June knows the city maps are wrong. They leave out the shortcut behind the bodega, the sticky library side door, and the corner where the pigeons hold their afternoon meetings. So she draws her own, checking every line she walks and adding the details official maps forget.
When a blank appears on her map where a solid brick wall should be, June and her six-year-old brother Otto go to look. The wall opens into a street that wasn’t there a moment ago—an alley of warm lights, strange markets, and rules written on paper plates: Take one true thing home. Leave one true thing behind.
To find their way back before dark, they must stay together, decide what is worth keeping, and learn that curiosity is allowed—disappearing is not.
A gentle fantasy adventure for readers ages 8 to 12 about maps, siblings, and the things that matter more than any street you might find.
For Parents:
This story gently encourages curiosity while reinforcing the importance of staying together, communicating with trusted adults, and making thoughtful choices. Young readers will connect with June’s careful observation and Otto’s willingness to notice what others miss. The adventure supports themes of sibling teamwork, problem-solving, and the idea that people matter more than discoveries—making it a thoughtful choice for ages 8 to 12 who enjoy maps, mysteries, and stories about finding their way home.
