Small Fry Pick of the Week: Sara Lost and Found

Sara Lost and Found by Virginia Castleman

Ages 8-12

Sara and Anna Olson have spent a lot of time alone.  Their mom left them years ago.  The last thing she said was to look after each other.  Then she vanished.

Their dad plays drums in a band and he's out late, coming home drunkif he comes home at all.  But he says family always stick together.

Sara's ten and Anna's twelve, but Sara's the one in charge.  She takes care of her sister because Anna has trouble taking care of herself.  They were in foster care once and got separated, and after that Anna hasn't been quite right.  But it's okay.  Sara can handle things.  For example, she knows that if you eat a piece of paper towel you can trick you stomach into thinking it's full.  And she knows that a knock on the door in the middle of the night is never a good thing.

So one night, when that knock comes, Sara and Anna take off running.  But how can Sara keep her promise to her mom when it's getting harder and harder to look after Anna?  And if Sara does get a chance at a home, what will happen to her sister?  This is a wrenching but ultimately hopeful novel about promises, sisters, and what it means to be family.


Click on the title to place it on hold at the Ventress Memorial Library!