Summer of Lost and Found

Gr 5–8—Nell Dare is devastated when she has to spend the summer in Roanoke, NC, studying plants with her botanist mom. To make matters worse, Nell's dad doesn't come along and Nell isn't sure why. Things look brighter when she meets Ambrose, a young historical reenactor at Festival Park. The pair set off to solve the historical mystery of the lost colony of Roanoke before Lila, the know-it-all local girl, beats them to it. Interwoven into the narrative are the diary entries of an unnamed English settler living in the first Roanoke colony. The title and cover suggest a light middle grade novel, but Behrens's deft writing gives the book substance. The historical mystery aspect is similar to the author's When Audrey Met Alice's blend of historical and realistic fiction, and it works to propel the plot forward in a rousing way. The action culminates in a thrilling scene where two characters try to escape a hurricane as they search for artifacts from the original colony. The narrative includes historically accurate information and extensive back matter. The author's note explains how colonists wrongfully attacked and murdered Native Americans living in the area. The characters are multifaceted. Nell struggles in ways that will be identifiable to middle grade readers, including navigating changing friendships and family dynamics. There is also a paranormal element.