The land holds the truth ... the maps will reveal it. Sal, Joe, Francie and Humphrey Santander are mapmakers looking for their father, a famous explorer who disappeared on his last expedition. Their search takes them to Cruxcia, where the people are fighting to protect their land from the all-powerful Grania Trading Company. The Santanders' mapping skills may be the missing piece in the Cruxcian race to save the ancient valley-and the key to reuniting their family.

Sal, Joe, Francie and Humphrey misplace their mother as they begin the Great Race to map a rail route through an uncharted wilderness. Their money is gone and their father didn’t come back from his last adventure. This race is their last chance.

They have twenty-eight days to find and map the best route through the mountains. There are bears, bees, bats, river crossings, cliff falls, impossible weather—but worst of all, they’re racing four teams of adults who aren’t playing by the rules.

“A scrumptious adventure with danger, pathos, a hilarious mix of villains and a crucial deadline.” Barbara Else

“What a great story! I gobbled it straight up” Children’s Bookshop Wgtn

Black-and-white illustrations and maps throughout by Kirsten Slade