Lily and the Lost Boy [Paperback]

Paula Fox (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1989

Newbery Medalist

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When their New England family summers on an exotic Grecian island, Lily and her brother share many exciting discoveries. According to PW , Newbery Medalist Fox has written this compelling novel in an "understated, graceful style." Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7 Another thought-provoking gem from Fox. Eleven-year-old Lily Corey, her parents, and her older brother are spending three months on the Greek island of Thasos while Mr. Corey finishes a book. Lily has been floweringenjoying her friendships with the islanders, her personal study of Greek mythology and archaeology, and her recent closeness with Paul (in their New England home town setting they were ``normal'' antagonistic siblings). But Lily's summer idyll ends when Paul becomes friendly with another American boy, Jack Hemmings. Jack is mysterious, erratic, defensive, self-destructive, and unloved. Lily resents his influence over Paul and the way in which he disrupts the even, satisfying flow of her lazy summer days. And yet Lily comes closer to an understanding of Jack than anyone, by sharing a catharthis in the young boy's life. Due to Jack's irresponsibility, the Corey's stay on the island ends with a tragedy that brings the family closer to their unsophisticated Greek friends even as it marks the beginning of a permanent separation. Lily and Paul leave their innocence on Thasos and take away a new awareness of human fragility and dignity. Fox has created a sensitive portrait of three young adolescents who achieve varying degrees of self-knowledge during their stay in an alien but hospitable culture. The story is very low keyed, with lengthy descriptions that capture the atmosphere of the Greek island but that also slow down the pace of the story. Simply written, with strong characterizations and overtones of Greek tragedy, Lily and the Lost Boy is an excellent choice for readers who share Lily's own budding characteristics: thoughtfulness, integrity, sensitivity, and courage. A beautifully written story for thoughtful readers. Tess McKellen, Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Yearling (October 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440402352
• ISBN-13: 978-0440402350
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,885,897 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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