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The Lost Library: A Kid-Friendly Mystery

by Rebecca Stead Publisher: SQUARE FISH

Bestseller Critically Recognized

A small-town mystery tucked inside a little free library

Regular price $11.94 USD
Regular price $19.90 USD Sale price $11.94 USD
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Paperback New English

Format

Print BookAvailable Hardcover $18.12 USD$30.21 USD
Print BookCurrently viewing Paperback $11.94 USD$19.90 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Bestseller

    #1 Indie Bestseller

    The supplied metadata describes this book as a #1 Indie Bestseller.

  • Editorial selection

    TODAY Show Kids' Read Pick

    Selected as a TODAY Show Kids' Read Pick.

  • Critical praise

    Praise from Jeff Kinney

    Jeff Kinney praises the book as a celebration of storytelling and librarians.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A small-town mystery tucked inside a little free library

In Martinville, an overnight free library guarded by an orange cat leads eleven-year-old Evan and his friend Rafe to two old books—and a connection to a past event the adults avoid discussing. The mystery unfolds through three narrators: Evan, a ghost librarian named Al, and Mortimer, an aging cat. That rotating perspective links the town’s unanswered questions with the books and people at the library. The story also explores personal choices and owning the truth, with librarians and the influence of books woven into its central mystery.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 9–12 interested in mysteries set in a small town.
  • Readers who enjoy stories involving cats, libraries, and old books.
  • Young readers drawn to mysteries told from multiple perspectives.

Themes

Books and librariesFriendshipTruth and personal choicesCatsCommunity history

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

PERFECT FOR SUMMER READING!

The New York Times and #1 Indie Bestseller, -- readers won't want to miss this story of a little free library guarded by a cat, and a boy who takes on the mystery it keeps.

A TODAY SHOW Kids' Read Pick! * The Amazon #1 Best Book for Kids * "A celebration of the power of a good story and librarians." --Jeff Kinney, bestselling author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

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).

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Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.