Lost Kites and Other Treasures: A Novel

by Cathy Carr

Overview

Cathy Carr’s Lost Kites and Other Treasures is a moving and heartfelt middle-grade novel about mental illness, the transformative power of art, and the ever-changing complications and joys of family life.

"Sincere and funny . . . leaves readers with a sense of hope." –Sara Zarr, author of A Song Called Home

"Will be treasured by readers everywhere." –Megan E. Freeman, award-winning author of Alone

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419767999
Publisher:	Amulet Books
Publication date:	02/06/2024
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	379,713
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.00(h) x 1.05(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Cathy Carr was born in western Nebraska and grew up in Wisconsin. Since high school, she has lived in four different US states, plus overseas, and worked a variety of jobs, from burger flipping to technical writing. Wherever she goes, her observations of the natural world give her inspiration. Her first book, 365 Days to Alaska, was called “a wonderful debut novel about compassion, belonging, and finding your way home” by Lynne Kelly, author of Song for a Whale. 365 Days to Alaska was a Junior Library Guild selection and chosen for Bank Street’s Best Children’s Books of the Year. Carr now lives in the New Jersey suburbs with her family and a semi-feral cat named Barnaby.

Editorial Reviews

In a voice both sincere and funny, Carr paints a layered portrait of the relationship between Franny and Nana as they navigate challenges big and small. The effects of mental illness and family secrets are gently but realistically portrayed, and leave readers with a sense of hope that the messy, frayed parts of life have a use that just might transform us.”—Sara Zarr, author of A Song Called Home

“Tenderly explores the pain of family secrets, and the ways that opening up to the truth also opens us up to a new world of love, compassion, and acceptance."—Kate Albus, award-winning author of A Place to Hang the Moon

"Realistic and hopeful, Franny's story is a reminder that creativity can transform even the darkest situation into something brilliant and beautiful––maybe even something that can fly."—Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo, author of Ruby in the Sky

"Cathy Carr has done it again in this finely wrought story about the frustrations of figuring out who we are and the power of art to anchor us in the world. Lost Kites and Other Treasureswill be treasured by readers everywhere."—Megan E. Freeman, award-winning author of Alone

"A nuanced, intricate story about family and friendship. Creative and fearless Franny Petroski will steal your heart!"—Sandy Stark-McGinnis, author of Extraordinary Birds and The Space Between Lost and Found

“A poignant, compassionate story about art, family, and mental illness that will makereaders think and feel deeply—and laugh quite a bit, too.”—Laurie Morrison, author of Up for Air and Coming Up Short

“Mental illness can affect families across generations in ways that often go unspoken. In Lost Kites and Other Treasures, Cathy Carr writes family dynamics so well—and she does it with warmth, compassion, and a healthy dose of humor."—Chad Lucas, author of Thanks a Lot, Universe

"Tender. Heartfelt. Hilarious. Touching. What a magnificent story."—Ben Gartner, author of One Giant Leap and The Eye of Ra trilogy

"Carr sensitively explores mental illness, incarceration, and families in crisis, and she portrays her characters as flawed but caring. Unusual and gratifying."—Kirkus

"Franny’s first-person narration shines in this approachable story about the ripple effects of mental health challenges within a family. [R]ealism is still found in personality clashes, drifting friendships, and unmet expectations."—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"[T]he approach to mental health and family trauma makes it an important addition to any shelf.​"

—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

"Franny’s first-person narration shines in this approachable story about the ripple effects of mental health challenges within a family. [R]ealism is still found in personality clashes, drifting friendships, and unmet expectations."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Cathy Carr has done it again in this finely wrought story about the frustrations of figuring out who we are and the power of art to anchor us in the world. Lost Kites and Other Treasures will be treasured by readers everywhere."

award-winning author of Alone Megan E. Freeman

"Tender. Heartfelt. Hilarious. Touching. What a magnificent story."

author of One Giant Leap and The Eye of Ra trilogy Ben Gartner

Tenderly explores the pain of family secrets, and the ways that opening up to the truth also opens us up to a new world of love, compassion, and acceptance."

award-winning author of A Place to Hang the Moon Kate Albus

"A nuanced, intricate story about family and friendship. Creative and fearless Franny Petroski will steal your heart!"

author of Extraordinary Birds and The Space Betwee Sandy Stark-McGinnis

A poignant, compassionate story about art, family, and mental illness that will make readers think and feel deeply—and laugh quite a bit, too.

author of Up for Air and Coming Up Short Laurie Morrison

Mental illness can affect families across generations in ways that often go unspoken. In Lost Kites and Other Treasures, Cathy Carr writes family dynamics so well—and she does it with warmth, compassion, and a healthy dose of humor."

Chad Lucas

"Realistic and hopeful, Franny's story is a reminder that creativity can transform even the darkest situation into something brilliant and beautiful––maybe even something that can fly."

author of Ruby in the Sky Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo

In a voice both sincere and funny, Carr paints a layered portrait of the relationship between Franny and Nana as they navigate challenges big and small. The effects of mental illness and family secrets are gently but realistically portrayed, and leave readers with a sense of hope that the messy, frayed parts of life have a use that just might transform us.

author of A Song Called Home Sara Zarr

02/01/2024

Gr 3–7—Twelve-year-old Franny Petroski lives with Nana in an apartment in New Jersey and enjoys creating art and spending time with her friends. But when Nana falls and breaks her leg, Franny's life drastically changes. Her estranged Uncle Gabe comes to help, and she starts to learn more about herself, family, and mother's mental illness and incarceration. She learns that by sharing her feelings and fears, she can find ways to deal with the pain of loss and strengthen family bonds. Franny finds power in art and talking about her past as she forges new relationships with Nana and her uncle. She also learns that being true to herself and her past may mean changes in friendships. Carr's first-person narrative features a well-developed character in Franny; readers will root for her from the beginning. Franny displays the complex emotions of a preteen dealing with complex issues. Carr's thoughtful and nuanced representation of a family dealing with bipolar disorder and incarceration gives voice to readers who have similar issues. VERDICT At times this book seems to have too many things going on, but the approach to mental health and family trauma makes it an important addition to any shelf.—Rebekah J. Buchanan

School Library Journal

2023-12-06
Writing down her concerns and creating art with found objects are things that help calm Franny—and lately, she has big worries.

Years ago, Franny Petroski’s mom, Mia, left her to be cared for by her maternal grandmother. But now Nana has broken her leg and can’t get around without assistance. Twelve-year-old Franny could use some help—or even emotional support—from her best friends, but Lucy Bernal’s family is moving back to London, and Ruben Yao is busy befriending school loudmouth Tate. Enter Uncle Gabe, Mia’s estranged brother, who moves in for a few weeks to help. While he’s there, he starts telling Franny about Mia and raises the subject of her mom’s mental health, an issue Franny hadn’t heard much about before. This sparks some discomfort, a disagreement with Ruben, and difficult conversations with family members. Carr sensitively explores mental illness, incarceration, and families in crisis, and she portrays her characters as flawed but caring. As Franny works through it all, she discovers that she no longer needs to list her worries. The creative process of working on a lost, damaged kite she finds—covering it with pieces of fabric that represent family and friends—helps her express and resolve her complicated feelings. It’s a rocky ride, but everyone, especially Franny, emerges stronger and with their spirits lifted. Franny and her family are white; Ruben is Filipino American.

Unusual and gratifying. (Why You Should Be an Artist) (Fiction. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews