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The Lost Library
A little free library guarded by a cat and a boy who takes on the mystery it keeps.
When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.
Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.
Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It's about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).
When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.
Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.
Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It's about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).
215 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2023
About the author
Rebecca Stead
19 books2,258 followersRebecca Stead is the New York Times bestselling author of When You Reach Me, Liar & Spy, First Light, Goodbye Stranger, Bob, and, most recently, The List of Things That Will Not Change. Her books have been awarded the Newbery Medal, the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for Fiction and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.
Rebecca lives in New York City, where she is always on the lookout for her next story idea.
Rebecca lives in New York City, where she is always on the lookout for her next story idea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,504 reviews
June 21, 2023
Evan is finishing his last year of elementary school and is finding it hard to be excited about the upcoming change to middle school. He and his friend Rafe find a new and mysterious Little Free Library in their town, and soon Evan discovers a mystery – there seems to be several connections between the books and when he asks any grownups about it, no one wants to discuss it. Taking matters into his own hands, Evan does his best to solve the mystery of the books and the town’s old library.
This story is told from the POVs of Mortimer the cat, Evan the human boy, and Al the ghost. It started off a little oddly, with Al being an almost omniscient narrator and breaking the fourth wall. But that was sorted out near the beginning of the book, coming together in an understandable way as the story continues. I liked how the three POVs merged and the unique perspectives they offered on this tale, though the work did feel a little disjointed during its first portion.
There are several mysteries that make up this story. They were all predictable from the first portion of the book aside from one. I’m not sure if this would be the case for younger readers, but the clues/hints/foreshadowing were too obvious to keep these things from staying mysteries. Despite that, the characters and the story were well written. I loved the concept and how it centered around a Little Free Library (common throughout the U.S.), as well as the charming exploration of how a love of reading can unite people.
The audiobook has a different narrator for each POV, which made it a real treat to listen to. This story about guilt, holding onto the past, and community was well written and heartwarming, and would be lovely for younger and older readers alike. It feels like quite a unique read for a Middle Grade book, which I also liked. Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read this work, which will be published August 29, 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This story is told from the POVs of Mortimer the cat, Evan the human boy, and Al the ghost. It started off a little oddly, with Al being an almost omniscient narrator and breaking the fourth wall. But that was sorted out near the beginning of the book, coming together in an understandable way as the story continues. I liked how the three POVs merged and the unique perspectives they offered on this tale, though the work did feel a little disjointed during its first portion.
There are several mysteries that make up this story. They were all predictable from the first portion of the book aside from one. I’m not sure if this would be the case for younger readers, but the clues/hints/foreshadowing were too obvious to keep these things from staying mysteries. Despite that, the characters and the story were well written. I loved the concept and how it centered around a Little Free Library (common throughout the U.S.), as well as the charming exploration of how a love of reading can unite people.
The audiobook has a different narrator for each POV, which made it a real treat to listen to. This story about guilt, holding onto the past, and community was well written and heartwarming, and would be lovely for younger and older readers alike. It feels like quite a unique read for a Middle Grade book, which I also liked. Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read this work, which will be published August 29, 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 17, 2023
In a Nutshell: A cute little mystery for middle-graders. The library setting and the presence of a friendly book-loving cat adds to the fun.
Story Synopsis:
(If your interest level didn't jump up at least five notches on reading about Mortimer and Al, you are too old for this book. 😛)
I had loved Rebecca Stead’s ‘The List of Things That Will Not Change’, and was hoping for a similar experience with my second attempt at her work. Alas, this book didn’t really match up, though it has its charm.
Bookish Yays:
😍 A big yay to kids’ books with a brave protagonist and a goofy best friend who always supports them. Evan and Rafe have a great mutually dependent friendship that works marvellously for this story.
😍 It’s always fun to have an animal in a book, but when this animal speaks to us, the going is even jollier. Mortimer’s perspective was entertaining as well as endearing. One of the many things I liked about his pov was how different humans would call him by different names because only he knew his actual name. Makes you wonder if your pet also has a name that you don’t know about!
😍 I liked the ghosts (Yes, ghosts… plural!) in the book as they don’t fit into any typical ghost mould.
😍 Al, whose name has a lovely secret attached to it, is a sweet and complicated character. I found her pov the best, though kids might not feel the same. Her character was the only one to be properly layered in personality.
😍 Everything connected to books and libraries was a treat to read, and we get this mainly because of Al, whose passion for books overflows from her words, and Evan, who uses books as his guide to solving the mystery. There are also some beautiful quotes connected to the habit of reading. I also loved the use of the ‘Little Free Library’ in the plot. This is the first book I have read incorporating the free library, and I hope we have many more.
😍 The small-town setting is also used to the story’s advantage, with accurate portrayals of both support and judgement that go hand in hand with the location.
😍 There are quite a few worthy themes in this book such as nervousness about starting middle school, the outcome of having overprotective parents, the pain of an orphan missing their parents, the helplessness you feel when people don’t believe you, and the importance of libraries. These offer plenty of material for potential discussions.
Bookish Mixed Bags
😐 The start of the book was somewhat confusing, especially on audio. With three separate perspectives of a cat, a boy, and a ghost, and each talking about unrelated arcs, I couldn’t figure out how their tracks were interlinked. But soon the clues started popping up, and the story turned into a better reading experience, though not as great as I had expected.
Bookish Nays:
😟 Other than the three main characters and Rafe, we barely get to know anyone. There are quite a few interesting characters in the book, such as the librarian and Evan’s parents, so it would have been nice to get them more involved in the main proceedings.
😟 The adults seem to be keeping some big secrets, but most of these are quite easy to guess because of the abundant hints. There's only one exception, and a really good one at that. But I wish the book had made things more challenging for its readers. It’s aimed at middle-graders after all, not at a younger age group. As there are no red herrings at all, the main mystery also seems to get solved easily. While predictability is always a feature of children’s fiction, this one was a bit too straightforward.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 4 hrs 15 min, is narrated by Christopher Gebauer, Jennifer Blom, and Rob Dircks. I appreciate the decision to have a distinct narrator for each pov as this reduces the chance for confusion in kids' minds while listening. However, I didn't particularly enjoy the performance of the narrator voicing Evan. His voice didn't suit Evan's age or personality, and his voices for the other characters were distracting. The narrators voicing Mortimer and Al were really good.
All in all, this book takes some time to get going, but once it does, it should work for kids. This is not the kind of MG fiction that will click well for older MGs or even YAs/Adults readers because it is too simplistic.
Recommended only to the younger MG segment. Good for classroom discussions as well.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Lost Library”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
A mysterious little free library appears overnight in the small town of Martinville. Fifth-grader Evan is mystified, but he takes two books from its shelves. He soon realises that there's something odd about the two titles, and he ropes in his best friend Rafe to help him in his "investigation".
The two boys soon discover that the books are connected to an event that took place two decades ago, but no adult is willing to talk to them about it. What's everybody hiding?
The story comes to us in the third person perspectives of Evan and Mortimer the kind-hearted cat who monitors the little free library among other things, and in the first person perspective of Al the ghost librarian.
(If your interest level didn't jump up at least five notches on reading about Mortimer and Al, you are too old for this book. 😛)
I had loved Rebecca Stead’s ‘The List of Things That Will Not Change’, and was hoping for a similar experience with my second attempt at her work. Alas, this book didn’t really match up, though it has its charm.
Bookish Yays:
😍 A big yay to kids’ books with a brave protagonist and a goofy best friend who always supports them. Evan and Rafe have a great mutually dependent friendship that works marvellously for this story.
😍 It’s always fun to have an animal in a book, but when this animal speaks to us, the going is even jollier. Mortimer’s perspective was entertaining as well as endearing. One of the many things I liked about his pov was how different humans would call him by different names because only he knew his actual name. Makes you wonder if your pet also has a name that you don’t know about!
😍 I liked the ghosts (Yes, ghosts… plural!) in the book as they don’t fit into any typical ghost mould.
😍 Al, whose name has a lovely secret attached to it, is a sweet and complicated character. I found her pov the best, though kids might not feel the same. Her character was the only one to be properly layered in personality.
😍 Everything connected to books and libraries was a treat to read, and we get this mainly because of Al, whose passion for books overflows from her words, and Evan, who uses books as his guide to solving the mystery. There are also some beautiful quotes connected to the habit of reading. I also loved the use of the ‘Little Free Library’ in the plot. This is the first book I have read incorporating the free library, and I hope we have many more.
😍 The small-town setting is also used to the story’s advantage, with accurate portrayals of both support and judgement that go hand in hand with the location.
😍 There are quite a few worthy themes in this book such as nervousness about starting middle school, the outcome of having overprotective parents, the pain of an orphan missing their parents, the helplessness you feel when people don’t believe you, and the importance of libraries. These offer plenty of material for potential discussions.
Bookish Mixed Bags
😐 The start of the book was somewhat confusing, especially on audio. With three separate perspectives of a cat, a boy, and a ghost, and each talking about unrelated arcs, I couldn’t figure out how their tracks were interlinked. But soon the clues started popping up, and the story turned into a better reading experience, though not as great as I had expected.
Bookish Nays:
😟 Other than the three main characters and Rafe, we barely get to know anyone. There are quite a few interesting characters in the book, such as the librarian and Evan’s parents, so it would have been nice to get them more involved in the main proceedings.
😟 The adults seem to be keeping some big secrets, but most of these are quite easy to guess because of the abundant hints. There's only one exception, and a really good one at that. But I wish the book had made things more challenging for its readers. It’s aimed at middle-graders after all, not at a younger age group. As there are no red herrings at all, the main mystery also seems to get solved easily. While predictability is always a feature of children’s fiction, this one was a bit too straightforward.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 4 hrs 15 min, is narrated by Christopher Gebauer, Jennifer Blom, and Rob Dircks. I appreciate the decision to have a distinct narrator for each pov as this reduces the chance for confusion in kids' minds while listening. However, I didn't particularly enjoy the performance of the narrator voicing Evan. His voice didn't suit Evan's age or personality, and his voices for the other characters were distracting. The narrators voicing Mortimer and Al were really good.
All in all, this book takes some time to get going, but once it does, it should work for kids. This is not the kind of MG fiction that will click well for older MGs or even YAs/Adults readers because it is too simplistic.
Recommended only to the younger MG segment. Good for classroom discussions as well.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Lost Library”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
September 2, 2023
✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“Not every story needs words.”
And sometimes you need a story to remind you of what you have lost. Sometimes it's not only The Lost Library that you have to search for - but the memories and the life that you have lost - that you have given up on.
There are three individual points of views in Rebecca Stead's latest collaboration with fellow author Wendy Mass. Three different perspectives that capture the mystery that surrounds the mysterious and missing Martinville Public Library and what it truly means to find your place in life - that I was able to find a little bit of myself in each of the characters was a welcoming feeling. 🥹 The charm of this story was that each respective POV was presented with a distinctive and heart-felt touch that emphasized how each character was linked to the Lost Library.
As a cat person, I endeared to Mortimer greatly - even before I knew he was so very thoughtful and considerate to the mice of his garden. A cat after my own heart, his possessive paws over the books under his care, his soft plea of 'Do not break the books, Please do not hurt any books.' is the gentle lament of anyone who knows the true value of books and how special they are. 😿😿 Your heart will hurt for dear Mortimer - and the burden of longing that he has had to carry for so very long.😔
“All of life is a mystery, in a way. And that makes every single one of us a detective.”
Donning their sleuthing hats, Evan and his best friend, Rafe's adventures in tracking down and retracing the clues linking the past to the present provided the much needed levity to the story. While his story may have been the one with a rather predictable outcome, I enjoyed how we got to see his conflicting feelings about moving on from 5th grade to middle school - how it was reflected with such a gentle touch that he should not fear the unknown - that things have a way for working out - for the better. 🤍
“But how wonderful, Mr. Brock,” I said quietly, “to be able to read the books you love most, as if for the first time! I am quite jealous.”
But, perhaps the character that my heart gave out the most to was AL - AL - who was trapped in the recesses of the past - unwilling to move on from the tragedy that bound her to it's memory. 🥺 Those wistful moments of longing - that deep sense of connection of love for books - the appeal to give others a chance to know what it's like to have a good book in your hand - those little details that evoke that sentiment only a library can bring out in you. She has not been able to let go of what she has lost - those recollections are as painful, as the way she had to severe the ties of her past. 📖
When I finally connected, what AL actually stood for - before it's reveal - I teared up. When AL's situation was changing before her eyes - and she knew that this was the moment her life would change forever - I burst into tears. I kid you not - that moment - when she's hovering between the fabrics of life and the threads of the afterlife - I was a blubbering mess. 💔💔 It is the thought that a life has been wasted - out of shame or guilt or sadness of the loss of something that brought so much joy and happiness.
It was that overwhelming sweep of that impending climax - when all truths would be revealed and as a reader - you know - everything is about to change, now. Even if it is for the better - it still captured such an emotional visceral reaction from me, haha, you would not have liked to have seen my face at the time - it was not a pretty sight. 😭
“Being a Great Reader has nothing to with reading great sophisticated books, or reading great long books, or even with reading a great many books.
Being a Great Reader means feeling something about books.”
Perhaps why this resonated so much with me is that it was essentially about a library - how it brings lives together in the most unsuspecting of way.. If you've read my Goodreads bio - all I talk about is the library - it was my home away from home - my escape from everything and everyone. It was the love for a library - be it in any form, even if it's in a garden, shepherded by a cat - it is so much appreciation and gratitude for those who continue to love books and spread the love of books forever more. 📚 💖
To those who never felt more welcome than when they were in the library. For those who have sheltered a secret for so long and lost so much in the process. To those who are on the threshold of a new journey and don't want to get lost on the way till they have nothing holding them back. This is Middle Grade Magic that speaks to the book lover in all of us - no matter who you are or how old you are. ✨✨
And on a side note, this may be third Middle Grade book I have recently read that has included Mary Oliver's poetry. Well, third time's the charm that clearly indicates that I must read her poetry for myself very soon; for the ones always shared, are so beautifully written. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
“Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
- “The Summer Day,” by Mary Oliver
“Not every story needs words.”
And sometimes you need a story to remind you of what you have lost. Sometimes it's not only The Lost Library that you have to search for - but the memories and the life that you have lost - that you have given up on.
There are three individual points of views in Rebecca Stead's latest collaboration with fellow author Wendy Mass. Three different perspectives that capture the mystery that surrounds the mysterious and missing Martinville Public Library and what it truly means to find your place in life - that I was able to find a little bit of myself in each of the characters was a welcoming feeling. 🥹 The charm of this story was that each respective POV was presented with a distinctive and heart-felt touch that emphasized how each character was linked to the Lost Library.
As a cat person, I endeared to Mortimer greatly - even before I knew he was so very thoughtful and considerate to the mice of his garden. A cat after my own heart, his possessive paws over the books under his care, his soft plea of 'Do not break the books, Please do not hurt any books.' is the gentle lament of anyone who knows the true value of books and how special they are. 😿😿 Your heart will hurt for dear Mortimer - and the burden of longing that he has had to carry for so very long.😔
“All of life is a mystery, in a way. And that makes every single one of us a detective.”
Donning their sleuthing hats, Evan and his best friend, Rafe's adventures in tracking down and retracing the clues linking the past to the present provided the much needed levity to the story. While his story may have been the one with a rather predictable outcome, I enjoyed how we got to see his conflicting feelings about moving on from 5th grade to middle school - how it was reflected with such a gentle touch that he should not fear the unknown - that things have a way for working out - for the better. 🤍
“But how wonderful, Mr. Brock,” I said quietly, “to be able to read the books you love most, as if for the first time! I am quite jealous.”
But, perhaps the character that my heart gave out the most to was AL - AL - who was trapped in the recesses of the past - unwilling to move on from the tragedy that bound her to it's memory. 🥺 Those wistful moments of longing - that deep sense of connection of love for books - the appeal to give others a chance to know what it's like to have a good book in your hand - those little details that evoke that sentiment only a library can bring out in you. She has not been able to let go of what she has lost - those recollections are as painful, as the way she had to severe the ties of her past. 📖
When I finally connected, what AL actually stood for - before it's reveal - I teared up. When AL's situation was changing before her eyes - and she knew that this was the moment her life would change forever - I burst into tears. I kid you not - that moment - when she's hovering between the fabrics of life and the threads of the afterlife - I was a blubbering mess. 💔💔 It is the thought that a life has been wasted - out of shame or guilt or sadness of the loss of something that brought so much joy and happiness.
It was that overwhelming sweep of that impending climax - when all truths would be revealed and as a reader - you know - everything is about to change, now. Even if it is for the better - it still captured such an emotional visceral reaction from me, haha, you would not have liked to have seen my face at the time - it was not a pretty sight. 😭
“Being a Great Reader has nothing to with reading great sophisticated books, or reading great long books, or even with reading a great many books.
Being a Great Reader means feeling something about books.”
Perhaps why this resonated so much with me is that it was essentially about a library - how it brings lives together in the most unsuspecting of way.. If you've read my Goodreads bio - all I talk about is the library - it was my home away from home - my escape from everything and everyone. It was the love for a library - be it in any form, even if it's in a garden, shepherded by a cat - it is so much appreciation and gratitude for those who continue to love books and spread the love of books forever more. 📚 💖
To those who never felt more welcome than when they were in the library. For those who have sheltered a secret for so long and lost so much in the process. To those who are on the threshold of a new journey and don't want to get lost on the way till they have nothing holding them back. This is Middle Grade Magic that speaks to the book lover in all of us - no matter who you are or how old you are. ✨✨
And on a side note, this may be third Middle Grade book I have recently read that has included Mary Oliver's poetry. Well, third time's the charm that clearly indicates that I must read her poetry for myself very soon; for the ones always shared, are so beautifully written. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
“Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
- “The Summer Day,” by Mary Oliver
December 1, 2023
The History House in Martinville, which housed Al, Ms Scoggin and Mr Brock, along with Mortimer the ginger cat, and several mice, held the history of the town while in the basement was a cart with old library books on it. They had come from the Library, which had burnt down around twenty years ago, when people had died. When Al decided to turn the cart into a little free library, its unexpected appearance overnight was welcomed by the folks of Martinville.
Evan discovered the little free library on the way to school and immediately took two books. When he looked inside one of them, he was surprised and quite shocked at what he found. Was it a mystery that he could solve? Rafe, Evan's best friend, always helped him, and with the excitement of nearing the end of their last school year before heading into Middle school, and looking forward to their graduation in a few days, Evan's investigating had to wait awhile. But could he and Rafe discover what really happened all those years ago?
The Lost Library is an enchanting middle grade novel by Rebecca Stead which I really enjoyed. Narrated by Mortimer (the cat), Al and Evan, this powerful story is all about friendship, loss and love, and the meaning of a good book. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Text Publishing for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Evan discovered the little free library on the way to school and immediately took two books. When he looked inside one of them, he was surprised and quite shocked at what he found. Was it a mystery that he could solve? Rafe, Evan's best friend, always helped him, and with the excitement of nearing the end of their last school year before heading into Middle school, and looking forward to their graduation in a few days, Evan's investigating had to wait awhile. But could he and Rafe discover what really happened all those years ago?
The Lost Library is an enchanting middle grade novel by Rebecca Stead which I really enjoyed. Narrated by Mortimer (the cat), Al and Evan, this powerful story is all about friendship, loss and love, and the meaning of a good book. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Text Publishing for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2023
Cat Ginger by Kelli Brinegar
"No one else was near the strange book box, other than a large and beautiful orange cat, lying in the shade beneath it.
“What are you doing out here?” Evan asked. The cat tipped his face up to the sun and blinked sleepily."
After closing the book, I thought that I might write a bit of further adventures that happened with the main characters, because some images were already forming and taking their shapes in my head. But the more I thought about it, the more I realised those were fleeting moments that have never settled into a story of its own. So I'm just leaving some of my thoughts on this quite an interesting book that has a tendency to continue its adventures after the last page was finished and the book found its honorable place on the bookshelves :)
December 22, 2023
I was attracted to the story because one of its “characters” was a Little Free Library.
And…
Since I have one, I was interested to see how the story would play out.
Although not perfect, it was cute.
Because…
Who can’t resist a cat who is attached to his books, or a child who loves to read?
This is a story for young readers. It is about a Little Free Library guarded by Mortimer, a cat, with a strong interest from a boy named Evan. It is also a story about books and a town without a library. A librarian named Al, Mortimer the cat, and Evan want more for their town…books being central to the message.
So…
What can they do to make it happen?
There is also a little mystery to be solved. (No spoilers from me.)
The story is…
Gentle. Humorous. Sweet. Cozy read-aloud.
Interest level: Ages 8-12+
September 23, 2024
Simon and I have chosen this title for our next read. It sounds like just what we are in the mood for!
Update: This was such a delightful listening experience! There were so many times when I reached for my pen to scribble down a phrase here and there, such as: "that's not an echo, that's your heart beating," or "polaroids look like the world's worst selfie."
The beginning of the story includes the creation of a little free library. I loved that Mortimer the cat followed the books, and I warmed to 5th grader Evan right away. I followed avidly as Evan worked to unravel the mystery of what had actually happened to the original library.
Along the way.... I loved the concept of "the Book Club Rug" where you can share your reading experiences without judgment. I also loved the idea of "building rooms in your mind" with each book you read, until you have a full house.
Another phrase I scribbled down: "even the refrigerator seemed to hold its breath."
Update: This was such a delightful listening experience! There were so many times when I reached for my pen to scribble down a phrase here and there, such as: "that's not an echo, that's your heart beating," or "polaroids look like the world's worst selfie."
The beginning of the story includes the creation of a little free library. I loved that Mortimer the cat followed the books, and I warmed to 5th grader Evan right away. I followed avidly as Evan worked to unravel the mystery of what had actually happened to the original library.
Along the way.... I loved the concept of "the Book Club Rug" where you can share your reading experiences without judgment. I also loved the idea of "building rooms in your mind" with each book you read, until you have a full house.
Another phrase I scribbled down: "even the refrigerator seemed to hold its breath."
September 16, 2023
This was so beautiful and sweet and a little sad. A total love letter to libraries and reading and my heart is full. I physically hugged the book when I finished it.
July 4, 2023
Name of Book: The Lost Library
Author: Rebecca Snead and Wendy Mass
Narrators; Christophen Gebauer, Jennifer Blom, and Rob Direks
Genre: Middle School Fiction, Mystery
Publisher: Macmillan Audio/ Macmillan Young Listeners
Pub Date: August 29, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars!
Pages: 320
This is my third Rebecca Snead. I read and loved Goodbye Stranger my comment after reading that story was " I love Love Loved it! " I was excited to share it with my middles school granddaughter. As a Guidance Counselor I like to read Middle School stories as it is such fun to recommend a great read to students!
This story is told from the POVs of Mortimer the six toed cat, Evan the human boy, and Al the ghost of the assistant Librarian at the Martinsville’s Library.
BTW: The three narrators did a fab job in performing their character.
.
Evan is eleven years old and has just finished his last year of elementary school but isn’t looking forward to going to middle school. However one morning he wakes up and finds a new little free library that seems to have just appeared overnight in his little town and is guarded by a large orange cat).
Little Free Libraries” are very popular here in the US and perhaps other countries as well, ~
take a book and leave a book~
Here is the link if you want to start your own https://littlefreelibrary.org/ ! .
Evan is excited and picks two books. He opened his books and saw that they both had a Library check-out card ~ actually all the books have a library check-out card and were returned on November 5, 1999 the same day the Martinsville Library burnt down. Hmm
Evan asks his father why the Library was never rebuilt and he as well as everyone else seems to avoid answering that answering. Hmmm!
I am a mystery fan~ the book how to write a Mystery novel was great. I of course, know the Protagonist and I am aware of the Antagonist but didn’t know that is what he/she is called.
I just love books and found heartwarming story totally enjoyable.
Story incorporated the power of libraries via some fantasy.
I loved all the characters including the mice!
Name of Book: The Lost Library
Author: Rebecca Snead and Wendy Mass
Narrators; Christophen Gebauer, Jennifer Blom, and Rob Direks
Genre: Middle School Fiction, Mystery
Publisher: Macmillan Audio/ Macmillan Young Listeners
Pub Date: August 29, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars!
Pages: 320
This is my third Rebecca Snead. I read and loved [book: Goodbye Stranger} my comments with that books was that I love Love Loved it! I was excited to share it with my middles school granddaughter.
As a Guidance Counselor I like to read Middle School stories as it is such fun to recommend a great story to students!
This story is told from the POVs of Mortimer the six toed cat, Evan the human boy, and Al the ghost of the assistant Librarian at the Martinsville’s Library.
BTW: The three narrators did a fab job in performing their character.
.
Evan is eleven years old and has just finished his last year of elementary school but isn’t looking forward to going to middle school. However one morning he wakes up and finds a new little free library that seems to have just appeared overnight in his little town and is guarded by a large orange cat).
Little Free Libraries” are very popular here in the US and perhaps other countries as well, ~ take a book and leave a book~ Here is the link if you want to start your own https://littlefreelibrary.org/ !
Evan is excited and picks two books. He opened his books and saw that they both had a Library check-out card ~ actually all the books have a library check-out card and were returned on November 5, 1999 the same day the Martinsville Library burnt down. Hmm
Evan asks his father why the Library was never rebuilt and he as well as everyone else seems to avoid answering that answering. Hmmm!
I am a mystery fan~ the book how to write a Mystery novel was great. I of course, know the Protagonist and I am aware of the Antagonist but didn’t know that is what he/she is called.
I just love books and found heartwarming story totally enjoyable. 😊
Story incorporated the power of libraries via some fantasy.
I loved all the characters including the mice!
Additionally love the cover!📕🤗🥰
Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners Books for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Day scheduled for August 29, 2023.
Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners Books for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Day scheduled for August 29, 2023.
Author: Rebecca Snead and Wendy Mass
Narrators; Christophen Gebauer, Jennifer Blom, and Rob Direks
Genre: Middle School Fiction, Mystery
Publisher: Macmillan Audio/ Macmillan Young Listeners
Pub Date: August 29, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars!
Pages: 320
This is my third Rebecca Snead. I read and loved Goodbye Stranger my comment after reading that story was " I love Love Loved it! " I was excited to share it with my middles school granddaughter. As a Guidance Counselor I like to read Middle School stories as it is such fun to recommend a great read to students!
This story is told from the POVs of Mortimer the six toed cat, Evan the human boy, and Al the ghost of the assistant Librarian at the Martinsville’s Library.
BTW: The three narrators did a fab job in performing their character.
.
Evan is eleven years old and has just finished his last year of elementary school but isn’t looking forward to going to middle school. However one morning he wakes up and finds a new little free library that seems to have just appeared overnight in his little town and is guarded by a large orange cat).
Little Free Libraries” are very popular here in the US and perhaps other countries as well, ~
take a book and leave a book~
Here is the link if you want to start your own https://littlefreelibrary.org/ ! .
Evan is excited and picks two books. He opened his books and saw that they both had a Library check-out card ~ actually all the books have a library check-out card and were returned on November 5, 1999 the same day the Martinsville Library burnt down. Hmm
Evan asks his father why the Library was never rebuilt and he as well as everyone else seems to avoid answering that answering. Hmmm!
I am a mystery fan~ the book how to write a Mystery novel was great. I of course, know the Protagonist and I am aware of the Antagonist but didn’t know that is what he/she is called.
I just love books and found heartwarming story totally enjoyable.
Story incorporated the power of libraries via some fantasy.
I loved all the characters including the mice!
Name of Book: The Lost Library
Author: Rebecca Snead and Wendy Mass
Narrators; Christophen Gebauer, Jennifer Blom, and Rob Direks
Genre: Middle School Fiction, Mystery
Publisher: Macmillan Audio/ Macmillan Young Listeners
Pub Date: August 29, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars!
Pages: 320
This is my third Rebecca Snead. I read and loved [book: Goodbye Stranger} my comments with that books was that I love Love Loved it! I was excited to share it with my middles school granddaughter.
As a Guidance Counselor I like to read Middle School stories as it is such fun to recommend a great story to students!
This story is told from the POVs of Mortimer the six toed cat, Evan the human boy, and Al the ghost of the assistant Librarian at the Martinsville’s Library.
BTW: The three narrators did a fab job in performing their character.
.
Evan is eleven years old and has just finished his last year of elementary school but isn’t looking forward to going to middle school. However one morning he wakes up and finds a new little free library that seems to have just appeared overnight in his little town and is guarded by a large orange cat).
Little Free Libraries” are very popular here in the US and perhaps other countries as well, ~ take a book and leave a book~ Here is the link if you want to start your own https://littlefreelibrary.org/ !
Evan is excited and picks two books. He opened his books and saw that they both had a Library check-out card ~ actually all the books have a library check-out card and were returned on November 5, 1999 the same day the Martinsville Library burnt down. Hmm
Evan asks his father why the Library was never rebuilt and he as well as everyone else seems to avoid answering that answering. Hmmm!
I am a mystery fan~ the book how to write a Mystery novel was great. I of course, know the Protagonist and I am aware of the Antagonist but didn’t know that is what he/she is called.
I just love books and found heartwarming story totally enjoyable. 😊
Story incorporated the power of libraries via some fantasy.
I loved all the characters including the mice!
Additionally love the cover!📕🤗🥰
Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners Books for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Day scheduled for August 29, 2023.
Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners Books for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Day scheduled for August 29, 2023.
January 2, 2024
— 3.5✮
when evan got two books from a mysterious little free library guarded by an orange cat in the small town of martinville, that's going to put him on an unexpected journey.
this book is such a feel good read that was definitely needed to kick of the year, i really adore mortimer the orange cat he's so precious HE LOVES BOOKS HE GETS SAD WHEN THE BOOKS OUT IN COLD SO HE DECIDED TO STAY THERE WITH THEM BRB CRYING
11 year old evan is so adorable, again he loves books +1 point, he's journaling +1 point. how he and his best friend rafe started their "investigation" and how wholesome their friendship are, it just really work well with the story.
it's kind of confusing at first but as the story went on it got better also the twists are too easy to guess for me and that's the disappointing part because i want more depth as the story progresses but it's still a good read i had a fun.
“𝘽𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨, 𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨, 𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨. 𝘽𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨.”
when evan got two books from a mysterious little free library guarded by an orange cat in the small town of martinville, that's going to put him on an unexpected journey.
“𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮, 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚.”
this book is such a feel good read that was definitely needed to kick of the year, i really adore mortimer the orange cat he's so precious HE LOVES BOOKS HE GETS SAD WHEN THE BOOKS OUT IN COLD SO HE DECIDED TO STAY THERE WITH THEM BRB CRYING
11 year old evan is so adorable, again he loves books +1 point, he's journaling +1 point. how he and his best friend rafe started their "investigation" and how wholesome their friendship are, it just really work well with the story.
it's kind of confusing at first but as the story went on it got better also the twists are too easy to guess for me and that's the disappointing part because i want more depth as the story progresses but it's still a good read i had a fun.
“𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙪𝙥𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚. 𝙒𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙪𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙪𝙥 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮, 𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙗 𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙗𝙮𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙨 𝙪𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙡, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨.”
September 26, 2023
Sat down and pretty much read this in one sitting (with an hour break to get some work done).
I'm not usually a fan of ghosty things, but this worked really well--the coziest of cozy mysteries that while set in spring, feels crazy autumnal. Maybe it's the orange cat, the bookish everything, the ghosts, and the fire on November 5 (well-chosen date there!)
There's a delightful twist that I should have figured out the moment the first clue to its coming appeared but I didn't until about halfway through the book. It's an intelligent book for children and one I'll recommend to my bestekids!
But more than all that, this is a book about family and community. The kids aren't all perfect, but they also aren't just horrible little selfish beasts like so many authors seem to love to write (pointing the finger at myself there!). There's a boy with overprotective parents and the kid actually shows respect for them despite it all. Older kids aren't always lording it over younger kids. And yet, this isn't an unrealistic sanitized world that feels like a moral lesson turned heavy sermon. It's not like that at all. It isn't even idealized. Instead, we just have a great story with wonderful characters, and a whole lot of hope and love wrapped up in a "what really happened?" sort of mystery. Plus a wonderful cat.
I'm not usually a fan of ghosty things, but this worked really well--the coziest of cozy mysteries that while set in spring, feels crazy autumnal. Maybe it's the orange cat, the bookish everything, the ghosts, and the fire on November 5 (well-chosen date there!)
There's a delightful twist that I should have figured out the moment the first clue to its coming appeared but I didn't until about halfway through the book. It's an intelligent book for children and one I'll recommend to my bestekids!
But more than all that, this is a book about family and community. The kids aren't all perfect, but they also aren't just horrible little selfish beasts like so many authors seem to love to write (pointing the finger at myself there!). There's a boy with overprotective parents and the kid actually shows respect for them despite it all. Older kids aren't always lording it over younger kids. And yet, this isn't an unrealistic sanitized world that feels like a moral lesson turned heavy sermon. It's not like that at all. It isn't even idealized. Instead, we just have a great story with wonderful characters, and a whole lot of hope and love wrapped up in a "what really happened?" sort of mystery. Plus a wonderful cat.
January 28, 2024
4.5 STARS | A mystery so utterly sweet, I could hug it! My local library’s 2024 book pick is THE LOST LIBRARY and the authors are coming to my town this April to sign and discuss the book! With only 215 pages of suspense, cuteness, and a mystery plot twist I didn’t see coming, this book was the perfect quick read for this month! It has furry cats, ghost librarians, and a cast of characters that will have you falling hard on! A must read!
September 15, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
The Lost Library is a cute little book with a lot of heart. The story is told from three alternating perspectives: Mortimer, the displaced library cat; Evan, a 5th grader looking to solve a mystery; and Al, about whom little can be said without giving away some major (if fairly predictable) plot twists. Our story begins with the creation of a Little Free Library and is a love letter to books and the bonds they forge between readers. More specifically, this is an ode to the importance of libraries, and it is lovingly rendered.
I’m a big fan of middle grade novels, especially those that embrace a love of bookishness. This particular book skewed more on the younger end of middle grade, and thus I would recommend it more to 4th and 5th graders than I would to those nearing their teens. It came across as a bit simplistic, and I wish there had been a deeper dive into the meat of the story. That being said, I had fun in my time with it.
The Lost Library is a cute little book with a lot of heart. The story is told from three alternating perspectives: Mortimer, the displaced library cat; Evan, a 5th grader looking to solve a mystery; and Al, about whom little can be said without giving away some major (if fairly predictable) plot twists. Our story begins with the creation of a Little Free Library and is a love letter to books and the bonds they forge between readers. More specifically, this is an ode to the importance of libraries, and it is lovingly rendered.
I’m a big fan of middle grade novels, especially those that embrace a love of bookishness. This particular book skewed more on the younger end of middle grade, and thus I would recommend it more to 4th and 5th graders than I would to those nearing their teens. It came across as a bit simplistic, and I wish there had been a deeper dive into the meat of the story. That being said, I had fun in my time with it.
June 25, 2023
A cute middle grade mystery story about a fire, a librarian, a young boy, a special little free library, a cat and a couple mice. Tie them all together and this was a heartwarming story perfect for anyone who loves books and the power of libraries of all kinds to bring people together and spread joy. Good on audio too! Many thanks to NetGalley and Librofm for early audio copies in exchange for my honest review!
October 5, 2023
“There are other ways of sharing books, with very little conversation, or none at all”
Delightful.
Delightful.
April 3, 2024
Just so sweet and lovely 🥹
July 2, 2024
A very cute, non spooky mystery about libraries and the people who love them.
October 12, 2023
A story of friendship, grief, regret, secrets, writing, libraries, ghosts, cats, and cheese. Rebecca Stead has crafted another moving story where a young woman and a boy must deal with the secrets and fears within themselves and in the people around them, to confront a terrible secret in the past.
I loved that we got the cat's perspective.
I loved that we got the cat's perspective.
March 7, 2024
I'm not really a fan of ghost stories but I enjoyed this one because of the mystery, the twist I didn't see coming and I also enjoyed the characters. And who doesn't love a mystery around a little free library?
July 9, 2023
Evan is finishing his last year of elementary school and is dreading going to middle school. One day, he finds a Little Free Library with some old books in it, including one that leads to a mystery hat him and his best friend Rafe decide to investigate- the connections between the books and the towns old library that burned down many years ago. And no one seems to want to talk about what happened back then.
The story is told from multiple POV-Mortimer the cat who lives near the LFL, AL the ghost (and former assistant librarian of the old library thus the name) and Evan, who is our human. I loved how the throw POV merged together to tell the story and kind of told how the first LFL came to be.
There were several mysteries interconnected in the story and they were semi predictable, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment any. I was able to listen to this in one day and enjoy it immensely.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.
The story is told from multiple POV-Mortimer the cat who lives near the LFL, AL the ghost (and former assistant librarian of the old library thus the name) and Evan, who is our human. I loved how the throw POV merged together to tell the story and kind of told how the first LFL came to be.
There were several mysteries interconnected in the story and they were semi predictable, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment any. I was able to listen to this in one day and enjoy it immensely.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.
March 16, 2024
Books, ghosts, cute animals and a mystery: The Lost Library has it all! This heartwarming story celebrates the power of libraries in the best way! ♥️♥️
December 21, 2023
I’m partial to middle grade books and I adored this one!
January 5, 2024
When I’m reading, I’m constantly looking for a few things. One important thing is that the story feels satisfying for me. And how else better to do that than provide a great ending?
The Lost Library, a cozy village mystery, a book about books, and just how magical a library can be. How valuable it is. It’s about a fire that no one talks about, about Mortimer, Al, and Evan. And perhaps what Evan, a fifth grader from Matinville, was looking for, has been right beside him the whole time…
⭐⭐⭐️. 5 or 7/10
The Lost Library is pretty average for a book, to be honest. Not bad, and not spectacular either. However, the book’s greatest problem, perhaps, is that it’s slow paced. In the publishing world today, novellas are especially hard to get into readers’ hands. However, Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass have both published numerous bestselling books, and also collabed on a novella, Bob.
Although this book consists of two hundred plus pages, each page merely contains about two hundred forty words (hardcover edition), which is a small amount even for Middle Grade. Novellas like these tend to be fast paced, but the Lost Library is surely an exception. And, often it’s not a good thing! One way to turn this around, is to make the book character driven—the plot heavily influenced by the characters choices, while they struggle with their internal conflict. However, this book is neither fast-paced or character driven, causing the plot to seem bland in the first eighty percent, and hard to get into!
But, but! The tension building and mystery was great. And that ending! I would really gush about it if this isn’t a review. The ending makes the three stars surely greater, and made me stay up later than I’m supposed to to finish it.
Anyways, the tension building. There were clues splattered here and there, and although I kind of predicted the ending a bit more than halfway through, the way everything builds and suddenly clashes, halts, and comes out in beautiful ways… That was really awesome.
And the mystery! This book showed me that mysteries can be so much fun, and I’m definitely trying out more. Evan’s “adventure” is also full of fun little clues. And although it’s simple, this book created a mystery one of a kind. I’m not an expert, but I could really see how this mystery would take a lot of brainstorming.
I have high standards, and maybe I’m not the targeted age group? But however so, I think a middle grade reader, who is craving a cozy book, should no doubt try this! Also, try this if you love mysteries, a happy ending, multiple point of views, and a book that’s a bit heart-breaking and a bit not. But in the end, all is well. Everything is sealed. And your heart will be full.
I know, I know—that was pretty cringe! But truthfully speaking, that was some of the best endings I’ve ever seen. :)
The Lost Library, a cozy village mystery, a book about books, and just how magical a library can be. How valuable it is. It’s about a fire that no one talks about, about Mortimer, Al, and Evan. And perhaps what Evan, a fifth grader from Matinville, was looking for, has been right beside him the whole time…
⭐⭐⭐️. 5 or 7/10
The Lost Library is pretty average for a book, to be honest. Not bad, and not spectacular either. However, the book’s greatest problem, perhaps, is that it’s slow paced. In the publishing world today, novellas are especially hard to get into readers’ hands. However, Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass have both published numerous bestselling books, and also collabed on a novella, Bob.
Although this book consists of two hundred plus pages, each page merely contains about two hundred forty words (hardcover edition), which is a small amount even for Middle Grade. Novellas like these tend to be fast paced, but the Lost Library is surely an exception. And, often it’s not a good thing! One way to turn this around, is to make the book character driven—the plot heavily influenced by the characters choices, while they struggle with their internal conflict. However, this book is neither fast-paced or character driven, causing the plot to seem bland in the first eighty percent, and hard to get into!
But, but! The tension building and mystery was great. And that ending! I would really gush about it if this isn’t a review. The ending makes the three stars surely greater, and made me stay up later than I’m supposed to to finish it.
Anyways, the tension building. There were clues splattered here and there, and although I kind of predicted the ending a bit more than halfway through, the way everything builds and suddenly clashes, halts, and comes out in beautiful ways… That was really awesome.
And the mystery! This book showed me that mysteries can be so much fun, and I’m definitely trying out more. Evan’s “adventure” is also full of fun little clues. And although it’s simple, this book created a mystery one of a kind. I’m not an expert, but I could really see how this mystery would take a lot of brainstorming.
I have high standards, and maybe I’m not the targeted age group? But however so, I think a middle grade reader, who is craving a cozy book, should no doubt try this! Also, try this if you love mysteries, a happy ending, multiple point of views, and a book that’s a bit heart-breaking and a bit not. But in the end, all is well. Everything is sealed. And your heart will be full.
I know, I know—that was pretty cringe! But truthfully speaking, that was some of the best endings I’ve ever seen. :)
June 20, 2023
I tried but I just couldn't get into this. I listened to the whole audiobook waiting for it to grab me, but that never happened. It's a bummer because I was in the mood for a cute and cozy middle grade, but this didn't hit the spot for me. I don't think it was necessarily a bad book, but more so not a book for me.
Want to read
February 19, 2023im gonna cryyy i can't wait to read this! two of my favorite children's authors and a plot that sounds right up my alley about libraries and books!!
October 8, 2023
Told in turns by a ghost librarian, a cat who fancies himself the Guardian of the Books, and a young boy turned detective, this is the story of a library that was lost and how a new little (free) library ignited the spark that led to the solving of an old mystery.
Rebecca Stead is one of those authors who, in my world, can do no wrong. This book is further proof of that fact. So lovingly told, it’s a sweet and wonderful story (but one that is never in danger of becoming saccharine) with humor and pathos and a cool little mystery at its heart. And there’s a lot of heart here. One thousand percent recommended.
Rebecca Stead is one of those authors who, in my world, can do no wrong. This book is further proof of that fact. So lovingly told, it’s a sweet and wonderful story (but one that is never in danger of becoming saccharine) with humor and pathos and a cool little mystery at its heart. And there’s a lot of heart here. One thousand percent recommended.
October 7, 2023
I'm a big fan of Rebecca Stead, though I've not read anything by Wendy Mass (yet). This young adult novel turned into a cozy mystery was fun to read, and quick! I took three days just to savor the story :)
The cast are two last-year-of-elementary kids, ghosts, and an adorable protective cat. Oh, and books! This really is a love letter to libraries, big and little-free. It's a perfect autumn tale.
Just the other day I was reflecting on favorite authors, and then clicking to see if there was anything new. Despite following Ms. Stead on this site, I had no idea this book was released. Was really glad my local library had it in the new books section - where it will return tomorrow.
The cast are two last-year-of-elementary kids, ghosts, and an adorable protective cat. Oh, and books! This really is a love letter to libraries, big and little-free. It's a perfect autumn tale.
Just the other day I was reflecting on favorite authors, and then clicking to see if there was anything new. Despite following Ms. Stead on this site, I had no idea this book was released. Was really glad my local library had it in the new books section - where it will return tomorrow.
September 13, 2024
Cozy up with this fun middle-grade story filled with mystery and ghosties. Bonus: there’s a cat.
A mysterious little lending library shows up overnight in the small town of Martinville. 5th grader Evan takes two books that will lead him to start asking questions about the town’s (and his family’s) past.
Perfect read for the start of fall.🍁
A mysterious little lending library shows up overnight in the small town of Martinville. 5th grader Evan takes two books that will lead him to start asking questions about the town’s (and his family’s) past.
Perfect read for the start of fall.🍁
December 8, 2023
The Lost Library is a timeless story about a mysterious little free library in Martinville. The story follows eleven-year-old Evan and his friend Rafe as they discover a connection between old books and a long-gone event, exploring the power of good books and the importance owning one's truth. This middle-grade fiction was an enjoyable change of pace from my usual readings.
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February 27, 2024A mystery story with more than one mystery. Told from the points of views of Mortimer; a cat, Al; who once worked as an assistant librarian and Evan; a young boy who is finishing elementary school. A little free library appears, where did it come from? Who created it? Why were almost all of the books in it returned to the old public library on the same day in 1999? Who checked them out? Why was one signed out to H.G. Higgins, a famous and reclusive mystery author? Why is Mortimer always at the library? How does Al fit into this story? Will Evan find out the answer to any of these questions or will the answers lead to yet more mysteries?
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