Lost Boy

Gr 7 Up–On the way home from a trip in the Wyoming wilderness, a boy named Jack finds himself alone when a deadly accident leaves his father dead. Martin’s survival story pits Jack up against the bitter cold, hungry wolves, and isolation; he has to rely on his intelligence and will to survive, but he discovers that “becoming a man” (his father’s goal for their trip) is about more than brawn. Jack’s sensitivity and empathy play a major part in keeping himself and his young charge—an orphaned fawn—safe and alive. Cool pinks, blues, and grays set the freezing scene. Martin’s skill with facial expressions, particularly the characters’ eyes, beautifully communicate visceral emotion. Moments like Jack’s reaction to his father’s demise are devastating yet gentle; a moment where quiet sets in among the unmitigated chaos of the situation.