The Lost Boy’s Gift by Kimberly Willis Holt offers hope to youngsters struggling to find their place when family situations change. Will Daniel find what he needs to meet the challenges before him?
From the Cover
Nine-year-old Daniel must move across the country with his mom after his parents’ divorce. He’s leaving behind his whole life―everything―and he’s taking a suitcase of anger with him. But Daniel is in for a surprise when he settles into While-a-Way Lane and meets his new neighbours. These neighbours are Lemonade Girl, the hopscotching mailman, the tiny creatures, and especially Tilda Butter. Tilda knows how to look and listen closely, and it’s that gift that helps Daniel find his way in that curious placed called While-a-Way Lane.
What you Get
Daniel is an interesting young man, such a mix up in emotions and thoughts as you would expect of a boy his age. Topping off the mix is a mom working long hours and an absentee Dad. You can feel the angst produced in this lad.
But While-a-Way Lane…. it’s got a call upon this young lad, what might he learn? What treasures await? Well that.. I can’t tell you. 🙂
I can tell that you the Daniel is a well-developed character as is Tilda Butter. Humour appears in the form of other characters, not quite as well developed, but adding unique elements to the story line.
Moderate length chapters move the story forward at good speed, some surprises await, and situations arise that should delight young readers.
My Thoughts
Recommend? It’s hard to say as my thoughts are mixed. I know that my lad wouldn’t have been interested, but my lad is from a solid two-parent home and is very sure of himself. For children that are struggling to see their good when their family situations run amuck, The Lost Boy’s Gift, might be just the book they need to read.
It’s a book that offers hope to youngsters, helping them to see how to make connections, and how to see their own unique abilities.
The Lost Boy’s Gift
Kimberley Willis Holt
Christy Ottaviano Books
Trade Paperback, 224 pages, 8-11 years
Chapter book, Fiction,
Separation, Intergenerational Friendship, Divorce,
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.
Each book has its place, doesn’t it? Not one I would pick up but something that others might need.
yes, that is what I thought. it needs the right reader.