Lost Kites and Other Treasures: A Novel

(Hardback)

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Description

Twelve-year-old Franny Petroski never lets anyone know how often she thinks of the charismatic, troubled mom who left her years agoany 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 Frannys innovative art projects fill in any lonesome times. But when Nana has an accident and Frannys 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 motherand herself.

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 beautifulmaybe 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 Treasures will 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 make readers think and feel deeplyand 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 welland 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 *
Frannys 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 *

Author Bio

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 Streets Best Childrens Books of the Year. Carr now lives in the New Jersey suburbs with her family and a semi-feral cat named Barnaby.