FINDING LOST, by Holly Goldberg Sloan, Rocky Pond Books, Oct. 7, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (Ages 8-12)
Finding a stray dog sets off a series of events that change a girl’s life in Finding Lost, a contemporary middle-grade novel by Holly Goldberg Sloan.
Cordy Jenkins is searching for something that will change her life, and for the safety that vanished when her father died. She is convinced that if she just tries hard enough, she will find part of what her family lost, and that it will stop her mom from wanting to leave the small town she and her little brother have always called home. What Cordy finds is a muddy, hungry little dog with bad breath. And he’s the start of her family’s new beginning. —Synopsis provided by Rocky Pond Books
Finding Lost is a quiet novel with little sparks of magic sprinkled throughout.
The story unfolds from Cordy’s point of view. When her father died in a boat accident, everything in Cordy’s life changed — her home, her mom, a new fear of water, a constant feel of loss. Cordy’s tone often turns slightly introspective, helping readers understand how she works through each new event in her life — big or small.
Cordy is a strong main character that enjoy getting to know. She’s surrounded by equally strong supporting characters who are well developed, particularly her mom and brother. In fact, her relationship with her younger brother, Geno, is a high-point. It’s positive and loving and feels authentic. I also appreciated how Cordy’s mom gives Cordy the space she needs in big and small moments.
Author Holly Goldberg Sloan is known for her novels about family and friendship, and Finding Lost is no different. Her writing is warm and inviting, and her approach to working through grief and change and moving forward is gentle and welcoming. Themes of hope, healing and new beginnings are present throughout. It’s a heartfelt read.
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