Monday, January 6, 2025

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

The Little Free Library that appears on the town green intrigues eleven-year-old, Evan. He takes two books from it on his first visit. Both books turn up surprises and mystery for him, especially after his father's odd reaction when Even showed him one of them. Curiosity has Evan and his best friend, Rafe, on the case. One thing they notice is that all the books in the Little Free Library are old library books, and they all have the same date stamped inside them. This gets them learning about the history of their town and events that happened in it years ago. They both learn more about their town and its occupants than they would have ever expected. Where did the library come from? Why is Evan's dad so weird about the book that was found? What is the significance of the date in the books? Will Evan and Rafe be able to get all the pieces to fall into place? You will have to read this suspenseful and magical tale to find out. 

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass is told from the viewpoints of Evan, Al (a ghostly librarian), and Mortimer (a cat). I really like the way the story had parts of the story coming from characters with different information. The characters lives were intertwined, and it was interesting to watch the mystery unfold. Evan and Rafe were great characters who acted realistically, and I liked the way they went about solving the cases together. It was really amazing how books helped to bring people together. Yay for Little Free Libraries! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, books, and ghosts. It was a page turner! I have read books by these authors before, and I look forward to reading more by both of them in the future.

Has anyone else read The Lost Library? Or have you read another book by Rebecca Stead or Wendy Mass? We would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.
 

Posted by DMS at 5:00:00 AM

28 comments:

  1. Valinora TroyJanuary 6, 2025 at 11:28 AM

    I haven't read anything by these authors but The Lost Library sounds great - mysteries, books and ghosts are a wonderful combination! I must add to my TBR - thanks so much for the recommendation!

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 6:39 PM

      Valinora- It is a great book! Loved the way everything was woven in and intertwined. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

      Delete
  2. BrendaJanuary 6, 2025 at 11:48 AM

    Oh, yea I too enjoyed reading this book. Here's a link to my review/thoughts. https://logcabinlibrary.blogspot.com/2023/08/its-marvelous-middle-grade-monday-with.html

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 6:47 PM

      Brenda- Thanks for posting your link. I went and checked out your review. Loved it! So glad you enjoyed this one as much as I did. I love your description of the characters and plot. :)

      Delete
  3. Elephant's ChildJanuary 6, 2025 at 12:03 PM

    Bookie lust ignited. Yet again. Thank you.

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  4. Natalie AguirreJanuary 6, 2025 at 12:18 PM

    I'm a huge fan of Rebecca Stead but haven't read this one. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. And thanks for reminding me I need to read it too.

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 6:52 PM

      Natalie- I hope you enjoy this one too. She has such a way of creating mood and tone in a book. A winner for me! :)

      Delete
  5. Alex J. CavanaughJanuary 6, 2025 at 1:09 PM

    Clever twist. Wonder what the date means?

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 7:02 PM

      Alex- I love the twist! And it was great learning about the significance of the date too! :)

      Delete
  6. L. Diane WolfeJanuary 6, 2025 at 2:35 PM

    That sounds so charming!

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  7. Greg PattridgeJanuary 6, 2025 at 3:54 PM

    I really enjoyed this one. The story progressed at a perfect pace and the main character was memorable. Thanks for featuring your review on this week's MMGM.

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 7:10 PM

      Greg- As always, thanks for posting/hosting MMGM. I agree- the pacing was perfect and the characters memorable. Thanks for visiting. :)

      Delete
  8. Kasey GiardJanuary 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM

    Both Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass are authors whose books I really want to read. Clearly I need to pick up this one and introduce myself to both in one story. :) Thanks!

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 7:13 PM

      Kasey- Definitely! It's a win win for you. Hope you get to pick it up soon.

      Delete
  9. Lux G.January 9, 2025 at 1:51 AM

    A ghostly librarian and a cat? Now, that's just intriguing. I’m a big fan of mysteries and books about books, so this sounds like a perfect read for me. I’m adding it to my list! Thanks for the great review.

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 7:42 PM

      Lux- If you like a good mystery and books about books then you must pick up The Lost Library. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! :)

      Delete
  10. Mary KirklandJanuary 9, 2025 at 11:14 AM

    I haven't read it but it sounds good.

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 7:21 PM

      Mary- It really is a great read! Perfect for anyone who enjoys books. :)

      Delete
  11. Rosi HollinbeckJanuary 9, 2025 at 4:34 PM

    This sounds like a lot of fun. I'll try to check it out. Thanks for the review.

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 7:22 PM

      Rosi- I think you will really enjoy it! :)

      Delete
  12. Carol BaldwinJanuary 9, 2025 at 5:37 PM

    Such a great premise! I wish I had thought of it!

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 7:28 PM

      Carol- It is a great read and I loved the way everything tied together. :)

      Delete
  13. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2025 at 6:14 PM

    It does sound a good read.

    Hoping 2025 has started well for you.

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 7:29 PM

      Jan- It really is a good read! Hope your 2025 is starting off well too. :)

      Delete
  14. Hilary Melton-ButcherJanuary 23, 2025 at 11:10 AM

    Hi L - this sounds like a fun read ... I love stories about libraries, imagination, cats and kids ... thanks for the introduction - cheers Hilary

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    1. DMSJanuary 27, 2025 at 7:32 PM

      Hilary- You will love this book if you get a chance to read it. :) The way everything is woven together is just perfect.

      Delete

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