About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the complex social landscape of middle school and needs to understand the weight of their words and observations. Alton Barnes is a boy who communicates through maps, but his secret collection of social maps (mapping things like teacher grumpiness or classmate popularity) gets him into trouble when it falls into the wrong hands. It is an ideal choice for the child who is highly observant but may not yet grasp how their private perceptions can impact others' feelings. Through Alton's journey, the story explores themes of privacy, the ethics of observation, and the importance of making a sincere apology. It provides a safe space to discuss the difference between being a curious scientist and an intrusive peer, making it a perfect bridge for discussing digital and physical boundaries in the sixth-grade years.
