The Lost & Found
An imaginative and unconventional YA novel that “crackles with wit, humor, and enormous love” (Booklist, starred review).
Frannie and Louis met online when they were both little and have been pen pals ever since. They have never met face-to-face, and they don’t know each other’s real names.
All they know is that they both have a mysterious tendency to lose things. Well, not lose them really. Things just seem to mysteriously disappear.
When they each receive surprising news in the mail, they set off on a road trip to Austin, Texas, looking for answers—and each other. Along the way, each one begins to find, as if by magic, important things the other has lost.
And by the time they finally meet in person, they realize that the things you lose might be things you weren’t meant to have at all, and that you never know what—or who—you might find if you just take a chance.
Praise for The Lost & Found
From School Library Journal
Gr 7-10-Louis and Frannie, two teens who meet in an online support group for trauma survivors, have an odd tendency to lose things-in the trunk of a car, off their desks when their backs are turned, and in other bewildering ways. Though they only know each other through the web-they don't even use their real names-they each receive a package in the mail that has them taking off on a road trip to Texas to find each other. This is a beautiful exploration of loss in many forms and the emotional toll it can take on those who are affected. Quirky, endearing, and believable characters propel a narrative that pulls readers in with every mile of the road trip. The unusual aspect of disappearing objects plays wonderfully into the story, and, rather than being a distraction, it serves as a driving force that expands the deeper themes. Strong and multilayered characterization adds complexity and authenticity to the storytelling. There is a subtle examination of the healing benefits of therapy, and readers will come away with the knowledge that people are much more than they appear. VERDICT An emotional journey that's well worth the ride.-Elizabeth Speer, Weatherford College, Weatherford, TXα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. --This text refers to the hardcover edition.
“Crackles with wit, humor, and enormous love. Savvy readers will know the real “lost and found” refers to the fascinating characters in this riveting tale, who, after enough loss, struggle to find themselves and make each other whole.” (Booklist (starred review))
“A rich, romantic story about two thoughtful teenagers on a quest for meaning.” (Publishers Weekly)
“A beautiful exploration of loss….Quirky, endearing, and believable characters propel a narrative that pulls readers in with every mile of the road trip. An emotional journey that’s well worth the ride.” (School Library Journal)
“Characters readers can believe in and care about.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“A journey worth taking...Fans of Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell and Let’s Get Lost by Adi Alsaid will enjoy The Lost & Found.” (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA))
“THE LOST AND FOUND has so many of the things I love―friendship, romance, roadtrips, lots of breakfast sandwiches, and even a little bit of magic. Leno balances humor and sadness beautifully and the relationships all feel warm and true.” (Michelle Falkoff, author of Playlist for the Dead)
“The characters and the road trip alone are a winning combination. The premise is where the magic happens.” (Adi Alsaid, author of Let's Get Lost and Never Always Sometimes)