MapHead: The Return - Hardcover

Howarth, Lesley

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0763603449 ISBN 13: 9780763603441

Publisher: Candlewick, 1997

Synopsis

Out on his own for the first time, MapHead, a boy from a parallel dimension called the Subtle World, makes friends with Jack Stamp, but in doing so he crosses a boundary that should not be crossed, in the funny, intriguing, and moving sequel to MapHead.

About this title

Reviews

Grade 5-9?The unique and delightful hero of MapHead (Candlewick, 1994) returns. This boy from a parallel universe has substantial powers over the physical world and the minds of people. At the age of 13, his father sends him out on his own to find and complete a task worthy of his amazing abilities. MapHead returns to Rubytown, which he visited in the first novel, and moves in with a new family. Using his mental powers, he copies his own memories into the mind of Jack Stamp, a youngster about his own age. He watches over Jack's baby sister, magically convinces Jack's mother that he's an old friend, and tries to be part of the family. But although unintended, the naive MapHead nearly tears them apart by interfering with their minds. The narrative shifts effortlessly between the serious dilemma of MapHead's misuse of power and the amusing, sometimes hilarious mistakes the strange boy makes. He swiftly rearranges Mrs. Stamp's kitchen to her dismay and confusion and causes panic by taking a seven-minute rest on the bottom of a swimming pool. He remains endearingly dignified and well intentioned, despite the humorous situations he falls into. His deep concern for the humans he comes to love and his burning need to find his own place in the world are truly touching. Refreshingly original, this sequel can stand on its own, though appreciative readers will want to read both titles.?Steven Engelfried, West Linn Public Library, OR
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The half-human hero of MapHead (1994, not reviewed) returns in this moving but convoluted sequel. MapHead--so named because of his ability to depict geographical maps on his bald head by altering his pigmentation at will--finds himself alone in the world for the next seven years. Only then, after learning how to control his superhuman talents (telepathy, teleportation) will he be reunited with his father, Powers. But when MapHead befriends young Jack Stamp and forms a psychic link with him, the connection inadvertently pushes Jack into trouble: Soon, he's cutting school and getting beaten up. While MapHead's powers are sufficient to trick Jack's bewildered parents into believing the bald, elfin, unworldly-looking child is just another schoolboy, they aren't enough to rescue his friend. Several serpentine plot twists later, Jack realizes the error of his ways, saves his baby sister's life, and makes up with his parents, while MapHead gains a more mature understanding of his effect on human affairs. Although Howarth's main character is a likable grotesque, her plotting is not as confident as it usually is. Nevertheless, fans who don't find the Briticisms a stumbling block will be glad MapHead is back for a new adventure. (Fiction. 12-15) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Edition details

• Publisher: Candlewick
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0763603449
• ISBN 13: 9780763603441
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Suchit Stu
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240