Review | The Shape of Lost Things

Summary: The Shape of Lost Things

When Skye’s brother who’s been missing for the past couple of years returns, Skye isn’t convinced that the boy in their home is Finn. He can’t seem to remember memories they shared when they were younger or the special sibling code words they made up. So Skye decides to investigate for herself and the results are both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

The Good

I LOVED this book and flew through this story! I loved Finn and Skye’s sibling relationship and the warm blended family dynamics at home. Both kids share a warm sibling bond that is tested by Finn’s disappearance and the changes in him when he returns. This book also tackles an underrepresented topic, which is parental kidnapping and I love the way the author explores it.

The writing is often introspective as we’re in Skye’s head a lot, sorting through her memories with Finn and what went wrong with their family. However, the story is seriously propelled by a compelling mystery and no middle grade author does an unreliable narrator like Everett. I also just enjoyed the characters in this story, from Finn to their stepfather Roger, and Skye’s friend and maybe-crush, Nico.

I would recommend this one for older middle grade readers in grades 7 and up because I think it might be harder for not-as-strong readers to love the introspective tone. Adults will love this one though, not because it’s “important” but because it’s truly a well done story with lots of insights better appreciated by older readers.

Content Notes

Here are some specifics to know about the content.

Content Warnings

• Death: None on the page
• Alcohol/substance abuse: None
• Sexual content: None
• Violence: None
• Religious content: None
• Language: None

Diversity

• Ethnic: Skye and Finn’s therapist is Asian, Skye’s family is Black
• Sexual orientation: One of the girls seems interested in another girl, draws a painting for her, nothing overt.

Recommended for ages: 11+

Good for kids who like:

• Emotional stories
• Books about sibling relationships
• Mystery books
• Books by Sarah Everett

Publisher Details

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