Mister Max - The Book of Lost Things by Cynthia Voigt

Max Starling's theatrical father likes to say that at twelve a boy is independent. He also likes to boast (about his acting skills, his wife's acting skills, a fortune only his family knows is metaphorical), but more than anything he likes to have adventures. Max Starling's equally theatrical mother is not a boaster but she enjoys a good adventure as much as her husband. When these two disappear, what can sort-of-theatrical Max and his not-at-all theatrical grandmother do? They have to wait to find out something, anything, and to worry, and, in Max's case, to figure out how to earn a living at the same time as he maintains his independence.

This is the first of three books, all featuring the mysterious Mister Max.

Hardcover, 1st ed, 374 pages

Published September 10th 2013 by Alfred A. Knopf 

***1/2

 I used to read kids books all the time, that is when my boys were little.  Now every once in a while I will pick one up.  This book was offered by Netgalley and I grabbed it. 

The thing that got me started on middle grade books was reading to the kids.  I used to always buy them a book for birthdays and Christmas.  Now I have the fun job of doing that with the grand kids.  Joseph is my 9 year old and with him in mind I read this book.

There is alot about this book that I really enjoyed. It did start off a little slow but it wasn't long before it picked up speed.  I really like Max, he is kind of a quirky boy, adventurous and  smart.  There is a whole array of characters here that breathe life to this story.  As the title refers, this is the book of lost things and Mister Max is the finder of things lost.  His used props from his parents theater cupboards and was very entertaining.

Definitely a book that would make for reading aloud to those of middle grade age (even older).  This is the first book in the series.