Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Ever wonder how important text features are?  As I start this new book, I have read too many books to blow past the author's note and first few pages only to be confused and find myself going back and rereading.  SO this time when I saw a map on the first page before the book began I decided to take the time and look it over.  Right away, I activated my schema and predicted that the setting of this book is not going to be anywhere on the earth as I know it, or a place I know anything about. My prediction that this takes place in a different world and possible time period seems to be support by the information on the map. The names and places seem to be made up and while the landforms look a bit like it could be in Europe the key on the map labels the regions as the Seven Kingdoms.  Knowing this helps my brain prepare for what is to come.  I was told about this book by a student last year and it has been on my stack to read.  I am excited to read it and hope I like it as much as I did Found.