is really focused on other issues. There are a lot of snippets of information about historical figures who Penny likes to "try on" as potential ancestors on her father's side, which is sweet and sad and educational all at the same time.
Basically, Back on the Map is a sweet, fun read that I enjoyed. It's probably not going on my top twenty favorites list, but that's not really saying much about its quality since I've literally read hundreds (if not thousands) of books. If you're interested in it, then go ahead and read it. You won't be disappointed.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2017
Back on the Map will leave your heart warm, your smile spread, and your imagination inspired! Life starts all over again for twins Penny and Parker when school is over and they fear they are going to be shipped off again. They will do anything and everything to stay in the town they HOPE to call HOME. This book is wonderful with the creative aspects and the historical touches, one's brain is filled with so much wonder. As a teacher I can see Art, Soical Studies, and Writing projects streaming off of this! BEAUTIFUL! Oh, Penny, I would like some critters please!
January 2, 2025
A very heartwarming story - I caught myself shedding a few tears because of what Penny and Parker had to go through :( What a great book to start off my new year. I’m really glad this made me feel good again about reading, something I keep struggling with on and off. I just love how full of character the siblings are! I kept praying the best for them. They deserve all the love and happiness in the world. And I’m so happy Penny learned to ask for help and not deem it as being “weak” anymore. Also, I loved the parts where she incorporated the notable historical people into her family tree. “I am the girl who put her town back on the map.” Indeed, you are, girl!
September 21, 2017
“Oh, how I wish Penny Porter from Back on the Map would come to my town with her indomitable spirit and contagious creativity!" I completely agree with author Bibi Belford.
May 1, 2017
Lisa Ann Scott writes that ‘everything you make carries a little bit of you with it’—and I know that a little bit her wonderful novel, Back on the Map, will stay with me forever. From the first page, Penny and Parker Porter will find a place in every reader's heart. Packed with Southern charm, lush characters, and spun with a fresh voice, this delightful story shows that with grit, creativity, and hope, every day can be magical. This book is a gift to read.
May 2, 2017
Penny is a character you will root for starting on page one and her hopes, dreams and determination will carry you right through to the last page. BACK ON THE MAP is a story full of heart and a little bit of magic too--the kind that makes you believe anything is possible.
February 20, 2018
I loved this book! Although it is basically a middle grade book, and I'm clearly not a middle grader... I still really enjoyed it!
I saw in some other reviews that people didn't really like the little touches of "magic" or whatever gifts the children had, but I loved that about them! I do have to say that there weren't many negative things in any of the reviews! That speaks volumes for how good this book is.
I found myself wanting to know the children, especially Penny! I hate the thought of children who feel unwanted. The way, in the beginning of the book, Penny kept waiting to be told they had to move away again, thinking she would get home and her things would be packed up... it broke my heart!
Penny's imagination, determination, and hope made me smile and keep on tuning the pages! I definitely recommend this book. As a matter of fact, I already passed it to my daughter to read and there's someone lined up to read it next!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I saw in some other reviews that people didn't really like the little touches of "magic" or whatever gifts the children had, but I loved that about them! I do have to say that there weren't many negative things in any of the reviews! That speaks volumes for how good this book is.
I found myself wanting to know the children, especially Penny! I hate the thought of children who feel unwanted. The way, in the beginning of the book, Penny kept waiting to be told they had to move away again, thinking she would get home and her things would be packed up... it broke my heart!
Penny's imagination, determination, and hope made me smile and keep on tuning the pages! I definitely recommend this book. As a matter of fact, I already passed it to my daughter to read and there's someone lined up to read it next!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2017
I love all types of books, no matter what category the novel is placed in or what what ages the book may be appropriate. I loved reading this book; I'm not quite a senior citizen, but this novel that is written for a much younger audience has broad appeal to many readers.
I love the characters. I loved their insecurities, the paradoxes within themselves, with each other until they relate to the town itself.
I can imagine one person would walk away after reading this novel and not think about how they would do just even a little thing differently, because you saw it differently through someone else's eyes or something inspired you that aired she is transferable to drive a community together and that's what this book accomplished.
This character driven story leads the way in the way that the spirit of creativity love learning peacefulness and rejuvenation all come together so we realize that were a part of something, and a part of something wonderful.
I love the characters. I loved their insecurities, the paradoxes within themselves, with each other until they relate to the town itself.
I can imagine one person would walk away after reading this novel and not think about how they would do just even a little thing differently, because you saw it differently through someone else's eyes or something inspired you that aired she is transferable to drive a community together and that's what this book accomplished.
This character driven story leads the way in the way that the spirit of creativity love learning peacefulness and rejuvenation all come together so we realize that were a part of something, and a part of something wonderful.
September 24, 2017
My favorite theme in books is hope. I'm a glass half full person. So Back on the Map resonated with me. Everyone can make the little corner where they are a better place and that's just what Penny Parker does. On the surface she's a plucky little girl with a creative spark to better her little corner, but the title doesn't do the book justice. Although Penny’s mission is to put the town on the map, her reasons are more deep seated, and truly finding the missing limbs for her family tree are at the root of her project. Throughout the book are references to important people in history and also themes of restoration, compassion, forgiveness, and resilience.
June 26, 2017
Penny stole my heart right from the beginning of the book. She's a girl who's been handed some tough circumstances in life, yet she keeps a positive attitude and believes that anything is possible.
I loved the additions to her family tree--she's convinced she's related to famous people in history--and the little bits of magic.
Most of all, I loved the beautiful writing. Lines like, "... hoping my wish would wiggle through that bright slice of sky to the part of the universe that made good things happen."
A full-of-heart read for both kids and adults.
I loved the additions to her family tree--she's convinced she's related to famous people in history--and the little bits of magic.
Most of all, I loved the beautiful writing. Lines like, "... hoping my wish would wiggle through that bright slice of sky to the part of the universe that made good things happen."
A full-of-heart read for both kids and adults.
April 18, 2019
This is a nice, uplifting book about a town called New Hope, and its sad history. Penny and Parker Porter might be newcomers to the town but they tried so hard to make the town prove to the world that it is more than just a sad place that's not even existed on the map. And they heartwarming effort to make the town (and its people) better, is the core of this book. It's warm, nice and beautiful. Even though the ending is just a bit too pushy - I still recommend this book for any middle grade story lovers.
January 25, 2024
Probably a 3.5 star read for me because my daughter recommended it and I love when she connects with me on this level! As for the book itself, I felt as if there were disconnects in the plot, or perhaps plot points that could have been more fully fleshed out. Yet, overall I love Penny’s determination and her ability to find inspiration from great inventors, explorers, and leaders. I felt a bit of TJ Klune in this book with the orphanage and magic children, though his mastery of the word and the idea itself is not matched here.
June 28, 2017
Lisa Ann Scott, author of SCHOOL OF CHARM, has charmed this reader once again in BACK ON THE MAP with quirky, unforgettable characters. Mixed-race twins Penny and Parker display unique talents and gifts that will make any reader identify with what it means to be different. Orphaned, Penny travels on a personal journey to discover who she is and where she belongs. BACK ON THE MAP is a heart-warning tale of loss and making your own place in the world.
October 8, 2017
With their mother gone, twins Penny and Parker are desperate to stay together. Penny sets her sights on a perfect place, New Hope, North Carolina. There is a problem as New Hope is not on the state map. Penny imagines that she is related to famous people in history, since she really doesn't know her family. This is a sweet heart-warming story that is suitable for both children and adults. I received a copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways for a review.
April 2, 2020
Since this was a kid's book, i thought the "fantasy" and "magic" in this book refers to the imagination the main characters have. Turns out, that WAS the intention the author was gooing to go with. I don't hate it, but it takes me off pretty much from the imaginaton readers were suppose to have, and being put into a 'fantasy-like' universe because of this said "powers" some of the kids seems to have, it was not explored and only used for the sake of plot convinience.
Aside from that, I just didn't like how the author handle the main characters's character, it's just a dissapointing outckme because i went on hating tje main characters, no matter how they describe themselves, it just didn't appear to me that way.
Aside from that, I just didn't like how the author handle the main characters's character, it's just a dissapointing outckme because i went on hating tje main characters, no matter how they describe themselves, it just didn't appear to me that way.
July 19, 2017
children's fiction (marked by the publisher for ages 8-12; that's about right). 2 orphaned kids (dead mom, absent mystery dad) move to a small, depressed NC town to stay with their Grauntie and try to put down roots (because they don't have any other willing relatives to take them in). This was just OK for me, not an outstanding story but nothing really wrong with it either.
September 21, 2017
A wonderful book full of charming and unforgettable characters. I won this book through Goodreads.
February 23, 2022
love this book! like how the story going and really easy to read. very heartwarming along the journey.
December 20, 2021
will leave ur heart warm, ur smile spread, and ur imagination inspired really! Life starts all over again for twins Penny and Parker when school is over and they fear they are going to be shipped off again. They will do anything and everything to stay in the town they HOPE to call HOME.
I think this book is wonderful with the creative aspects and the historical touches, one's brain is filled with so much wonder. As a reader i can see art,and social studies of this.
I think this book is wonderful with the creative aspects and the historical touches, one's brain is filled with so much wonder. As a reader i can see art,and social studies of this.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews