Lost Kites and Other Treasures

by Cathy Carr (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Cathy Carr's Lost Kites and Other Treasures is a moving and heartfelt middle-grade novel about mental illness, the transformative power of art, and the ever-changing complications and joys of family life.

"Sincere and funny . . . leaves readers with a sense of hope." -Sara Zarr, author of A Song Called Home

"Will be treasured by readers everywhere." -Megan E. Freeman, award-winning author of Alone

Twelve-year-old Franny Petroski never lets anyone know how often she thinks of the charismatic, troubled mom who left her years ago--any more than she talks about the unaccountable things Mom did while she was still in the picture. Life with Nana is safe and secure, and Franny's innovative art projects fill in any lonesome times.

But when Nana has an accident and Franny's estranged uncle comes home to help out for a while, some long-guarded family secrets come to light. Franny has to use all of her courage, as well as all of her creativity, to come to terms with the discoveries she makes about her mother--and herself.

Select format:
Hardcover
$18.99

Kirkus Reviews

Unusual and gratifying.

School Library Journal

[T]he approach to mental health and family trauma makes it an important addition to any shelf.

Review quotes

In a voice both sincere and funny, Carr paints a layered portrait of the relationship between Franny and Nana as they navigate challenges big and small. The effects of mental illness and family secrets are gently but realistically portrayed, and leave readers with a sense of hope that the messy, frayed parts of life have a use that just might transform us.— Sara Zarr, author of A Song Called Home
Cathy Carr
Cathy Carr grew up in Wisconsin. A former copy editor, library clerk, and technical writer, she now lives in New Jersey with her family and writes fiction. Her first novel, 365 Days to Alaska, was called "a wonderful debut novel about compassion, belonging, and finding your way home" by Lynne Kelly.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781419767999
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Amulet Books
Publication date
February 20, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV013060 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Parents
JUV003000 - Juvenile Fiction | Art & Architecture
JUV039240 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Depression & Mental Illness
Library of Congress categories
Art
Family problems
Secrets
JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Parents
Mental illness
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Depression

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