The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass

The New York Times bestselling authors of Bob, Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, introduce readers to 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).

Hardcover, 215 page

Published August 29, 2023 

by Feiwel Friends

4.5/5 stars

Way back in 2010 when I began my quest to read John Newbery Medal Winners I discovered author Rebecca Stead for the first time, When You Reach Me was the winner for that year. Needless to say the cover of this book called out to be read and continue my desire to read bookish books.

The Lost Library is told from a couple different POVs.  It's after a LFL appears in the small town of Martinville that the different players are introduced. There is the cat who guards said library.  There Al, the ghost librarian and then it's Evan’s visit that sets things in motion with the books he takes.

This was a heart warming story, with a touch of the supernatural it’s a story of family, secrets, guilt and closure. A fun read with unique characters and nice small town vibes.

I’m glad I did this impulse purchase and will definitely look out for more books by this duo.

This book was part of my 2023 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge