Lost and Found (Cici's Journal #2)

Gr 4-7--Chamblain picks up the story of aspiring writer Cici, who was introduced in Cici's Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-in-Training. Each chapter contains a quiet and thoughtful story wrapped around a mystery; as each mystery is solved, the characters grow a little more. Cici, her friends, and her mother untangle the story of a young bookbinder's missing memories and a riddle hidden in an old mansion. Children need not have read the first installment to enjoy this one, but those who have will appreciate how much Cici evolves. In this volume, Cici has learned to be a better friend and daughter, and she finds that working with others rather than hiding the truth from them will help her solve mysteries and also lessen some of her anxiety. The format, a mix of journal and scrapbook, combined with Neyret's ethereal and luminous artwork, will draw in even the most reluctant readers. Cici and her family are white. VERDICT The tales of this intrepid middle schooler will inspire readers who love graphic novels, mysteries, heartfelt stories, and characters who pull at the heartstrings.--Andrea Lipinski, New York P.L., New York City