Speaking from the perspective of an older sibling, this book gripped my heart. I felt along with True as she desperately tries to bring her little brother's spirits up when their mother is unable to come back home due to the border closing from the virus. She puts his feelings before her own and is only able process her emotions through anger and drawing her map. This is the first book I have read set in the pandemic. It talks about friendship through the screen, the boredom of being stuck inside, and ultimately, teaches us to appreciate what we have and learn when to ask for help.

Building maps is a wonderful way to introduce children to worldbuilding and wanderlust. I loved the tidbits that teach us how to make a map with your own quirk in it.

TRUSTING TRUE NORTH by GINA LINKO is a fascinating children’s story that shows the effects of the pandemic and lockdown on a family, and particularly on True North Vincent, who feels responsible for everyone, feeling abandoned by her mother and older sister Rosie, while she looks after her little brother Georgie. She is overwhelmed by her feelings and worries. She does not take discipline well and is always getting into trouble from Grandma Jo.
Her mother is a cartographer and True makes a couple of treasure maps to entertain Georgie.
Then, when she is in quarantine in the basement, she talks to her mother about her latest unfinished map, which is really the map of her life.
It is a great read as we follow True’s adventures and the people she meets.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Shadow Mountain Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.