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    Cathy Carr’s Lost Kites and Other Treasures is strong MG novel

    0
    By Jessica on February 6, 2024 ages 8 & up, mental health, Middle Grade

    LOST KITES AND OTHER TREASURES, by Cathy Carr, Amulet Books, Feb. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 8-12)

    A girl turns to art when the world gets overwhelming in Lost Kites and Other Treasures, a middle-grade novel by Cathy Carr.

    Twelve-year-old Franny Petroski never lets anyone know how often she thinks of the charismatic, troubled mom who left her years ago—any more than she talks about the unaccountable things Mom did while she was still in the picture. Life with Nana is safe and secure, and Franny’s innovative art projects fill in any lonesome times.

    But when Nana has an accident and Franny’s estranged uncle comes home to help out for a while, some long-guarded family secrets come to light. Franny has to use all of her courage, as well as all of her creativity, to come to terms with the discoveries she makes about her mother—and herself. —Synopsis provided by Amulet Books

    Lost Kites and Other Treasures refers to the found objects Franny uses for her art projects. It also stands as a metaphor for her situation.

    Franny deals with a lot of anxiety and when she learns her AWOL mom has bipolar disorder, she wonders if she’s got it too. There’s a lot going on in Franny’s life, and there are a lot of unknowns. But even though things are hard, Franny’s got a spunky strength that really talks to readers.

    As the book progresses, Franny — as well as Nana and Uncle Gabe — undergo real growth. They learn to communicate and their own value within their family.

    Author Cathy Carr doesn’t shy from addressing mental illness, and the need to discuss difficult topics out in the open. Her use of art as an outlet for healing is a highlight, and I wish that she had utilized it more throughout.

    Lost Kites and Other Treasures is a heartwarming middle-grade novel that teaches empathy.

     

    Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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    Jessica
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    Jessica Harrison is the reviewer behind Cracking the Cover. She loves books and worked as the in-house book critic at a daily newspaper, writing reviews and interviewing authors for two years. When the company cut back, she lost her position covering books, but that doesn't mean she stopped reading. If anything, the whole experience made her more passionate about reading and giving people the tools to make informed decisions in their own book choices. She has been featured on NetGalley's Blogger Spotlight and is on Kindleprenuer's Ultimate List of the Best Book Review Blogs. Contact her at jessica(at)crackingthecover(dot)com and follow Cracking the Cover on Bluesky, Instagram,  Facebook and Twitter (X) @crackingthecovr. You can also read scaled down reviews on Jessica's Goodreads review page. Jessica is also a reviewer on Amazon.

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