The Lost Library
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023 · Est. 5 hour read

The Lost Library

By Rebecca Stead, Wendy Mass

A boy uncovers a town's secret through a mysterious library guarded by a cat.

5.0/7 Bookroo expert·4.1/5 Goodreads · 15,013 ratings
215 pages· 36,033 words· Est. 5 hour read
$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In Martinville, a mysterious library and its feline guardian appear overnight. Eleven-year-old Evan, with his friend Rafe, discovers a hidden link between an old book and a long-buried town secret. As they delve deeper, the boys' questions threaten to reshape their futures and the town's past. Narrated by Evan, a ghostly librarian, and a wise cat, this tale explores truth, choice, and the transformative power of books. What secrets will they uncover, and how will it change everything they know?

From the publisher

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).

At a glance
Format
Pages
215
Words
36,033
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
640L
Themes & topics
Books about catsBooks about books and readingBooks about small townsBooks about mysteries and adventuresBooks about libraries
What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.0

out of 7

5.0

Fun, easy feel good story from Stead. Fairly simple storyline compared to some of her work, but still clever and enjoyable.

The Goodfather

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from Rebecca Stead

Explore Rebecca's bookshelf
The List of Things That Will Not Change
Sale price
$1699

The List of Things That Will Not Change

Ages 10–13 · 2020

Anything

Ages 4–8 · 2025

Bob

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Goodbye Stranger

Ages 8–10 · 2015
The author

More from Wendy Mass

Explore Wendy's bookshelf

A Mango-Shaped Space

Ages 10–13 · 2005
The Candymakers
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1099

The Candymakers

Ages 9–12 · 2010
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1399

Lo & Behold

Ages 10–14 · 2023

11 Birthdays

Ages 8–12 · 2009
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

The Time of Green Magic

Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Ages 8–13

Mr. Gedrick and Me

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Misfits

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Ban This Book

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Gone-Away Lake

Ages 8–12 · 1957

Wait Till Helen Comes

Ages 9–12 · 1986

Moon Shadow

Ages 9–13 · 2018
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
4.3
F&P level
~P
AR points
5
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
519662
Publication
Published
August 29, 2023
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781250838810

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Top contributors: Literary Leslie

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo