Staff Pick
From the Newbery award-winning author comes the first book in a mystery trilogy starring a unique, problem-solving detective. Mister Max is an exciting, funny, touching story with characters that draw you in and leave you awaiting the next installment. Recommended By Richard C., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Newbery medalist Cynthia Voigt presents a rollicking mystery in three acts!
Max's parents are missing. They are actors, and thus unpredictable, but sailing away, leaving Max with only a cryptic note, is unusual even for them. Did they intend to leave him behind? Have they been kidnapped?
Until he can figure it out, Max feels it's safer to keep a low profile. Hiding out is no problem for a child of the theater. Max has played many roles, he can be whoever he needs to be to blend in. But finding a job is tricky, no matter what costume he dons.
Ironically, it turns out Max has a talent for finding things. He finds a runaway child, a stray dog, a missing heirloom, a lost love....So is he a finder? A detective? No, it's more. Max finds a way to solve people's problems — he engineers better outcomes for them. He becomes Mister Max, Solutioneer.
Now if only he could find a solution to his own problems...
Review
"The charm, the quirkiness, the quiet originality of The Book of Lost Things are immensely appealing to those of us who love the classic possibilities and styles of children's literature." New York Times Book Review
Review
"Max displays good sense, a sensitive nature, and winning ingenuity...[a] comedic page-turner." School Library Journal
Review
"A perfect read-aloud, the story will appeal to fans of fantasy, adventure, mystery, and humor." The Christian Science Monitor
About the Author
Cynthia Voigt is the acclaimed author of many books, including Dicey's Song,winner of the Newbery Medal, and A Solitary Blue, winner of a Newbery Honor, and Homecoming. For the body of her work, Cynthia Voigt was honored with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Outstanding Literature for Young Adults. She lives with her husband in Maine.